Activities Guide - McCook, Nebraska

Activities Guide
www.GoToMcCook.com
McCook, Nebraska is a great place to make
memories of all kinds. Take advantage of
outstanding hunting, fishing, golf and bird
watching. Enjoy great entertainment and
delicious food. Attend a unique festival or
find something special at a local store.
Get in touch with nature along a riverside,
a prairie lake or a walking trail.
Welcome to McCook—Nebraska’s Hot Spot!
Learn about the history of pioneers,
politicians and the railroad. Or simply
relax among shaded parks and wide
open spaces. McCook is a special
blend of agriculture, commerce, arts,
entertainment and recreation.
Come see for yourself why
McCook is Nebraska’s Hot Spot!
Table of Contents
Photo Credits – Nebraska DED, Dan Harper, Idea Bank Marketing,
McCook Gazette, Tor Olson, Adam Powers and Carol Schlegel
© 2014
Produced by the Red Willow County Visitor’s Committee
All information was accurate at the time of publication. Before you plan a visit,
please confirm details by using the contact information provided in this guide.
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History of McCook
Historical Attractions
Parks & Trails
Prairie Lakes
Map of McCook
Recreational Activities
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6
8
10
12
14
Annual Events
16
Bird Watching
18
Southwest Nebraska Hunting 20
Lodging Guide
22
Dining Guide
23
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History of McCook
Dubbed “The Magical City of the West” in its
early years, McCook has a history that is deeply
rooted in agriculture, the railroad industry and
the determination that epitomizes the spirit of
the American pioneer.
McCook was established in 1882 as the result of an agreement
between the Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and the
Lincoln Land Company to form a new railroad center halfway
between Denver, Colorado, and Omaha, Nebraska.
In searching for a name for the new community, the founders took
the suggestion of Alexander Campbell, the first superintendent of
the local division of the Burlington railroad, and chose “McCook”
for Alexander McDowell McCook, of the “Fighting Ohio McCooks”
who were known as military leaders and Indian fighters. General
McCook served the Union for 43 years against Indian uprisings in
the west and against the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
The “magic” of McCook has always come from the people that
have chosen to call it home and have left their legacies for not
only the town, but the world. From “Buffalo Jones,” who saved
the American Bison from extinction, to “Blind Sam,” a strolling
minstrel that entertained downtown. From our rich political
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heritage that includes Senator George W. Norris, Nebraska
Governors Ralph G. Brooks, Frank B. Morrison and Senator
E. Benjamin Nelson, to leaders in industry such as Burns
International, producers of quality orthotics. From Harold Sutton,
who built the only home in Nebraska designed by architect Frank
Lloyd Wright, to Tom Kiplinger, who has provided the area with
a first rate indoor arena that bears his name. These people, and
many more like them, have had a vision and have made McCook
the magical place it is today.
Come experience the history for yourself and enjoy making
your own history while you’re here.
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From striking architectural structures and
humble prairie homes to the lives of some of
Nebraska’s leading political minds–it all
comes alive in McCook.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Sutton House Designed by one of
America’s most influential architects in the early 1900s, the
Sutton House at 602 Norris Avenue is one of Wright’s few homes
west of the Mississippi River—and the only one in Nebraska. This
architectural marvel showcases Wright’s earlier designs, reflecting
his distinctive prairie style. This is a private residence located at
the corner of Norris Avenue and West F Street.
Senator George W. Norris State Historical Site Senator
Norris referred to the modest house at 706 Norris Avenue as his
own “WPA project” and it has been beautifully preserved as it was
when Mrs. Norris left it in 1967. Learn about the man that has so
strongly impacted your life through his four decades representing
Nebraska in the House and the Senate, his efforts in establishing
the Tennessee Valley Authority, Rural Electrification Act and so
much more by visiting the interpretive center and discovering
why he earned a spot with only seven other senators in John F.
