Located in the heart of central Nebraska’s sandhills, this small farming town combines Midwestern charm with beautiful scenery.
Visit Ainsworth, the seat of Brown County, Nebraska. With fewer than 2,000 residents, it retains much of its original small-town charm from its founding days. The town is named after James Ainsworth, an engineer who played a huge role in the construction of the railroad through Brown County.
Stroll down Main Street and visit the shops and restaurants lining the streets. From local boutiques to favorite franchises, find what you need here.
Appreciate area history at the Sellors Barton Museum. The log cabin is filled with historical artifacts from the area, dating back to the pioneer era and earlier. Learn about the sandhills that characterize the region’s geography.
Discover a variety of recreational activities at East City Park. Play tennis or volleyball. Dive into the park’s pool for a refreshing swim. Play a game of horseshoes, a favorite pastime in Ainsworth, which has hosted the World Horseshoe Tournament in the past.
Learn about Brown County history in the Coleman House Museum. Tour the 1918 home located in the heart of downtown. Nearby Dixon House also contains furniture, clothing and other memorabilia from Nebraska’s past.
Enjoy the outdoors in Keller Park State Recreation Area, a 30-minute drive north of town. Hike along its winding wilderness trails, have a picnic or set up camp for a night under the stars.
Drive just 10 minutes outside Ainsworth to Long Pine State Recreation Area. Splash your way down Pine Creek in an inner tube. Fish for rainbow trout or test your aim at the archery range.
Take some time to appreciate the sandhills that dominate the landscape. These grassy dunes cover one quarter of the state and are a designated National Natural Landmark. Be aware that summers in Ainsworth are very hot and humid, while winter can be bitingly cold.
Ainsworth is fairly isolated in the north center of Nebraska. Drive just 40 miles (64 kilometers) north and you will reach the South Dakota border.
