Located in the picturesque Gage County, Nebraska is the charming town of Beatrice. This history laden, charming town played a pivotal role during the homesteading of what were once America’s wild prairies.
Such a notable city, an entry on Beatrice even found its way into the diary of one Miss Laura Ingalls Wilder. And now, centuries later, the town is still worth visiting for its outstanding attractions.
Yesterday’s Lady
Walking through the doors of the 1887 historic Schmuck Building is like being transported back into time – back to the days when ladies were appreciated and the female form was treated with reverence.
“Yesterday’s Lady” pays homage to the earlier eras of women’s fashion and takes a day spent with your favorite fashionable friends to a whole new level. “Yesterday’s Lady” affords female visitors a chance to try on vintage clothing and literally step into the paten leathers of their ancestors.
In addition to trying on the vintage clothes, visitors can educate themselves on the history of women’s fashion through informative exhibits that scream “we’ve come a long way baby.”
From the full-length Victorian dressed crammed with crinoline to the homemakers aprons of the 1950’s and the sexy, satin baby dolls of the 1960’s “Yesterday’s Lady” touches upon and displays them all.
There are even tongue in cheek exhibits such as “The History of the Bra: An uplifting Story”, and the “To Top it Off: Hat Show” that are certain to leave visitors with a smile or two.
Yesterday’s lady
113 North 5th Street
Beatrice, NE 68310
402.223.5121
The Beatrice Big Blue Water Park
Run by the City, “The Beatrice Big Blue Water Park” provides a spectacularly splashy good time for families looking to escape the summer heat. The park’s features include; a 9,000 sq. ft. zero depth pool, youth pool with fountain bubbler and toys, 124 ft. loop water slide, 8 ft. wide river slide, 2-1 meter diving boards, shade structures, sand volleyball courts, bathhouse and concessions.
The water park is seasonal. It is open daily from noon until 8:00 pm beginning Memorial Day Weekend and ending Labor Day Weekend.
As of 2010 admission to “The Beatrice Big Blue Water Park” is $5.00 for adults (ages 17+), $4.00 for children ages 4 to 17, $3.00 for senior citizens, and free for children ages 3 and under. There is also a special “Twilight Swim” from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm for $2.00 per person as well as seasonal passes at discounted prices.
Beatrice Big Blue Water Park
1200 Scott Street
Beatrice, NE 68310
402.223.4114
Homestead National Monument of America
The “Homestead National Monument of America” explores the impact of the “Homestead Act of 1862” on America’s prairie lands and highlights the struggles of early homesteaders.
The “Homestead Act of 1862” was pushed through the political arena in part by renowned reformers Horace Greeley and George H. Evans. Horace Greeley was a former editor of the then prestigious “New York Tribune” and a founder of the “Liberal Republic Party.” His cohort Evans was instrumental in furthering the rights of working men as part of the “Working Men’s Movement of 1829.”
The monument features over 100 acres of restored tall grass prairie, historic Freeman School Building, an 1867 log cabin, antique farming equipment, and other interactive exhibits including an 18 minute multi-media event.
The “Homestead National Monument of America” is open every day except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. During 2010 its’ hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the monument also maintains weekend hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As of 2010 admission into the park, parking permit and all special events is free.
Homestead National Monument of America
8523 W. State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310
402-223-3514
Additional Information
Those planning a visit to Beatrice that want to learn more about its other historical attractions such as the “Gage County Museum”, “Oregon Trail Marker”, and “Filley Stone Barn” should log onto the “Gage County Historical Society” website.
Gage County Historical Society
101 North Second Street
Beatrice, NE 68301
402.228.1679