Kennedy’s “Profiles in Courage.” Open for tours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday –
Friday (308.345.8484) Tours by appointment: Call 308.345.7650
Museum of the High Plains and Carnegie Library
Located at 421 Norris Avenue, this is where you go to learn
“the rest of the story” about McCook and southwest Nebraska’s
settlement, the importance of Agriculture and Railroad to our
development and future, our significant political heritage in
being the home to a U.S. Senator and three Nebraska governors,
and catch a glimpse into the daily life of years gone by.
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Notable exhibits include
Frank Lloyd Wright house
plans for a home that was never
built; D.A.R display; extraordinary
quilts and the areas role in WWII by being the location of the
McCook Army Air Base, as well as the Indianola German POW camp.
The historic Carnegie Library comprises a portion of the Museum
complex. Built in the style of the Spanish Colonial Revival, the
library was constructed with a grant from the Andrew Carnegie
Foundation, opened to the public in 1908 and served in that
capacity for over 60 years. It continues to serve as a place of
education with its archives of scrapbooks, yearbooks and a
wealth of Genealogical resources. Open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
(308.345.3661)
Heritage Square Historical Walking Tour Step back into
Nebraska history and discover McCook’s beautiful historic district
on this excursion. The tour spans a ten-block area near downtown,
displaying a variety of architectural styles from the late 1800s
and early 1900s. Your journey begins by picking up the Historical
Walking Tour brochure at the Keystone Business Center or the
Museum of the High Plains, then moves on to include the boyhood
home of Sen. E. Benjamin Nelson, the original YMCA building and
other historical landmarks.
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Established shade trees line sun-sprinkled
trails. Inviting open space and playgrounds.
Nights filled with music–and days filled with
the sounds of laughter and family fun.
You’ll find it all in McCook’s beautiful parks.
Barnett Park Barnett Park stretches out along the Republican River
on the southern edge of McCook on Highway 83. Several ponds allow
children to wet a line, catch the big one or feed breadcrumbs to a
group of waterfowl. Playgrounds, sand volleyball courts and trails
offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation, play, hiking and bicycling.
Tables, picnic shelters and grills are located throughout the park—and
during the winter, you may even find a place to ice skate!
Elks City Park Located on West 5th Street, Elks City Park features
tennis courts that also double as a site for rollerblading, street hockey
and skateboarding. The large, inviting lawn is a great place to spread
a blanket and relax—or play Frisbee, HackeySack or a game of catch.
Karrer Park This is a free tourist campground located at the east edge
of McCook on Highway 6 & 34. The camp lies at the end of Kelley Creek
Walking Trail and offers free camping, modern restrooms and showers,
picnic areas with tables and grills, and electrical hookups for RVs.
Kelley Park This is a favorite community gathering spot, thanks
to its swimming pool, playground, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball
courts and 18-hole disc golf course. The park also features two picnic
shelters ideal for family gatherings. On its west side, Bolles Canyon
offers large open lawns flanked by shade trees.
Kelley Creek Walking Trail Kelley Creek Walking Trail is a work
in progress that is nearing completion. Starting in Kelley Park and
meandering along the creek towards East H Street, the first 1.1 miles
of the trail is paved and features exercise stations for a serious
workout, or you can opt for a leisurely stroll through scenic views and
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peaceful surroundings.
The remaining southern
section is a rustic hike
from East H Street to East
11th Street that will result
in approximately 1.5 miles of
scenic walking trail.
Norris Park Located in McCook’s Heritage Square along
Norris Avenue, Norris Park’s focal point is its historic bandshell,
which serves as a centerpiece for festivals and celebrations. A
playground, picnic tables, historical marker and Copper Kettle
monument are scattered throughout the park’s lush greenery.
The newest monument, a sculpture entitled “Going Home,”
depicts an angel carrying a fallen soldier. As his Eagle Scout
project, Trenton Klimper spearheaded fundraising to establish
this memorial which will “withstand the test of time.”
All-American Ball Parks America’s Heartland has plenty
of fields where you can play America’s game—or watch your
favorite hometown team. Felling Field at East 7th and D Street
has been home to McCook’s Little League since 1932. Jaycee
Ball Park Complex at West 10th and M Street features four
fields for baseball and softball.
