Sherman County: Sherman Reservoir and Polish Heritage

Sherman County combines the history of the Loup River with a vast aquatic landscape and remarkable insights into the region’s past. The Loup River crosses the county diagonally and helped attract many of the region’s first settlers. Today, the range of experiences extends from Sherman Reservoir and historic buildings to the Polish heritage festival Polish Days. If you are planning a trip with children, you can choose between days in nature, cultural discoveries, and events according to your interests. Loup City is also one of the destinations you can include in your further planning.

Water, Trails, and Nature at Sherman Reservoir

The Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area encompasses more than 2,800 acres of water and over 4,700 acres of surrounding land. The lake offers about 68 miles of shoreline with many coves and sheltered areas for fishing, boating, and water sports. Boats of all kinds are permitted; three ramps and three boat docks make it easier to use the water. There are also trails for walking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Sherman Reservoir Wildlife Management Area offers opportunities to hunt upland game, big game, and waterfowl.

This allows you to combine different ideas for day trips without limiting your journey to a single activity. At Bowman Lake, fishing, camping, picnicking, and swimming are possible. The 20-acre lake also provides access to the Middle Loup River. If you would like to try or add water activities, Trade Winds Marina at Sherman Reservoir offers kayak rentals and EZ-Slip boat dock rentals. The seasonal full-service marina has a café with a full menu and sells groceries. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore best to select the location based on the desired focus of your trip: water, wildlife viewing, or a combination of active and more relaxing days.

Historic Buildings and Polish Heritage

The Sherman County Historical Society brings the local past to life through five historic buildings. In summer, they are open every Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 1 to 4 p.m.; at other times, visits are possible by appointment. The grounds also include a picnic area west of the Hawk School. The Hawk School contains an original one-room schoolhouse classroom with historic student and teacher desks. The Austin School displays objects from Sherman County schools and postal services, from the Loup City Library, as well as a memorial to military personnel from Sherman County.

Other stops highlight different aspects: The Hanshew Building was originally built as a jewelry store for the Elsner family and now houses an "Old Time Barber Shop" with authentic historical artifacts. The Ohlsen-Jenner House includes a unique brick barn built at approximately the same time as the original residence. The Marcy Building was constructed in 1909 by the Ohlsen Brothers and was the dental office of Dr. William L. Marcy. It features exhibits about businesses in Sherman County. Elsner-Clark Hall presents exhibits on churches, photography, transportation, a soda fountain, the Sherman County Times, Jenner’s Park, and the Ohlsen Brickyard. The Research Center contains numerous records, many photographs, family histories, and information about people who lived in Sherman County.

The Polish Heritage Center and Museum in Ashton contains archives and historical exhibits. Artifacts and genealogical records document the history of Polish settlers in this part of Nebraska. Polish Days, Loup City’s annual Polish heritage festival held on the second weekend in June, offers a lively event to attend. It begins with a parade and includes rides, entertainment, cultural events, competitions, a beer garden, polka music, and Polish food.

The Right Base for Planning Your Trip

When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home in Sherman County, your planned itinerary should be the deciding factor. Match your accommodation base to the main focus of your stay and your preferred dates. The surrounding region also includes sections of the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway between Ravenna and Ashton and between Ashton and Broken Bow.

For further guidance, you can also explore Deuel County, Kearney County, Thomas County, Adams County, Washington County, Cedar County, and Douglas.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nebraska.