Disclosure: The Willa Cather Foundation and Visit Red Cloud sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own.
In Red Cloud, Nebraska, literary history meets community spirit, creating a visit-worthy town only six miles beyond the North-Central Kansas border.
Known as the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather, its downtown is a hub where community is truly felt wherever you go. Even if you’re not visiting to dive into Willa Cather’s history, Red Cloud offers something for every kind of traveler, from shopping to dining and museums. And the town’s boutique hotel is positively charming.
Luxury Lodging
Hotel Garber
Hotel Garber (346 N. Webster) is a stylish boutique hotel worthy of an overnight stay. Featuring 26 guest rooms, including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite, it is a beautiful addition to downtown Red Cloud.
Developers revitalized a historic building, restoring it to its three-story grandeur. Initially built in 1902, guests feel at home amid modern furnishings in spacious lounges and high-ceiling guest rooms.
My Standard King Room was perfect for me as a solo traveler and included the in-room amenities I seek when booking a stay.
After a day of exploring Red Cloud, I spent my evenings reading a Willa Cather book by lamplight from bed or watching television. Thanks to high-speed Wi-Fi, I was able to get some work done on my laptop.
Guests have access to a complimentary continental breakfast buffet served in the Creative Hub, which includes self-serve eggs, bacon, muffins, toast, oatmeal, yogurt, and drinks.
You’ll definitely want to grab a drink and dinner at Forrester’s Restaurant & Lounge, when it’s open in the evening.
Choose from seven signature cocktails, many of which are a nod to Willa Cather’s book characters, like the O-Pioneers Paloma. Eight wines are available by the glass or bottle, and they have a short list of whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and craft beers.
I relaxed with a smoked old-fashioned cocktail before savoring braised beef served with a squash-corn salad from the chef’s seasonal menu. The dining room stirred with small groups of local families and friends who dropped by for cocktails and conversation.
Paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, the chef’s creation was scrumptious and well-suited for a fabulous fall evening dinner.
Check Forrester’s Restaurant and Lounge hours in advance, especially if you’re interested in dinner service.
Hotel Garber’s staff exceeded my expectations by ensuring my comfort during my two-night stay, often asking whether I needed anything and offering tourism advice when requested.
There is a reason Hotel Garber receives 5-star reviews. View guest rooms and reserve your stay.
Must-Have Experiences
National Willa Cather Center
Esteemed novelist Willa Cather wrote, “I would rather go home to Red Cloud than any of the beautiful cities in Europe where I used to love to go.”
She truly loved her childhood home, and Nebraskans early welcomed her back when she visited as an adult.
At the National Willa Cather Center (413 N. Webster), the writer’s legacy is honored through a museum, guided tours, and a bookstore. The non-profit foundation keeps the writer’s legacy alive by maintaining historic sites and hosting events, such as an author series.
I explored the American Bittersweet: The Life and Writing of Willa Cather exhibit, highlighting the author’s personal and professional life by reading the displays in chronological order, starting with her formative years in Red Cloud.
Situated in a restored 1887 building, the exhibit’s photography brings Cather’s story to life. She worked tirelessly as a magazine editor for years, a job that honed her skills and accelerated her book-writing career.
A visit to the National Willa Cather Center isn’t complete without stepping into a bonus room located beyond the exhibit. There, I discovered a full-scale, bronze statue of the author by Omaha artist Littleton Alston. It’s similar to the one situated at the U.S. Capitol.
PRO TIP: Take the elevator upstairs to view another Cather statue and a gallery of historical photographs taken of Red Cloud residents during the 19th Century.
Guided Seven-Building Tour
I immersed myself in Cather’s life story by taking the 90-minute Guided Seven-Building Tour around Red Cloud, following my guide in my car.
At each stop, from the Burlington Depot to Cather’s childhood home, an expert guide explained the significance of each location in Cather’s upbringing.
Burlington Depot
The morning sunshine warmed the exterior of the Burlington Depot (437 W. Welsch) as my guide pointed out its architecture. Technically, this is the town’s third train depot building, built in 1897.
