Quirkiest Nebraska Attractions, Mapped

Say “Nebraska,” and people will think of fields and flat land. This erroneous picture of the state is just plain wrong. 

Nebraska boasts impressive bluffs, a robust agrotourism industry and some of the darkest skies in the country. From visiting record-breaking courthouses to seeing an unexpected imitation of Stonehenge, the Cornhusker state also has a wealth of weird and quirky things to do. 

Use this Nebraska attractions map to plan a unique trip to the 37th state.

Location: Alliance

Perhaps the most famous unusual landmark in Nebraska, Carhenge is exactly what its name suggests: a faithful replica of Stonehenge made entirely with discarded cars.

Beginning as an art project in 1987, the roadside attraction is the brainchild of Jim Reinders. Along with friends and family, he painted several cars — including an ambulance — grey and then placed each vehicle to imitate the mysterious English stones. 

If you really want to enjoy Carhenge at its best, imitate the good people of England and visit during one of the solstices.

Location: Monowi

This small town in northern Nebraska has become known around the country for being the smallest incorporated municipality in the U.S. How small are we talking? The population of Monowi is one. No, you didn’t read that wrong. 

Like so many other rural towns in the U.S., Monowi’s residents went to bigger cities searching for better (though definitely not greener) pastures. Only one faithful resident has remained, Elsie Eiler, who is the town’s mayor — an easy position to achieve since she votes for herself. She’s also the keeper of the Monowi Tavern, where she serves drinks, cooks food and attends to customers all on her own. 

Elsie’s bright personality and the tavern’s dirt-cheap prices bring groups of loyal customers from neighboring towns almost daily. Come for a drink, and see why this is irrefutably one of the best small towns in America.

Location: Ashland

Have you ever tried bull testicles? They’re tastier than they sound — trust us, we’ve had them. And in the small town of Ashland, they’re good enough to be celebrated. 

Because Nebraskans never miss an opportunity for humor, the Annual Testicle Festival happens on the Saturday before Father’s Day Weekend. The center of the celebration is Round the Bend Steakhouse, which has live music, good beer and even better beef “fries.”

But the highlight of the night is the one and only Ball Eating Contest, which you absolutely cannot miss. 

Location: Arthur

You’ve probably never wondered where the smallest courthouse in the world is. But we’re here to provide a fun fact: It’s in Arthur, Nebraska.

The courthouse measures only 16 by 28 feet. Built in 1914, it functioned until 1961, despite not having indoor plumbing. While the First Arthur County Courthouse and Jail is no longer part of the judicial system, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Since it has been converted into a museum, you can make a pit stop in Arthur and see it yourself.