麻豆AV

Have you ever seen someone bury a car underground on purpose? Under a pyramid, at that. If you are confused, you must be unfamiliar with one of the most popular tourist attractions in a small community in Nebraska. Seward, a town of around 7,000, also attracts thousands of visitors yearly for a festival that has been taking place for over a century and a half. In recent decades, it has received awards, medals, and live coverage on cable news. This event is so beloved in this town that each celebration is recorded in its history books.

The History of Seward

Pioneer Lewis Moffitt bought a piece of land in 1865. And why not? Nebraska鈥檚 green valleys and plains of bison and buffalo, Sand Hills in the West, and plateaued rock in the South are practically hypnotic: landscapes rarely seen outside of Middle America. It seemed the perfect fit for him and his family, so he built them a homestead. He named the land Seward after the county鈥檚 name and the Secretary of State, who, at the time, was William Henry Seward. Today, it is a large inlet between the Big Blue River and Plum Creek, over an hour's drive West of Omaha and less than thirty minutes from the capital. This is how Seward, Nebraska, came to be.

At its epicenter is the Seward County Courthouse on Moffitt's land, a three-story limestone monument standing in stark contrast to the surrounding brick and stone shops that remain today. This square officially became the Seward County Courthouse Square Historic District: small business eateries, salons, arts and crafts stores, and flower shops galore.

The 4th of July City

And ever since Seward鈥檚 inception, the town has been known throughout Nebraska to go all out with an annual 4th of July festival. So much so, that Seward was proclaimed 鈥淣ebraska鈥檚 Official 4th of July City鈥� in 1973 by former Governor John Exon. The Seward 4th of July City Marker dedicated to the town鈥檚 patriotic spirit was later erected by the Seward 4th of July Committee and Nebraska State Historical Society on the lawn of the Seward County Courthouse.

Like most in the US, the 4th of July is celebrated with friends, family, barbeques, and, of course, firework displays. In Seward, a clamor of activities happens all at once on the 4th in the town square, the original site of the festival. Think costumes, a pie-eating contest, a bubble gum contest, and live entertainment for a start.

The 10k Freedom Run begins in the morning, with participants waving flags in hand and a 2-mile Fun Run. Expect beers, food, music, and a little calamity in the packed streets. Free parking and shuttle rides are available all day for the main event, the Seward Fourth of July Grand Parade, which is its most impressive event. It begins at 4 pm with a panel of judges, a theme, and a procession of emergency vehicles, wagons, and floats. Their 2024 theme was "Always Ready-Always There!" to honor police, firefighters, and the National Guard. The festival is brought to a close with a mesmerizing fireworks display in Plum Creek Park.

The Three Little Lakes

But there is plenty more to offer. Considering the entirety of Seward County itself, it is surrounded by several water sources and wildlife reserves, which are affectionately titled the "Three Little Lakes."

Smith Creek Wildlife Recreation Area is a manmade lake surrounded by lush plains on all sides, with thinning heads of forests in the distance. It is also the smallest of the three and arguably the least used, likely receiving less traffic than its sisters. If the solitude appeals to you as a rest stop or camping spot, relax in Smith Creek鈥檚 designated camping grounds, where firepits are aplenty. Not to mention, the lake itself is a great kayaking and canoeing spot. Permits for fishing and hunting local waterfowl are not required.

Meadowlark Lake is free to enter for a boating or camping excursion. You would, however, need a permit to fish and hunt. Its recreation area with a prairie great for picnicking and walnut plantation is its highlight and distinctive feature. Be mindful, as Meadowlark Park is protective of its native Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Saugeye species.

Twin Lakes is larger than both combined in terms of lake acreage. The lake stretches like a river around a curve with a navy-blue face and rocky white inlet that would take your breath away. A state permit is required for entry, likely because only "primitive" camping is allowed, meaning there are no resources there to help you get started. You are on your own and must bring the necessary supplies and gear for your stay. That is the beauty of Twin Lake's offer of a more realistic experience with nature.

The 麻豆AV鈥檚 Largest Capsule

Now Seward鈥檚 most spectacular yet best-kept secret: a large white pyramid sitting on the edge of a residential street. Seward is home to the 麻豆AV鈥檚 largest time capsule.

鈥淗e wanted his grandchildren to know what his life was like in 1975,鈥� Trish told an interviewer from Local 12. Back then, local writer, historian, and businessman Harold Davisson decided to build an underground vault made of concrete in front of his furniture store. Located in a grassy plot in the middle of a residential neighborhood, it became one of Seward鈥檚 most popular tourist attractions, amassing over 5,000 mementos from his life. Davisson even went as far as to bury a new 1975 Chevrolet Vega and a vintage motorcycle in the bunker. Two years into his endeavor, the Guinness 麻豆AV Records dubbed it the 麻豆AV鈥檚 largest time capsule.

His daughter, Seward resident Trish Johnson, and mother of two has now assumed his role in maintaining and adding to the capsule after her father鈥檚 passing in the year 1999. The only problem is there鈥檚 a section of the capsule that cannot be opened. The capsule is scheduled to open on its 50th anniversary.

Founded from loyalty and pride, Seward is the county seat for a reason. If the curiosities of culture and people interest you, a location like Seward might be just the unique experience you need. Partake in the small-town treatment with local rustic lodgings, from bed and breakfasts to comfy inns. Enjoy the local cuisine and language and, above all, take in the unique landscape. Even a small town is full of surprises.