The depot is mentioned in Cather’s short story “The Sculpture’s Funeral.”
Cather, who revisited Red Cloud many times, traveled to and from her hometown by train.
St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church
If you’ve read Cather’s book, “My Ántonia,” then you’re familiar with Cather’s main character, who her real-life friend, Anna Pavelka, inspired.
St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church (425 W. 3rd) is where Pavelka’s first child was baptized and where she was wed.
J.L. Miner House
A tour of the J.L. Miner House (241 N. Seward) reveals the personality of the family who once lived there, including Cather’s childhood playmate, Mary Miner.
She also befriended Carrie Miner, the same woman to whom her book “My Ántonia” is dedicated. The family inspired Cather’s characters, the Harling family.
As you tour the home, it’s clear it was considered one of the nicest in the community when it was built in 1878. Large rooms, gold-plated dishware, and oversized windows impress.
Grace Episcopal Church
Cather joined the Grace Episcopal Church (546 N. Cedar) at age 50. Inside the Gothic revival-style structure, beautiful hand-painted windows are illuminated on a blue-sky day.
The church held a memorial service for Cather in 1947, including two windows that the author had made and dedicated to her parents.
Willa Cather Childhood Home
For me, the most anticipated visit on the tour is the Willa Cather Childhood Home (245 Cedar). The family resided there from 1884-1904.
A tour of the National Historic Landmark includes descriptions of original furniture pieces, artwork, and prints.
The most interesting room in the house is Cather’s childhood bedroom, which visitors are allowed to peer into but not to explore because of its delicate original wallpaper.
Cather installed the rose-colored wallpaper in the attic bedroom.
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Visitors to the Farmers & Merchants Bank (338 N. Webster) will likely be awestruck by its architectural beauty. Constructed by Silas Garber, the founder of Red Cloud, its Colorado stone façade and marble steps make a statement.
Elaborate teller cages shipped by rail from Chicago anchor the main floor of the 1888 bank building. Downstairs, visitors have access to interpretive panels about Red Cloud’s history.
The Garbers inspired Cather to develop characters in “A Lost Lady.”
Red Cloud Opera House
The final stop on the guided tour is the Red Cloud Opera House (411 N. Webster), which sits adjacent to the National Willa Cather Center. Visitors can view the stage where Cather once delivered her high school commencement speech, and where the signatures of performers are scribbled on the backstage walls.
Built in the 1890s, the Red Cloud Opera House continues to host theatrical and musical performances.
PRO TIP: Taking a self-guided tour of town? Download the National Willa Cather Center mobile app.
WPA Mural Panels at the Red Cloud Post Office
During the Great Depression, the WPA’s Federal Art Project commissioned artists to paint murals inside public spaces.
The WPA mural panels at the Red Cloud Post Office (310 N. Webster) by artist Archie Musik depict the white settlement of the town and the Indian tribes’ westward movement.
These stunning works of art are available to view year-round in the lobby, which is open 24 hours a day.
Red Cloud Community Center
I stopped by the Red Cloud Community Center (142 W. 3rd Avenue) during the town’s annual Light the Night Holiday Market to shop from vendors selling hand-crafted art and photography. Carolers sang as local artisans chatted with shoppers creating a delightful holiday setting.
The venue often hosts public events, so check for upcoming activities.
Webster County Historical Museum
Open April through October, the Webster County Historical Museum features exhibits on local history and has recently added a new permanent exhibit about the Starke Round Barn.
Visitors can also expect to view Victorian-era clothing, military artifacts, and collections supporting exhibits about the people and places of Webster County.
I wasn’t able to visit the museum during its off-season, but I was able to admire the home’s exterior and grounds, which includes the original water fountain that once sat at the intersection of Webster and US Highway 136.
Delicious Dining
On the Brix
Open Thursday through Saturday evenings, On the Brix (437 Webster) serves wine, classic cocktails, craft beer, and small bites in a relaxed setting.
I arrived in Red Cloud on a Monday, and the owner of On the Brix went above and beyond, preparing a beautiful charcuterie board with an array of cheese, sausage, and fruit for me to enjoy in my guest room at Hotel Garber.
