Since 1868, the Seward community has commemorated the anniversary of the United States as part of its Fourth of July celebration. On March 27, 1973, Seward was declared Nebraska’s official Fourth of July City. Together, these milestones give the celebration a long local history and Seward a special place in the state’s holiday tradition.
Celebratory Traditions and History
The celebration includes a large parade through downtown as well as a free fireworks show at Plum Creek Park. If you’re planning to attend, check the dates and schedule in advance, as event details may change. Junto also frequently hosts public events with live music. If you’re planning an evening there, check which event falls on your visit date.
The Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward explores the history and heritage of the Nebraska Army National Guard and the Nebraska Air National Guard. The Seward County Historical Society Museum in Goehner offers a different historical perspective: it preserves and shares the history of Seward County. The museum grounds include an original one-room schoolhouse dating to 1915. This places the heritage of the National Guard and the history of the county side by side as distinct subjects, with a specific historic building as part of the latter.
Bottle Rocket Brewing is also connected to the history of a building: its taproom and brewing equipment are housed in the historic Campbell’s Seed Company Mill, built in 1947. The Chippewa Northwestern Railway Society offers interested hobbyists hands-on opportunities to experience one-inch-scale live steam railroading. Here, the focus is on hands-on engagement with a scaled form of steam railroading.
Exploring Along Plum Creek
The Plum Creek Trail is a 2.7-mile concrete path for walking and cycling that runs through the eastern part of Seward. At the trail entrance is the Garden Area, with an accessible walkway, two pergolas, park benches, a drinking fountain and two stone water features. The trail offers a route for two specified activities, while the Garden Area creates its own focal point at the entrance with its walkway and amenities.
Waterways and Seasonal Activities
Meadowlark is a 320-acre site in Seward County. Its lake covers 55 acres of water, and the recreation area also includes native prairie and a walnut grove. At Twin Lakes, the water and land areas are listed separately: the wildlife management area includes a lake with 255 acres of water and 1,270 acres of land. The two lakes can therefore be compared by their stated water areas, while the other figures describe different areas.
Smith Creek Recreation Area adds a seasonal perspective: in summer, it is frequently used for weekend camping and Scouting activities. Along with Meadowlark’s landscape features and Twin Lakes’ designation as a wildlife management area, this shows how nature here is shaped by different landscapes and uses.
Interstate 80 is also useful for getting oriented across the county: it runs through Seward County. Between the holiday traditions, museums, the trail through the eastern part of Seward and the natural areas described here, you can choose the focus of your trip based on your interests.
Discover more destinations: Seward, Otoe County, Scotts Bluff County, Adams County, Cheyenne County, Kimball County, Phelps County, Red Willow
For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.
