Short Vacation: Beatrice, Nebraska
Not every RVer is always in the mood for the sights and lights of the city. Many people want to get away from it all and check out small-town charm instead of big-city amenities. That’s where Beatrice, Nebraska comes in.
Beatrice, a small town of around 6,000 people not far from the Kansas border and in the southeastern corner of Nebraska, is a great stopping point for RVers looking to check out small-town living, nature and maybe a little history, too.
WHERE TO STAY: OAK AVEN ACRES RV PARK
Featuring more than 14 full-service RV spots, Oak Aven Acres is the perfect place for families to park for the night or explore its peaceful, wooded setting not far from downtown Beatrice. Its secluded area boasts 80 acres of rich forest, so there’s plenty of room to get back to nature and explore with your kids.
It’s also located very close to the Homestead National Monument, which the commemorates passage of the Homestead Act of 1862 and features a variety of exhibits dedicated to educating visitors about prairie living in the mid-1800s.
BIG INDIAN ARCHERS
In today’s hunting world, archery may be a bit of a lost art. Most people stick to rifles when going out for big game, but the traditional bow and arrow isn’t entirely lost.
Big Indian Archers is a handicap accessible practice archery range that features eight fixed fiberboard targets ranging from 10 to 80 yards, and is a perfect place to hone your archery skills with your family. More than just an archery range, the park offers gorgeous hiking trails, fishing and other outdoor fun for the whole family.
NEARBY FISHING
Speaking of fishing, Beatrice has a few nearby lakes that are primed and ready for your fishing fun.
Big Indian Lake and Recreation Area is a great place to drop some bait, and also offers boating, swimming, tent camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Rockford Lake, a 150-acre lake near Beatrice, offers prime fishing, boating and picnicking, and Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area is a fisherman’s dream as well. Get the bait and tackle together and take your RV to the water!
Shopping and Food
If shopping is more your speed, Beatrice offers an adorable downtown area bursting with antique shops, art galleries, gift shops and more.
While you’re downtown, Beatrice also offers a few great places to get a bite to eat. Beatrice Bakery offers fresh-made breads and pastries, and is also the home of “Grandma’s Fruitcake,” a delectable holiday treat (that is pretty good any time of the year).
From May through October, Beatrice also has a farmers market on Thursday nights, full of local fruit, vegetables and other treats.
Photo courtesy shannonpatrick