Served with a small bottle of rosé Prosecco, I felt pampered during my first evening in Red Cloud.
On the Brix also serves delicious soups and desserts, which pair nicely with seasonal cocktail menu selections, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
The Palace Lounge
If you’re craving a stacked, juicy hamburger, there’s no better place to dine than The Palace Lounge (125 W. 4th Street), and the daily lunch and dinner specials keep locals coming back.
The day’s burger special, a Mushroom & Swiss CheeseBurger with a side salad, was prepared fresh to order from an open kitchen. A lounge bar resembling something you might see in an old-school supper club served locals.
I struck up a conversation with the owners, who are die-hard live-music fans and often travel for concerts. The walls of the restaurant are covered with framed albums and guitars signed by bands like The Eagles and Def Leppard.
Sports memorabilia signed by some of the best in their sport, like Mike Tyson’s boxing gloves, adorned the walls.
The food alone is well worth stopping at The Palace Lounge, and the owner’s collection of music souvenirs makes it a true hidden gem you have to see.
PRO TIP: View the Daily Specials menu before planning your visit. Prime Rib brings a crowd on Thursday nights.
Sure-Win Shopping
Village Pharmacy
Village Pharmacy (317 N. Webster) is much more than a place to shop for your medicine cabinet needs. It offers a wide selection of gifts, from home decor to clothing and body products.
The pharmacy also sells flavored coffee and caffeinated cold tea drinks.
Mark Dahle Art Gallery / Red Cloud Film Club
Red Cloud has a vibrant artist community. At Mark Dahle Art Gallery (333 N. Webster), you’ll discover over 300 color-saturated abstract paintings and photography in an 8,000 square-foot space.
Originally from Alaska and raised by an art teacher, Dahle’s artistic style sometimes focuses on a theme, but always includes vibrant color and varying brush strokes on canvas.
PRO TIP: Also a cinephile, Dahle runs the Red Cloud Film Club at the gallery, which offers free weekly public screenings.
The Corner Nook
Stop by for a flavored latté or frothy coffee drink at The Corner Nook (345 N. Webster), and while you’re there, shop the cafe’s retail store featuring clothing, jewelry, and home decorations.
Comfortable couches and sun-drenched tables by the windows invite you to cozy up with a latté or smoothie to read a book or watch downtown traffic go by.
I met the friendliest locals when ordering a coffee, so we sat down and talked about all things Red Cloud, including what makes the town so welcoming. It’s the kind of people who look out for each other and want the best for the community, a real sense of community spirit.
Abundant Life Honey
Stop by Abundant Life Honey (209 W. 4th Avenue) to shop for locally sourced honey products run by a local family. From pocket-sized honey jars to larger bottles and individually packaged honeycomb, Abundant Life carries it.
PRO TIP: If the retail location is closed during your visit, you can find their honey for sale at Hometown Market (426 Webster) or Main Street Mercantile in nearby Lebanon, Kansas.
The Wackee Cactus Boutique
The newest store to open in Red Cloud is The Wackee Cactus Boutique (309 N. Webster), and I had the pleasure of shopping at the home decor and floral store on its grand opening night.
The owner has curated a vast selection of seasonal gift items, and the upstairs clothing racks feature women’s and children’s on-trend apparel. You’ll be shocked at the bargain pricing for the new shirts and jackets.
Events To Plan Your Trip Around
Light the Night Holiday Market
Red Cloud looks like a Hallmark greeting card during their annual Light the Night Holiday Market held in late November.
Downtown store windows are decorated, families enjoy horse-drawn carriage hayrack rides, the stores are open late, and Santa makes an appearance at Hotel Garber.
Willa Cather Spring Conference
The town’s most famous resident and award-winning author’s life is celebrated at the Willa Cather Spring Conference in June, which draws literary fans and writers to listen to speakers and attend programs.
Other tourism-worthy events include the Webster County Fair & Rodeo, located in nearby Bladen, Nebraska, and Red Cloud Street Car Days. View a complete list of upcoming Red Cloud events.
Bonus Things To Do In the Area
Alley Cats
I never miss an opportunity to lace up a pair of rental bowling shoes and take to the lanes.
