Ashland (Nebraska)

Ashland is a city in Eastern Nebraska. The small city sits alongside the Platte River tributary of Salt Creek in Saunders County and had a population of 3,100 people in 2020.

The city of Ashland has its beginnings as a fording location of Salt Creek. The limestone bottom in the area allowed for caravans traveling on the Oregon Trail to cross the otherwise muddy stream. By 1870, Ashland was established as a town of 700 people. Today, the town is able to enjoy the benefits of living between the two main economic hubs of Nebraska, Lincoln and Omaha, while still being far enough away to retain a sense of identity.

Most of the people in town are employed through manufacturing, agriculture, and the state parks. Camp Ashland, a U.S. National Guard training camp, is located nearby and is off-limits to visitors. NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson grew up in Ashland, and graduated from the local high school; he spent 152 days on the International Space Station in 2007, and is so far the only Nebraskan to go to space.

There are no bus lines traveling to Ashland. The nearest airport would be in Lincoln or in Omaha. The easiest way to get to Ashland is by car.

Most of the points of interest inside the town are located in the downtown area, in the southeast corner. Exploring this area on foot won't be difficult. However, going anywhere outside the town is going to require a car. There is no public transportation and no taxi services.

The town is grid based and very easy to navigate. Numbered streets go north-south, increasing the further west they are, and named streets go east-west.

1 Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (SAC Museum), 28210 W Park Hwy (take Exit 426 from I-80 and head west; look for the rocket ships), ☏ +1 402-944-3100. 9AM-5PM, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter holidays. A museum dedicated to the advancement in aircraft and spacecraft during the Cold War. Featuring a SR-71 Blackbird and a B52 Stratofortress, visitors can walks around and admire the size and capabilities of once highly classified aircraft. The museum also works on restoring specific aircraft. Check out the permanent exhibits featuring Nebraska's role in the Second World War and the Korean War. $14 Adults, $7 children, $11 seniors, $12 military. (updated Apr 2021)

2 Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari (Wildlife Safari Park), 16406 292nd St, ☏ +1 402-944-9453. 9AM-5PM. This 440-acre park allows guest to drive through the different biomes of the Great Plains and see native wildlife in their habitat. See American Bison, Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and more as you drive or hike through the park, admiring the scenery and animals. Check the calendar for special events, where zoologist come and share their love of animals. $8 adults, $6 children, $7 seniors and military. (updated Apr 2021)

3 Willow Point Gallery, 1431 Silver St, ☏ +1 402-944-3613. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-4PM. A collection of dioramas showcasing 29 animal species in their natural habitat. Paintings by Gene Roncka are also on display, telling the history of Nebraska. Free. (updated Apr 2021)

4 Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy (take Exit 426 off I-80 and head west, it's the second right hand turn), ☏ +1 402-944-2523. 8AM-5PM. This state park covers almost 700 acres, with activities including rock climbing, horseback riding, and swimming. Features a water park and cabins for rent. A great place to get outdoors. Nebraska Residents $6/day, Non-Nebraska Residents $8/day. (updated Apr 2021)

1 Iron Horse Golf Club, 900 Club House Dr (on Hwy 6 between Ashland and the Platte River), ☏ +1 402-944-9800. 7:30AM-6PM. A challenging course with some great views. Built around a rock quarry, this course allows for some great sightlines. Take your time and enjoy the challenge of the back 9. Golf attire required. $55 for 18 holes, $30 for 9 holes. (updated Apr 2021)

2 Ashland Golf Club, 16119 US-6 (take US-6 south), ☏ +1 402-944-3388, justin@ashlandgolfclub.com. 7AM-7PM. A relaxing course, good for new golfers. A golf cart is included in the price and staff is friendly. Golf attire required. $20 for 9 holes, $40 for 18 holes. (updated Apr 2021)

3 Quarry Oaks Golf Club, 16600 Quarry Oaks Dr (take Exit 426 from I-80 and head east on E Park Hwy, turn left on Quarry Oaks Dr), ☏ +1 402-964-6000, golf@quarryoaks.com. 9AM-5PM. A challenging course built into an abandoned quarry. Navigate the rocky terrain and enjoy the view of the river as you tackle this course's holes. Golf attire required, no outside food or drink. $43 for 9 holes, $80 for 18 holes. (updated Apr 2021)

It seems to be a trend in small towns in Nebraska to have multiple antique shops and trinket shops within the town. Those interested in searching for vintage and antique items will have no trouble finding a location to shop. For the sake of brevity, they've been excluded from the list. Most are located in the downtown area.