Russell Park This neighborhood oasis located on East Fifth
and J streets, is ideal for an outing with the kids or a family
get together with its playground equipment, basketball hoop,
horse shoe pit and picnic tables.
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Prairie Lakes
McCook rests at the heart of four southwest
Nebraska reservoirs and State Recreation Areas
(SRAs), which offer water skiing, swimming,
boating, hunting, fishing and camping–for
year-round outdoor fun and adventure.
Red Willow State Recreation Area Some of the best
hunting and fishing in Nebraska can be found at this SRA located
just ten minutes north of McCook. Some 6,000 acres of public
land surround a 1,600-acre lake. Anglers troll 35 miles of brushy
shoreline for largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass,
northern pike and walleye. Several record crappie have also been
pulled from the lake. Hunters trek the tall grasses and rough
canyons for pheasant, quail, waterfowl, rabbit and whitetail and
mule deer. Campsites offer outstanding panoramic views along
with electrical hook-ups, showers, restrooms, RV stations and
sheltered picnic areas. More rustic sites circle the lake for those
wanting a more secluded camping environment.
Medicine Creek State Recreation Area One of Nebraska’s
most scenic nature spots, this SRA is 25 miles east and 7 miles
north of McCook (near Cambridge). A 6,500-acre wildlife habitat
area surrounds a picturesque 2,000-acre lake filled with kingsized crappie and other sport fish. This is also one of the state’s
best public hunting areas. The east side of the lake provides
surfaced pads, electrical hook-ups, showers, restrooms and RV
stations. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, other
open camping sites are located around the lake.
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Swanson State Recreation Area Venture 24 miles west on
Highway 34 and you’ll find Swanson SRA near Trenton—5,000
acres of water and 4,000 acres of land. The crystal clear lake
attracts anglers, boaters and campers. The lake is legendary for
its trophy-size northern pike, abundant crappie, huge walleye and
large schools of white bass. The 3,000 acres of public wildlife
land on the west end of the lake provide outstanding hunting for
upland game birds, waterfowl and deer. The Spring Canyon and
Macklin Bay areas include modern conveniences with electrical
hook-ups, shower, restrooms and RV stations.
Enders State Recreation Area Known for excellent hunting,
incredible fishing and stunning scenery, Enders SRA is just an
hour northwest of McCook along Highway 6 and 61. Enders SRA
includes 5,000 acres of nature areas, a 1,700-acre lake and 26
miles of shoreline. Other features include a waterfowl refuge,
modern campsites with electrical hook-ups, barbecue grills,
picnic shelters, restrooms and an RV station. Rustic camping
sites are also located off the beaten path.
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Kelley Creek
Walking Trail
McCook Armed Forces
Reserve Center
City of McCook
Historical
Attractions
Helpful Info
Historic Downtown McCook
Amtrak Train Depot
Museum of the High Plains
McCook Armed Forces
Reserve Center
Historic Fox Theatre
Cinema 3 Movie Theaters
Frank Lloyd Wright House
City Auditorium
Senator E. Ben Nelson Home
Senator George W. Norris Home
Governor Frank Morrison Home
Norris Bandshell
Keystone Business Center
Chamber of Commerce Tourism MEDC Kiplinger Arena
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Lodging
Accommodations
Recreational
Activities
The Cedar Inn
Elks Tennis Courts
The Chief Motel
Felling Field
Heritage Hills Golf Course
Days Inn & Suites
Kelley Creek Walking Trail
Economy Inn
Horse Creek Inn
Kelley Park Disc Golf Course
Kelley Park Courts
Jaycee Ball Park Complex
Municipal Swimming Pool
McCook Community College
TJ’s Family Fun Center
Republican RV Event Center
YMCA
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McCook is a great place to get away and take part
in your favorite leisurely activity. We have one
of the best golf courses in the state–as well as
dozens of other venues for family fun for all ages.
