Phelps County, nestled in the heart of Nebraska and anchored by the welcoming community of Holdrege, is the perfect place to take a break from the fast lane. Whether you’re seeking a girls’ getaway, a golf trip with the guys, or a birdwatching escape in the wide-open prairie skies, this region offers just the right blend of tranquility and adventure. With its small-town charm, scenic parks, rich arts culture, and friendly faces around every corner, Phelps County invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect—with nature, friends, and yourself. Here are five inspiring trip ideas to help you plan your next relaxing getaway.
Golf Getaway
Day 1
Start your adventure with a hearty lunch in downtown Holdrege at Catrinas Mexican Cuisine or JB’s Sports Bar & Grill
Play 18 holes at the Holdrege Country Club – a hidden gem! Call (308) 995-5744 for tee times. Newly renovated clubhouse offers drinks, snacks and a place to cool down.
Dinner at The Speakeasy, regionally famous for steaks and handcrafted cocktails (reservations required by calling 308-995-4757)
End the day with locally-brewed craft beer at Lost Way Brewery and continue your golf game on indoor golf simulators while enjoying cocktails at The Drive Golf & Lounge in downtown Holdrege.
Day 2
Bertrand is a quick 15-minute drive from Holdrege and boasts the beautiful Hi-Line 9-hole golf course. No tee time needed.
Enjoy a smash burger or other great post-golf meal at the Blue Moose in Bertrand.
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Girls’ Pampered Getaway
Start your day with a morning workout at the Don Sjogren Community YMCA – early cycling or mid-morning strength & stretch
After the workout, grab a coffee or a protein shake at Scooter’s (4th and Burlington) or The Hive, a new tea and shake hot spot in downtown Holdrege.
Schedule pedicures and manicures, massages and facials at the Holdrege Day Spa (308-999-6141) or Pampered Soles Tanning & Spa (308-999-6141).
Order a fresh salad or delicious sandwich at the new Coal & Feed Coffee Shop where you will feel like you just stepped into your childhood while you eat on nostalgic dishes. Top off your meal with hand-scooped ice cream and a seasonal drink.
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping in Holdrege at The 308 Boutique, My Fair Lady’s Fashions and Frills, Gifts & Things, and Blessed Trio.
You can also book a private shopping party at The 308 Boutique (308-293-5366) – food, drinks, and fashion fun for a group of friends.
Day 2
Start your day healthy again with morning yoga at Studio 607 in Bertrand (check Facebook for times).
Make a stop at Pretty and Fabulous in Bertrand for clothes and gifts. If a wedding is in your future, find your dream dress at Bridal Isle in Loomis.
Art & History Lovers’ Tour
Plan your visit around a live music experience at the Tassel Performing Arts Center, an 830-seat performance center. This year’s shows include violinist Tessa Lark, Joseph Hall as Elvis and Christmas with the Everly Set.
Spend the morning following Holdrege’s Bronze Sculpture featuring 14 amazing sculptures by world-renowned Holdrege artists.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Jeremy Hansen Art Gallery in Bertrand, a former newspaper office turned into an art gallery. It’s open Saturdays or by appointment by (308) 991-1372.
Plan an entire afternoon to dive into rich exhibits at the Nebraska Prairie Museum, where you can learn about the German WWII POW camps, see antique tractors and a sod house replica.
Spend the night at Holdrege’s newest airbnb, The Corliss, behind the iconic Mailbox Mural.
Day 2
Grab a coffee and breakfast at Coal and Feed and enjoy a slow morning sipping coffee and enjoying the art at the Midtown Sculpture Garden in downtown Holdrege.
Check out the Iron Horse Arts District, also in downtown Holdrege. Stroll through the district and find several murals, enjoy the festoon lighting at night and check out the calendar for monthly pop-up art galleries and other art experiences.
An afternoon reflection at Veterans Memorial Park is a perfect way to unwind. The park features the “Never Forgotten” bronze sculpture and a beautiful veterans memorial. The park is located in south Holdrege just east of Hwy. 183. While there, enjoy the butterfly garden and disc golf course or take a dip in the Holdrege swimming pool.
Spend the evening watching a movie at Holdrege’s historic Sun Theater & Event Venue. Throwback Thursday movies show each Thursday, and new release movies are featured Friday-Monday.
Bird & Nature Lovers’ Escape
Before your visit, download a local birding map to map out the best places in the county to spot birds.
Day 1
Start your trip with a relaxing walk around Lake Seldom, named this because it’s seldom a lake depending on local rainfall. Walk or bike the peaceful crushed concrete trail just south of Holdrege on Hwy 183. Look for various bird species, hear frogs, and enjoy the native grasses.
Enjoy a taste of culture at the Gourmet House or La Hacienda right next to Hy-Vee in Holdrege.
Spend the afternoon at North Park Lake in north Holdrege just east of Hwy 183. Fish, kayak and look for birds, including the resident ducks, swan and blue heron. Meander the one-mile paved walking path around the lake and enjoy the massive new American flag, along with bronze sculptures.
An evening walk at the Sacramento-Wilcox State Wildlife Management Area is a perfect way to end the day. Enjoy walking silently in nature, practice your archery skills at the range or bring your fishing pole and try your luck.
If camping is your style, pitch a tent or park your camper at the Sandy Channel SRA 15 miles north of Holdrege on Hwy 183, or book a spot at the Holdrege City Campground for just $10 a night.
Day 2
Find your way to the Funk Waterfowl Production Area north of Funk for a beautiful morning of birdwatching and hiking. Depending on the season, you might see ducks, snowgeese or even a rare Whooping Crane (in April).
Make an appointment to see the new Michael Forsberg exhibit room at the Funk School Community Center. Call ahead to 308-991-2895 to view the gallery.
Family Fun Weekend
Start your morning with chocolate chip pancakes at The Cozy Inn Cafe.
Enjoy a morning of family fun at the Don Sjogren Community YMCA, where you can swim inside or play in the gym.
Eat ice cream or good old-fashioned hamburgers for lunch at Sonic or Dairy Queen both right on Highway 183.
Spend the afternoon cooling off at the Holdrege City Swimming Pool, located in Veterans Park at 103 Blaine St. Enjoy two giant water slides, a diving pool, an Olympic-sized pool, and toddler pool.
Stop by Ronda and Terry’s new Funky Monkey Shaved Ice truck at 217 4th Ave. and enjoy shaved ice. Try the Hawaiian version of any flavor for an extra special treat!
End the day at Holdrege’s North Park, which is a kids’ delight with three unique playgrounds, including an adaptive playground and a free splash park. There’s also fishing, tennis or pickleball and kayaking (bring your own). Just look for the giant American flag on the north side of Holdrege, and you will find this park.
If inside fun is more your jam, the kids will love an afternoon at Holdrege’s Nebraska Prairie Museum where they can see a sodhouse replica, enjoy the interactive train area, or pretend to make calls on the old-fashioned telephones.
A night at Holdrege’s Rodeway Inn offers the family another chance of water fun with the indoor pool.
Day 2
Stop at Jimmy John’s in Holdrege to pack a picnic lunch and then spend the morning relaxing at the Loomis City Park, which boasts a free splash pad and picnic spots.
An entire afternoon of fun awaits at Bertrand’s new Aquatic Center, which includes a water maze wall, diving board, and kid-friendly fun.
Drive back to Holdrege for an evening at Holdrege’s Veterans Memorial Park where kids will enjoy climbing on an Army tank, playing on one of several playgrounds or enjoying a family game of disc golf or outdoor basketball. If the family is ready for some indoor time, plan supper and an evening of bowling at Gutterz Fun Center.