Unfortunately, Alley Cats (129 E. 4th Avenue) was closed during my stay in Red Cloud, but I’m told its lanes, billiards, and restaurant meals keep the good times rolling.
View the Alley Cats Facebook page to glimpse the week’s restaurant specials.
Bison Mural
On a quest to find public art, I asked a local who passed me on the sidewalk downtown how to find the Bison Mural, and I was told to drive to the southern edge of town and look for a towering grain bin.
Sure enough, it appeared from the horizon as I traveled along Highway 281, an unmistakable point of interest. A charcoal sketch by Bethany Ugalde, an artist from Mexico, was transferred onto panels to wrap around the galvanized steel structure.
PRO TIP: You can park your car at the grain bin’s lot. Shoot a photo at sunrise or sunset.
Willa Cather Memorial Prairie
I’m from the Midwest, so the idea of standing surrounded by 612 acres of native prairie and listening to the tall buffalo grass sway and rustle in the wind is something I’ll cherish from my time in Red Cloud.
At the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, a short drive from town, you can pull off and park to learn more about the untouched landscape and its ecosystem.
The preserved prairie is considered a National Birding Site, a home to meadowlarks, wild turkeys, and grassland sparrows.
PRO TIP: Wildflower season lasts from April through October, and two miles of trail offers breathtaking views.
Nebraska Border Sign
Across Highway 281 from the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie is the Nebraska Border Sign, welcoming newcomers to the Cornhusker State, and only six miles south of Red Cloud.
The Geographic Center of the 48 Contiguous States
If you’re traveling to Red Cloud, you must stand in The Geographic Center of the Contiguous States. A stone monument with an American flag marks the roadside attraction, recognizing this landmark at High 281 North to HWY 191 West, outside of Lebanon.
Be sure to walk inside the site’s little white chapel, which is always open. It’s the same church used in a JEEP® Super Bowl LV commercial staring rock legend Bruce Springsteen.
Nearby Towns That You Should Explore
Lebanon
Don’t miss your chance to visit Lebanon, Kansas, en route to and from Red Cloud. Just about 200 residents call the agricultural town home, welcoming visitors to view its eateries, historic jail, and restored gas station-turned visitors center.
My first stop was the Visitor Center (502 Kansas Ave), located inside a restored old gas station that is open but unmanned during daylight hours. I signed the guestbook, and picked up a complimentary Kansas road map.
Across the street, I discovered the 1910 Lebanon City Jail surrounded by green space, which locals tells me is the where the town hosts live music during the community’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Main Street Mercantile
I heard only positive things about Main Street Mercantile (415 Main Street). Part grocery store, part restaurant with a bar, it’s the go-to place for locals and visitors who will appreciate its down-home charm.
Not only does the locally owned market carry Kansas-made products and merchandise, but people drive from miles around to shop its meat selection, sourced from area beef and pork farmers.
Folks from Red Cloud raved about Main Street Mercantile’s daily lunch special, an ever-changing buffet featuring a hot main course selection with side dishes and a salad bar option. Dessert is always a wise option.
My ham dinner lunch tasted like mom’s home cooking, and at $11, it was a bargain.
PRO TIP: Weigh your buffet plates on the scale after serving yourself, then note its weight/price on the paper. Give the grocery store clerk the tab of paper to pay for your meal before departing.
Make Extra Stops on the Way Home
Nebraska
Are you staying in Nebraska? When departing Red Cloud, consider driving about 150 miles Northeast to Lincoln, Nebraska. Steal my itinerary for a weekend getaway designed for couples who seek unique experiences.
Kansas
If you’re traveling North-Central Kansas after leaving Red Cloud via I-35, use my ideas for things to do in Salina, McPherson, and Newton.
Driving east instead? Consider stops in Courtland, Scandia, or Belleville, which are three towns that offer antiquing, a brewery, the Pawnee Indian Museum, and an auto racing museum.
