Wetlands and open prairies shape Phelps County’s natural landscape, attracting millions of migratory birds traveling along the Central Flyway. The county also offers specific birdwatching opportunities and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities in Holdrege. You can shape your stay around the landscape, art and history, or activities in town.
Birdwatching by the Lakes and on the Prairie
A one-mile walkway runs along North Park Lake and can be used for birdwatching year-round. Its length gives the walk a clear outline, and birdwatching is not limited to a particular season. The Funk Waterfowl Production Area covers nearly 2,000 acres. An information kiosk with maps stands by the central parking lot and helps visitors find their way around the area.
Sandhill cranes and hundreds of other bird species are observed at Lake Seldom every year. Together, these places offer different kinds of nature experiences: a lakeside walkway, an expansive area with maps to help you get around, and recurring bird sightings. Those especially interested in migratory birds will find both the wider connection to the Central Flyway and named locations for birdwatching.
Art and History in Holdrege
The self-guided Bronze Sculpture Tour in Holdrege leads to 19 bronze sculptures around the city. One is “Promise of the Prairie” in North Park, the first bronze sculpture in Holdrege. The Iron Horse Art Gallery adds to the offerings as a permanent exhibition center downtown, where local and regional artists display their work.
The Nebraska Prairie Museum focuses on historical and interactive experiences. Artifacts, archival documents, and memorabilia illustrate the everyday lives of earlier generations. The museum offers a different way to explore the past than public art: its collections tell stories of daily life, while the sculpture route brings art into the city.
Event venues are also part of the cultural scene. The Holdrege Sun Theater rents its space for private movie screenings, birthday parties with a movie, meetings, training sessions, and community programs. The Holdrege City Auditorium hosts public performances, craft fairs, dances, concerts, and receptions. For specific theater rental inquiries, check the current booking terms.
Recreation and Activity
Holdrege’s municipal swimming pool is located in South Park. It has a heated, Olympic-size swimming pool and separate areas for diving, splashing, and a water slide. Veterans Memorial Park offers a walking path, playgrounds, a multipurpose sports field, and Jaycee Baseball Field. The two locations offer different activities: swimming at the outdoor pool and a variety of sports and play options in the park.
Golf is another option: Holdrege Country Club welcomes public players to its 18-hole, par-72 course. If you’re planning to play, the course’s size and classification provide useful details. Amtrak reported that a new heated shelter at the Holdrege station platform was completed in 2024. This information describes the completed improvement, not schedules or connections.
Local Offerings and Event Traditions
Lost Way Brewery brews its craft beer on site. Visitors can check the current selection in the taproom; the brewery also hosts Taproom Trivia on the first and third Thursday of each month. For the current selection, it’s worth checking the taproom’s latest offerings.
The Midsummer Festival celebrates the region’s Swedish immigrant roots. Its Swedish Days tradition includes a street market in downtown Holdrege, where more than 40 vendors offer handmade goods, food, and sweets. In Bertrand, the weekly farmers market takes place in the park by the swimming pool. The two markets differ in their occasion and frequency: one is part of a festival tradition, while the one in Bertrand is held weekly. Check the festival dates before making specific plans.
These highlights can help you organize the destinations for your stay, without having to combine the different experiences into a set itinerary.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Holdrege, Otoe County, Hall County, Lancaster, Sheridan County, Madison County, Dawson County, Valley County.
For the overarching travel guide: Nebraska.
