Looking for somewhere small to visit but with plenty to do? We think a day trip to Norfolk, Nebraska, is in order. This small-but-mighty city has so much to do and see that we can’t pack it all into just one article. Read on to see what makes this Madison County city so special.
Norfolk is a small city like no other. Beautiful and quaint, it sits in northeast Nebraska.
Ammodramus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
It might be small, taking up just 10 square miles and home to a population of only 26,600 people. But the little town makes up for its small size with long lists of things to do!
Latteinthemidwest20, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Norfolk prides itself on its commitment to culture and art. Numerous outdoor murals adorn the exteriors of buildings, all painted by local artists.
Natalie Garden via Visit Norfolk
The town holds events for visitors and residents alike quite often.
Ali Eminov/Flickr Parades, shows, a farmers market, live music in the park - there’s so much to do in Norfolk that we strongly recommend checking the city’s website to see what’s going to be happening when you visit. Depending on the time of year, it could be just about anything.
Norfolk’s most famous former resident was none other than famed entertainer Johnny Carson.
Nebraska Tourism Commission His family home is marked with a large sign out front, though it is a private home and visitors are not allowed. If you’d like to find out more about Johnny’s life and career, the Elkhorn Valley Museum has an entire exhibit focusing on the entertainer.
Spend some time strolling through Norfolk’s historic downtown district and patronize the local businesses that abound there.
Bonnie Ponce/Google Reviews When you get hungry or thirsty, you may very well find yourself overwhelmed with the number of choices available. From coffee shops to Mexican restaurants to fast food and much more, there’s a place for every taste in Norfolk. District Table & Tap, pictured above, is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for a straightforward meal, a large beer selection, and maybe some live music.
Visit one of Norfolk’s several city parks to admire the beautiful surroundings, or spend an afternoon golfing at one of the city’s golf courses.
Ali Eminov/Flickr They include three 18-hole courses, one nine-hole course, an indoor golf simulator, and a mini-golf course. And, if you happen to visit in the summertime, be sure to check out Norfolk’s fantastic water park, AquaVenture.
Here’s a pro tip for first-time visitors: Nebraskans pronounce the name of this town “Nor-fork,” not “Nor-folk.” European settlers wanted to name the town after its location on the north fork of the Elkhorn River, and thus it was named North Fork. But when the town’s name was registered at the federal level, it was mistakenly recorded as Norfolk instead. Being the steadfast people that we are, Nebraskans have never let go of the original name or its pronunciation.
Ammodramus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Latteinthemidwest20, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Natalie Garden via Visit Norfolk
Ali Eminov/Flickr
Parades, shows, a farmers market, live music in the park - there’s so much to do in Norfolk that we strongly recommend checking the city’s website to see what’s going to be happening when you visit. Depending on the time of year, it could be just about anything.
Nebraska Tourism Commission
His family home is marked with a large sign out front, though it is a private home and visitors are not allowed. If you’d like to find out more about Johnny’s life and career, the Elkhorn Valley Museum has an entire exhibit focusing on the entertainer.
Bonnie Ponce/Google Reviews
When you get hungry or thirsty, you may very well find yourself overwhelmed with the number of choices available. From coffee shops to Mexican restaurants to fast food and much more, there’s a place for every taste in Norfolk. District Table & Tap, pictured above, is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for a straightforward meal, a large beer selection, and maybe some live music.
They include three 18-hole courses, one nine-hole course, an indoor golf simulator, and a mini-golf course. And, if you happen to visit in the summertime, be sure to check out Norfolk’s fantastic water park, AquaVenture.
Have you ever visited this one-of-a-kind city in Nebraska? Leave us a comment to tell us about your very favorite places in Norfolk. If you’re ever passing through and feel yourself in need of a sweet treat, visit Tastee Treet, a Norfolk institution since 1949.
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Address: Norfolk, NE 68701, USA
