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.Welsh) 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 Nights of Lights 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 in the evening, 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 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.