The Loup River crosses Sherman County diagonally and helped attract many of the region’s first settlers. At Sherman Reservoir, the scale of the water landscape becomes tangible; historic buildings and collections also offer glimpses into schools, commerce, and Polish heritage. Here, landscape and history meet in specific places and on very different scales.
Water Landscapes and Activities at the Lake
Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area encompasses more than 2,800 acres of water and over 4,700 acres of surrounding land. Boats of all types are permitted on the reservoir; the facility has three ramps and three boat docks. Water levels and temporary restrictions may change. Check current conditions before your visit.
The shoreline is about 68 miles long. Many coves and sheltered areas offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. Trails in the recreation area are available for walking and hiking, and you can also watch for wildlife there. Sherman Reservoir Wildlife Management Area offers hunting opportunities for upland game, big game, and waterfowl—a different way to experience the landscape than the trails in the recreation area.
Activities on the water are also available at Bowman Lake: fishing, camping, picnicking, and swimming. The 20-acre lake offers access to the Middle Loup River. Conditions and facilities may vary; check local conditions. If you’re looking for a different kind of recreation, Loup City Golf Course has a nine-hole course.
Trade Winds Marina is a seasonal, full-service marina on Sherman Reservoir. Offerings include kayak rentals, EZ-Slip boat slip rentals, a café with a full menu, and groceries. Operating hours and services may change, as may rental availability. If you’re planning to use these offerings, confirm in advance what will be available during your visit.
Historic Buildings and Collections
The Sherman County Historical Society’s five historic buildings are open Sundays in summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 1 to 4 p.m.; visits at other times are available by appointment. Because seasonal arrangements should be confirmed, check with the society before your visit.
The Hanshew Building was originally built as a jewelry store for the Elsner family and now houses an “Old Time Barber Shop” with authentic historical artifacts. Hawk School contains an original one-room country school classroom with historic student and teacher desks. Austin School displays objects from Sherman County schools and postal services, as well as from the Loup City Library; it also has a memorial to Sherman County service members.
Other exhibits explore a range of county topics: Marcy Building features exhibits about local businesses. It was built in 1909 by the Ohlsen Brothers and was the dental office of Dr. William L. Marcy. Elsner-Clark Hall features exhibits about churches, photography, transportation, a soda fountain, the Sherman County Times, Jenner’s Park, and the Ohlsen Brickyard. The Ohlsen-Jenner House property also includes a unique brick barn, built at about the same time as the original house.
For family history and research, the Sherman County Historical Society Research Center has numerous records, many photographs, family histories, and information about people who lived in Sherman County. The society’s grounds also have a picnic area west of Hawk School.
Polish Heritage and Festival Culture
The Polish Heritage Center and Museum in Ashton has archives and historical exhibits. Artifacts and genealogical records document the history of Polish settlers in this part of Nebraska. An annual opportunity to experience this culture as part of a festival is Polish Days, Loup City’s Polish heritage festival. It takes place on the second weekend in June and begins with a parade. The program includes rides, entertainment, cultural events, contests, a beer garden, and polka music; Polish food is also available. Dates, programming, and food offerings may change. Check event details in advance if the festival is a deciding factor in your trip.
Explore Beyond Sherman County
For a broader trip through Central Nebraska, sections of the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway may also be of interest. Routes in the surrounding region run between Ravenna and Ashton, and between Ashton and Broken Bow. This makes it possible to combine your visit with a wider exploration of the region, while Sherman County retains its own focus on water landscapes and historic collections.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Loup City, Otoe County, York County, Cherry County, Scotts Bluff County, Thayer County, Cuming County, Dundy County.
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