McCook Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to McCook with our comprehensive guide including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to McCook

McCook, a city in South Central Nebraska, is a gateway to the beautiful Great Plains of the United States. Its history and charm make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a break from their monotonous routine. The city is famous for its outdoors where visitors can admire the beauty of mesmerizing scenic views and indulge in fun activities. The following travel guide will take you on a tour of the best McCook has to offer so that you can make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in McCook

Here are some of the top places to visit in McCook:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of the High Plains: visitors can learn about the history and lifestyle of early settlers through various exhibits, including local artifacts and memorabilia.
  • Red Willow State Recreation Area: visitors can enjoy a range of activities dominated by fishing. It also has camping facilities.

Natural Attractions of McCook: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Medicine Creek State Recreation Area: a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers various activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and hunting. Visitors are able to explore the beautiful scenery of the Great Plains.
  • Heritage Hills Golf Course: visitors can enjoy a beautiful landscape while playing a round of golf. The course has nineteen holes and is a favorite of golfers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of McCook

McCook has numerous hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the popular routes are:

  • Indianola Lake loop trail: a 14-mile trail offering stunning views of Indianola Lake.
  • Red Willow Trail: a 25-mile route that passes through Red Willow State Recreation Area offering beautiful scenic views.

Best Things to Do in McCook: Activities and Tours

  • Take a hot air balloon ride: visitors can experience the breathtaking views of McCook and its surrounding landscape through a hot air balloon ride.
  • Visit local farmers’ markets: McCook is known for its locally grown fresh produce, and visitors can enjoy them at various farmers’ markets.
  • Enjoy a concert at the historic Fox Theater: visitors can enjoy live music and several other performances held at this historic theater.

Week-Long Itinerary for McCook

Day 1: Arrival and check-in to the hotel. Visit the Museum of the High Plains. Day 2: Start your day with an early morning hike at Indianola Lake Loop Trail, followed by an afternoon of fishing at the nearby Red Willow State Recreation Area. Day 3: Spend the day at the Heritage Hills Golf Course. Day 4: Explore McCook on a hot air balloon ride. Day 5: Visit the local farmers’ market and take some locally grown produce. Day 6: Enjoy live music at the historic Fox Theater. Day 7: Departure from McCook.

Food and Drink Scene of McCook

Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages of McCook:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Runza: a classic pastry with a filling made of seasoned beef and onions, wrapped in soft dough.
  • Nebraska Cornhusker: a sandwich made with a mixture of smoked beef brisket and pork belly topped with coleslaw.
  • Kool-Aid Pie: a dessert made with a buttery crust and a creamy filling of Kool-Aid, milk, and whipped cream.

Local Beverages

  • Kool-Aid: the famous powdered drink originated in Hastings, Nebraska, which is a short drive from McCook.
  • Nebraska Craft Beer: Nebraska has several breweries producing local craft beer. Visit Keystone Bar and Grill to try some of the finest local beer.

Where to Stay in McCook: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether one is looking for affordable accommodation or luxury stays, there are several options to choose from in McCook. Some of the popular options include:

  • Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
  • Chief Motel
  • Economy Inn
  • Sunset Motel

What to Buy in McCook: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

During your visit to McCook, some things to purchase as souvenirs include:

  • Handcrafted jewelry made from buffalo nickels
  • Homemade jams and jellies from the local farms
  • Pottery from local craftsmen.

Local Culture and Customs of McCook

McCook has several traditions and customs, including local festivals such as the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival and the Heritage Days Festival. Visitors are always welcome to participate and explore the local culture.

Best Time to Visit McCook

The best time to visit McCook is from May to September, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of McCook

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the city’s natural beauty through outdoor activities.
  • Try the local beer and cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the city or its parks.
  • Damage or remove natural areas or landmarks.
  • Disrespect others.

Safety and Health

Safety in McCook

McCook is a safe city to visit, but visitors should still take general precautions such as securing their belongings and locking their cars.

Health in McCook

McCook has excellent medical facilities, and visitors should not have any trouble accessing medical care if required.

Getting to McCook: Transportation Options and Logistics

McCook is well-connected with major transportation options such as air, road, and rail, making it easy for travelers to reach their destination.

Airports Near McCook

McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport is the nearest airport to McCook, and it is around 5 minutes away from the city center.

Bus Stations Near McCook

Major bus operators such as Greyhound operate services to and from McCook. The nearest bus station is around 70 miles away in North Platte.

Other Options

Cab and taxi services are available in McCook, and car rental services are also available.

How to Get Around in McCook

McCook is a small city, and most attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bike. Visitors can hire cars or take a taxi for places further away.

Where to Go Next from McCook: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several places to visit from McCook, some of which include:

  • North Platte: around 70 miles away from McCook, North Platte is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and historic sites such as Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
  • Kearney: around 100 miles away from McCook, Kearney is a charming city, home to the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument.
  • Omaha: around 245 miles away, Omaha is a bustling city with art museums, galleries, and several shopping options.

Conclusion

This comprehensive travel guide to McCook will help you plan an ideal trip to this beautiful city. From natural beauty to local culture, McCook has everything that makes for an unforgettable vacation. Load your bags, pack your appetite, and head over to know what a true Great Plains adventure really looks like.