The Plum Creek Trail is a 2.7-mile paved walking and biking trail that runs through the eastern part of Seward. Other attractions include a nine-hole golf course, an art gallery, a museum, and a historic business district. Those considering Seward as a destination can choose among a range of activities, including time outdoors, sports, art, and local history.
Walks and Bike Rides
The Plum Creek Trail is designed for walkers and cyclists. Trail access points are near the Plum Creek Sports Complex on Karol Kay Boulevard and near the Water Treatment Facility on South Columbia Avenue. These landmarks help orient you within the city: the trail runs through the eastern part of Seward.
The Garden Area is located at the trail entrance. It features an accessible walkway, two gazebos, park benches, a drinking fountain, and two stone water features. The garden provides a distinct place to visit along the trail entrance, while the trail itself is primarily for walking and biking. Seward’s municipal park system also includes walking trails. One park in Seward also offers opportunities to walk dogs along the Big Blue River.
Golf as a Distinct Activity
The Seward Community Golf Course is a nine-hole course with grass greens and four sets of tees. Visitors can also use a putting green and a driving range. The course is defined by more than just its number of holes: it also has dedicated practice facilities. For those considering golf as part of their stay, it offers a clearly defined sporting option in Seward.
Art, Museums, and Historic Architecture
The Marxhausen Gallery of Art houses the Koenig and Wake–Wiegmann collections. They comprise more than 300 contemporary prints and works on paper, including pieces by nationally and internationally recognized artists such as Chuck Close, Elizabeth Murray, and Robert Rauschenberg. Exhibitions of works by regionally and nationally recognized artists also shape the gallery’s cultural offerings. The collections and exhibitions offer different ways to engage with the gallery: one through specific works on paper, the other through a broader range of exhibitions.
At the heart of the Seward County Courthouse Square Historic District is a three-story limestone courthouse built between 1904 and 1906. The district is a business area dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Those interested in local history can explore the district’s historic character alongside its landmark courthouse. The architecture and commercial character are two distinct aspects of the same historic place.
Seward’s Independence Day celebration is also part of the city’s history: it has been held since 1868. Seward later received two designations associated with the holiday. In 1973, the city was named Nebraska’s “Fourth of July City,” and in 1979 it became the “National Fourth of July City – Small Town U.S.A.” The celebration tradition therefore dates back to the 19th century; the designations in 1973 and 1979 came later.
The Bartels Museum houses more than 75 exhibits featuring minerals, agate, fossils, and rocks. It complements the art collections at the Marxhausen Gallery with a different subject area: natural materials are the focus here, while the gallery features contemporary prints and works on paper.
Which Focus Fits Your Stay?
You can choose what to explore in Seward based on the interests you want to prioritize. The Plum Creek Trail and park trails are suited to walks and bike rides, while the golf course offers a distinct sporting focus. The art collections, museum, and Courthouse Square Historic District offer different perspectives on art, natural history, and architecture.
For the broader travel overview: Seward County.