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care through a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers with a space where they can get to know one another.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the high-quality selections as you peruse the bookcases. Of course, my eyes darted right to the cookbooks and travel guides, but I also found myself gazing at the rest of the gently-used books. The backend of the story is dedicated to the littlest shoppers, while the rest of the store stocks books for all ages.
Open since 2015, the store is operated as a non-profit with the hope of connecting people with the resources they need. Within moments of my visit, I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the dedicated kids’ section, which caters to their reading needs.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
Decorative ravens cut from paper dangle from a string overhead as shoppers choose their next read. Like any good indie bookstore, a couple of curious cats are known to greet customers.
Shoppers can expect a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not be found elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover handmade gift wrap, stationery, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet in small groups. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with free Wi-Fi access. Other areas of the coffee house were dedicated to families with kids, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
I particularly appreciate their local interest and Kansas history books, a modest section located on the second floor. In 2021, I was proud to see they stocked my first book and encouraged me to sign it when visiting.
In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events and book talks.
After watching a 15-minute introductory film about Mark Twain and the cave’s natural formations, I embarked on the tour with a guide during a scheduled time. We mainly walked level ground into the well-lit cavern, stopping to admire the dugout considered Jesse James’ hideout. The outlaw and Mark Twain each signed their names in the cave.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the tour was at its end when we chatted about the artifacts recovered from inside on display behind glass.
The bartender did an excellent job educating customers about each one as she poured wine flights for them. I sipped a recommendable dry chardonnay, Satire, from an oversized chair while listening to streaming music. (The bartender’s Spotify playlist featuring Indie Rock was excellent.) For non-wine drinkers, a selection of beer and non-alcoholic drinks is available.
Patio seating is available outdoors. The winery hosts occasional live music on weekends, which is promoted on its 
PRO TIP: Look up at the wood beam and down at the original flooring to admire its architectural details.
How many references from Twain’s books can you recognize about these buildings?
As I approached the Jim’s Journey building, I was met by its director, who invited me to sit on a shaded bench and chat about our personal stories. During the guided tour of the one-room museum, I felt a sense of appreciation for her efforts to educate others about the black experience in Hannibal. I peered into cases containing handwritten letters and flipped through black-only class yearbooks.
The museum may be small in size but the impression it makes on visitors is impactful thanks to its incredible artifacts collection, the handiwork of its director.
I was struck by the café’s size and its menu offerings, which include nutritious meals for health-minded customers. The overnight oats parfait made with fruit and nuts complemented a hot vanilla latté, a nice alternative to a plate of eggs and potatoes.
PRO TIP: Bring the kids to enjoy a scoop of 12 flavors of hand-dripped ice cream served in waffle cones or cake cones.
PRO TIP: I asked my server what her favorite meal when on break at work. She recommended the Smoked Pork Sandwich with barbecue sauce.
The experience started with staff snapping my photo in front of a nautical backdrop before ushering me aboard and to my reserved table. Musician Tim Hart played acoustic guitar while guests enjoyed drinks and views of the river. After the captain announced dinner was ready, each table was invited to the buffet for a chicken breast or beef-tips dinner with a choice of sides.
Located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Hannibal, I recommend staying there if you’re seeking comfortable accommodations, whether traveling solo or with your family. The family dog is welcome, too.
It wasn’t easy narrowing down a list to only 100 things to do. I thought to myself, “Who would need this book?” I wrote it as a resource for visitors to Wichita, long-time residents, and newcomers. Actually, the book features more than 100 things to do, as I’ve also bonus lists and insider tips.
People love the book! It earned 1st place in the Kansas Professional Communicators’ 2023 Communications Contest in the Adult, Nonfiction category. The judge wrote, “What a delightful book. the one-page descriptions really work, and your voice sings as your love of the venues shines through.”
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Stay curious. 
Even though I don’t exercise much (she inspires me to get moving!), Jennifer and I share quite a bit. We’re native Wichitans, and our pride for the city runs deep. We both appreciate making the most of each day and seeking adventure in everyday life. It’s that inner spirit that drives us to make life more delightful.
Did we inspire you to explore the city? Wichita is nestled between two rivers and linked by several bike trails. Building your own adventure and finding your favorite fuel around town is easy and fun.