The buildings at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park were reconstructed based on the fort’s original layout. This brings the arrangement of the site into focus alongside its individual buildings. The layout thus becomes the key to understanding the fort as a planned historic site.
Habitats, Trails, and Wildlife Viewing
Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge protects fish and wildlife habitats along the Missouri River. Nearly eight miles of trails invite you to hike and watch birds. A driving loop provides access points for exploring; an observation platform is located at the Sauger Parking Lot. From the observation blind at Bob Starr Wildlife Overlook, you can watch migrating waterfowl and bald eagles. Wildlife-viewing conditions vary by season.
The Steamboat Bertrand in Its Artifacts and at Its Discovery Site
The visitor center at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge houses an archaeological collection of nearly 250,000 artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Steamboat Bertrand. The Bertrand Steamboat Museum houses thousands of 19th-century artifacts from the era of steamboat travel and westward expansion. At the Bertrand Steamboat Excavation Site lies the 178-foot-long, buried and submerged hull of the steamboat. The collection and the remains of the vessel offer different perspectives on this historic subject.
Seasonal Nature Experiences
The Green Heron Trail begins at the visitor center at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge and loops around a restored wetland. There, you can watch and listen to birds and frogs. The trail is open from April 15 through October 14. During the same period, DeSoto Lake is open for fishing and low-speed boating. Check these seasonal dates before your visit.
Views, Trails, and Golf
Black Elk-Neihardt Park offers views over Blair and the Missouri River Valley; the Tower of the Four Winds is its central focal point. Set across 80 acres of rolling terrain, the park has paved trails, wood-chip trails, and nature trails. The varied trail surfaces give the park its distinctive character, while the tower provides a clear landmark in the landscape. Another recreational option is River Wilds Golf Course in Blair, a public 18-hole course.
Frahm House: History and Visiting Information
Frahm House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the furnishings are from the family’s original belongings. Tours are available by request and during special events; group tours are also available by request. The house has a wheelchair-accessible restroom and a ramp at the entrance.
Tours and Trails in Fort Calhoun
The Washington County Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour through Fort Calhoun, with interpretive signs at historic sites. Phase 1 of the Fort Calhoun Trail serves a different purpose: it connects U.S. Highway 75 and downtown Fort Calhoun with the ball fields and Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. The section is 0.63 miles long, paved with concrete, and includes a pedestrian bridge over a tributary of the Missouri River. While the Heritage Trail interprets historic sites, Phase 1 creates a direct trail connection between the places mentioned.
Archives and Wine Tastings
The DAAL has historical and genealogical materials about Washington County residents and their ancestors. Wine tastings in Fort Calhoun feature wines from 14 different wineries, with 105 different wines in total. The selection may change.
Discover more destinations: Blair, York County, Madison County, Cedar County, Douglas, Thomas County, Otoe County, Brown County.
For the main travel overview: Nebraska.