Heritage Hills Golf Course
OTHER RECREATIONAL SITES
6000 Club House Drive • 308.345.5032
Bowling
Swimming
TJ’s Family Fun Center
McCook Municipal
Swimming Pool
500 East M Street
308.345.1624
If you have played Heritage Hills in the past, it’s time to come
back for another “swing.” If you have never played here,
Heritage Hills offers a renewed golfing experience through a
recently completed $260,000 renovation project that enhances
playability for golfers of all abilities. In the end, the course was
lengthened to more than 7,000 yards with changes to 17 of the
18 holes. Although the course was technically lengthened, at the
same time it was shortened by adding forward tees. Players will
find the course’s new design changes add diversity to their shots
and club selection. Heritage Hills attracts the attention of golf
lovers across the nation with a unique, outstanding course that
can be played year around. www.heritagehillsmccook.com
Kelley Creek Disc Golf Course
East M Street & Seminole Drive
This is a great course for the competitive
disc golfer or for just knocking around
with the kids. This delightful 18-hole
course winds its way through the
rolling hills of Kelley Park.
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N. Highway 83 • 308.345.2700
Disc Golf
Kelley Park (18-hole course)
Tennis
East 3rd & M Street
Elks Tennis Court
West 5th & E Street
School Courts
700 West 7th Street
Sand Volleyball
Barnett Park S. Highway 83
Kelley Park East 3rd & M Street
Sports Bar & Grill
1604 West J Street
Lighthouse Marina & Grill Red
Willow State Recreational Area
YMCA
Complete indoor athletic
complex for basketball,
racquetball, swimming,
weight lifting, indoor track
and exercise.
Skateboarding &
Rollerblading
Elks Tennis Court
West 5th & E Street
Kelley Park Courts
East 3rd & M Street
901 West E Street
308.345.6228
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Annual Events
McCook offers a wide range of fun and
fascinating events–from award-winning
festivals to rough-stock rodeos, from live
music performances to downtown parades.
Call ahead for event dates and schedules.
Lighthouse Marina Summer Concert Series (Saturdays
Memorial Day to Labor Day) Great summer of music on the deck
under the stars at Hugh Butler Lake, 11 miles north of McCook
on Highway 83. For more information like the Facebook page
Lighthouse Marina
MNB Hot Summer Nights (June-August) Live summer
concert series in the Bandshell at Norris Park. 308.345.4240
Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival (June) An awardwinning festival featuring local and national talent, celebrating the
traditional art of storytelling in spoken stories, poetry and song.
Includes interactive workshops, cowboy poetry, kid’s festival and
live performances at the Historic Fox Theatre. 800.657.2179 •
www.buffalocommons.org
Red Willow County Fair Held in July, these five days of
traditional county fair fun are sure to please. Animal exhibits, games,
carnival rides, a live concert, tractor pull and rodeo are among
the highlights. 308.345.4650 • www.redwillowcountyfair.com
Old Settlers Celebration Held the second Saturday in August
in Indianola, this family event includes a road race, parade, car
show, kiddie carnival, craft fair, soapbox derby, horseshoes and
more. 308.364.9281
Heritage Days Celebration Held the last full weekend in
September, this is McCook’s largest celebration. A full slate of
activities for the entire family, great food, live entertainment and
an impressive parade. 800.657.2179 • www.aboutmccook.com
Entertainment Venues
Fine Arts Center The McCook Art Guild Gallery, located at
209 Norris Avenue, is a great place to reflect on exhibits and
traveling shows featuring the visual works of Nebraska artists.
For a schedule of events, visit www.McCookArtGuild.com •
308.345.1859 Wed 1-4 p.m.; Thurs 12-6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Historic Fox Theatre Continuing its proud tradition of
promoting the performing arts in Southwest Nebraska, the
Historic Fox Theatre provides quality entertainment and a
beautiful venue for community events in a historically important
building on Norris Avenue next to the Keystone Business Center.
308.340.5972 • www.foxtheatremccook.org
Kiplinger Arena Southwest Nebraska’s largest, heated indoor
arena is home to dozens of equestrian and agricultural events
including barrel races, cutting horse shows, timed event rodeos,
draft horse shows and more-all year long. 308.345.4650 •
www.KiplingerArena.com • Red Willow County Fair Grounds
McCook Speedway Feel the roar and rumble of stock car
races every Friday night from April through August. The venue
hosts a variety of race classes on its 3/8-mile clay dirt track.