1 A Coin Shop, 110 N 14th St, ☏ +1 402-502-9539. M Tu 10AM-5PM, W 11AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-5PM, closed Su. Offering gold coins, foreign currency, and printing errors, this small operation gives customers a wide selection of valuable coins for any type of collection. (updated Apr 2021)

2 No Frills Supermarket, 2301 Silver St (on the corner of Silver St and S 23rd St), ☏ +1 402-944-3353. 6AM-10PM. A supermarket with low prices. (updated May 2021)

Like most of Nebraska, beef is the central focus of the dining experience and large portions are how meals are served. If you cannot eat beef, don't worry about ordering something less popular. Remember you can always take leftovers home, so no need to gorge yourself.

1 Cheri O's Coffee House and Ice Cream Parlor, 1404 Silver St, ☏ +1 402-944-9499. M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Specializing in coffee and ice cream, this small diner offers visitors a chance to unwind with a sweet treat. From the hand dipped ice cream cones to espresso or their soup and sandwiches, there's something to satisfy everyone's palette. (updated Apr 2021)

2 BW's Pub & Grill, 115 N 14th St, ☏ +1 402-521-2500, info@bwspubgrill.com. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. A classic American diner featuring burgers, pizza, and beer. Offers Keno and hosts live music. (updated Apr 2021)

3 KC's Eastside Saloon, 649 US-6 (on the southside of US-6, between NE-66 and Iron Horse Golf Club), ☏ +1 402-944-3392. 9AM-2AM. A popular small town bar. Friendly staff and patrons make this a nice place to spend the evening. (updated Apr 2021)

4 Parker's Smokehouse, 16880 US-6 (south of Ashland, at the intersection of US-6 and NE-63), ☏ +1 402-944-2040, parkerssmokehouse@windstream.net. Su-Th 11AM-8PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM. Top notch BBQ. Offering huge portions and hearty meals to fill up even the biggest stomach. (updated Apr 2021)

5 Round the Bend Steakhouse, 30801 East Park Highway, ☏ +1 402-944-9974, info@roundthebendsteakhouse.com. M-Sa 11AM-10PM, closed Sunday. A no-frills steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Big slabs of meat all around and fried shrimp as well. Feeling adventurous? Order a "prairie oyster". Just say you want a Buck-a-Nut. (updated Apr 2021)

1 Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room, 1419 Silver Street, ☏ +1 402-944-2546. Su-Th 1-7PM, F Sa 1-9PM. Glacial Till started out as a winery, but quickly expanded into making cider. This tasting room allows people to enjoy their finely crafted drinks with food. Customers can enjoy all of the wines and ciders that were produced at the winery located near Palmyra, Nebraska. (updated Apr 2021)

2 Cellar 426 Winery, 1402 S 9th St (on the eastside of US-6, take NE-66, the first right hand turn is S 9th St, follow that until the 2nd right hand turn), ☏ +1 402-944-8109, wine@cellar426.com. M-Th 1-7PM, F Sa noon-9PM, Su noon-6PM. Cellar 426 sits high on one of the highest points in the area offering commanding views of the valley below. The expansive outdoor seating area allows you to soak up the sun while enjoying fine wine and charcuterie plates. Reservations are not necessary, wine tastings are available during normal hours except during live music events. (updated Apr 2021)

There are no hotels or motels in the city. Cabins are available for rent in the area.

1 Kimbery Creek Retreat, 30010 Kimberly Dr (take Exit 426 off I-80 and head east, turn right onto Kimberly Dr, cross the bridge and it will be on the right), ☏ +1 531-500-8001, kimberlycreekretreat@gmail.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Proudly describing itself as "glamping", this retreat is tucked away in a nature sanctuary. The small, isolated cabin sites are great for families, small gatherings, or as a couple's retreat. If a location is booked, fill out a wait list request. Prices vary depending on site and date. (updated Apr 2021)

2 The Roost Bed and Breakfast, 203 N 15th St (on the north corner of N 15th and Adams St), ☏ +1 402-521-2056, info@theroostbnb.com. Check-in: 4-8PM, check-out: 11:30AM. A cozy three room bed and breakfast. Rooms are limited to 2 persons. A swim spa, off-street parking, and free internet are available. $130/night starting. (updated Apr 2021)

Wireless internet access is available at the Ashland Public Library and select businesses.

The Ashland Gazette is the local newspaper, offering updates on events occurring in and around the town. The Omaha World Herald is used for more global news.

Lincoln and Omaha are short drives on I-80 or US-6.