US Highway 281

Rural fun runs support America.

Celebrate the road less traveled, (Highway 281) small towns in rural USA appreciate the economic boost we travelers bring to their area. More often than not you will be doing business with the owner rather than a corporation. It could be Mom, Pop or one of the kids working the store. Have you noticed that people in small towns seem friendlier. You don't have to travel far, or break the bank to have an awesome adventure!

We urge you, the family, friends and neighbors to get up and go explore rural America, the people, the places, the history and the many different cultural activities and recreational opportunities this great land has to offer. Anyone that appreciates Americana and the foundations of free enterprise should consider spending their tourist dollars where it benefits other Americans.

Gigantic shamrock on Hwy 281 Nebraska

O'Neill, Nebraska population +/- 3,500. The largest permanent shamrock in the World, is here at the intersection of Hwy 20 & US Hwy 281. Made of colored concrete this shamrock is so large it can be seen with Google's Satellite View. O'Neill is the official "Irish Capital of Nebraska". Named after its founder, an Irish born American who brought three groups of people from Ireland to Nebraska during the 1870s. Enjoy some "Blarney". The word blarney has come to mean clever, flattering, or coaxing talk. - Source: Wikipedia®.

A Pulitzer Prize winner grew up in this Hwy 281 town.

 I found her on the Great Plaints, in Red Cloud, Nebraska on Highway 281. Willa. How many little nowhere towns became somewhere towns because a novelist grew up there? Not many come to mind, Red Cloud is one of those communities. Willa Cather moved away for college in 1891 like most others and never moved back, she visited often and sent money back to help out. She died in 1947 and with her legacy, she is still helping the town.

St. Paul, NE and Loup Valley on Hwy. 281

A Supercell thunderstorm near US Highway 281 Nebraska, July 2004. Photo by D.J. Fuller, digitally enhanced by me :-). If you spend much time on the Plains, you will see some interesting clouds. 

Tastes great here in Hastings NE on Hwy 281

Have you every enjoyed Kool-Aid?  The drink for “kids” of all ages. As a kid we drank it buy the gallons. I liked the Red and Blue flavors best. :-)- The man who invented this All American drink did it right here Hastings Nebraska.

Nebraska Highway 281 travel.