LINCOLN, Neb. — A statewide campaign aimed at drawing attention to Nebraska’s lesser-known museums and historical attractions is gaining momentum as it enters its fourth year.
“WanderNebraska,” an initiative led by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, is now promoting 213 nonprofit museums, libraries, and points of historical interest throughout the state. Through brochures, billboards, guided bus tours, and a system of rewards for participants, the program seeks to boost tourism and engagement with Nebraska’s rich cultural heritage.
Originally launched with just 27 sites, WanderNebraska has expanded significantly. In 2024 alone, the foundation received over 7,000 booklet requests from 18 states — a testament to growing interest in off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
“It’s a neat program,” said Leslie Fattig, executive director of the foundation. “We’re teaching people about Nebraska history and getting more people involved.”
Among the featured attractions is the Tri-State Old-Time Cowboy’s Memorial Museum in Gordon, showcasing saddles and memorabilia from renowned local cowboys. Meanwhile, Chimney Rock National Historic Site has seen over 20,000 visitors traverse its new “Walk to the Rock” trail since opening in fall 2023 — an uptick Fattig attributes in part to WanderNebraska’s outreach.
WanderNebraska is often compared to the Nebraska Tourism Department’s “Nebraska Passport” program, which promotes 70 commercial venues including restaurants, breweries, and bed and breakfasts. However, Fattig emphasizes that WanderNebraska is focused on nonprofit and historical sites, particularly those in small towns with limited budgets and staffing.
“Nebraska is one of the least-visited states, and not much is spent promoting its points of interest,” Fattig said. “We’re working to fill that void.”
Citing research that estimates roughly 35% of tourism spending is directed toward historical attractions, Fattig argues the program addresses a key need. Many small museums, she said, lack the resources to market themselves or apply for tourism-related grants.
Some of the locations promoted include the log cabin courthouse in Callaway, the Old Poor Farm Historical Site and Animal Sanctuary in Nickerson, and the Furnas Prairie Shelter in Brownville, along with numerous small-town libraries and county museums.
“WanderNebraska invites people to connect with the state’s past in fresh, meaningful ways — whether by visiting a small-town museum, discovering a hidden landmark, or exploring a piece of forgotten heritage,” Fattig said.
Participants can earn small rewards for visiting featured locations. A free koozie is offered after visiting 10 sites, while a T-shirt is awarded for visiting 25.
In addition to promotional efforts, the program includes training sessions to help small museum operators use social media more effectively. It also features educational bus tours led by historian and Peru State College professor emeritus Sara Crook. One of the tours, dubbed the “Wild West” route, includes a visit to Fort Robinson.
The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation has been supporting historical preservation in the state for more than 80 years. However, in 2019, the organization was sidelined when then-State Historical Society Director Trevor Jones established a new fundraising entity.
“We were told our services were no longer needed,” Fattig said.
Rather than dissolve, the foundation shifted its focus. It launched a statewide grant program aimed at supporting small museums. The fund, which started with $15,000 in its first year, has since grown to $83,000.
Promoting local attractions through WanderNebraska became a natural extension of that mission. While the state Historical Society has since reinstated the foundation’s role as its official fundraiser, Fattig said the organization remains committed to enhancing awareness and support for Nebraska’s cultural and historical sites.