Red Willow County Fair Grounds • 308.345.4650
Live at the Bieroc Regularly scheduled year-round shows
feature live folk music and other performances by national
artists in the “Listening Room” atmosphere of the Bieroc Café.
308.345.6500 • www.BierocCafe.com
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Bird Watching on the Sand Sage Prairie
If a real honest-to-goodness American Birding
adventure is what you are looking for, there are
few better places to start one than in McCook.
Native sand sage prairies are rare except in southwest Nebraska,
where due to the rough topography and rocky soils, many parcels
have been left undisturbed, attracting–depending on the season–
a remarkable variety of some of North America’s most interesting
birds. This region is also on one of the principal routes of the
Central Migration Flyway for waterfowl’s annual trip between
breeding and wintering areas. The presence of thousands of acres
of publicly accessible land around the area’s reservoirs establishes
this as an indisputable “birdwatcher’s paradise.”
Barnett Park According to T.J. Walker, Nebraska Game and
Parks biologist and an expert birder, Barnett Park, located on
Highway 83 in south McCook, is “good for water birds when it is
not too busy, and the trees along the river are a good place to
look for migrating warblers and other songbirds.”
Prairie Chicken Dance Tours Whimsical, charming,
fascinating–and for most of the year, elusive–Southwest
Nebraska’s Greater Prairie Chickens strut their stuff in a
spectacular show each Spring. Join a group of early morning
birders on weekends in late March and April to observe the
annual mating dance that with enchant, amaze and thrill you.
For more information, and to book your tour, go to
www.PrairieChickenDanceTours.com
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Red Willow State Recreation Area Located 11 miles north
of McCook, this reservoir, as well as the three other reservoirs in
the area, often hold large concentrations of water birds such as
grebes, ducks, geese, gulls and others, with occasional rarities
like Red-necked grebes. It is considered one of Nebraska’s prime
birding areas. With some 4,320 acres of upland area to explore,
you’ll want to allow some extra time for Red Willow’s varied
habitats. As T.J. Walker writes, “The reservoir and the roads
around it can take a day to bird thoroughly due to the diversity
of habitats present at the reservoir.” Look for burrowing owls
in the prairie dog town near Spring Park. A white-faced ibis
nests in the wetlands on the west side of the reservoir, and
barn owls have been spotted peering out of holes in the clay
banks above the reservoir. For more information consult
www.chickendancetrail.com
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Southwest
Nebraska Hunting
Southwest Nebraska–where
Ringneck Pheasant is king and Mule Deer
and Wild Turkey are plentiful–is known by hunters
across the country as home to some of the best
hunting in the state. Our State Recreation Areas (SRA)
and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) offer almost
19,000 acres of public hunting land managed for
wildlife habitat. From a variety of upland game birds
and waterfowl to scavengers and big game hunts,
McCook is the ideal destination for all your
hunting adventures.
Southwest Nebraska
Public Hunting Land
Enders Reservoir SRA/WMA 3,643 Acres. 50 miles
northwest of McCook, along Hwy 6. Deer, Dove, Pheasant,
Quail, Rabbit and Waterfowl.
Frenchman WMA 98 Acres. 26 miles northwest of Hayes
Center. Deer, Dove, Pheasant, Quail, Rabbit, Turkey and Waterfowl.
Medicine Creek SRA/WMA 6,726 Acres. 25 miles east of
McCook and 7 miles north of Hwy 6 & 34. Deer, Dove, Pheasant,
Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, Turkey and Waterfowl.
Red Willow Reservoir SRA/WMA 4,320 Acres. 11 miles
north of McCook, along Hwy 83. Deer, Dove, Pheasant, Quail,
Rabbit and Waterfowl.
Red Willow Diversion Dam WMA 56 Acres. 9 miles
northeast of McCook, off of Hwy 83. Dove, Pheasant, Quail,
Rabbit and Waterfowl.
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Swanson Reservoir SRA/WMA 3,957 Acres. 24 miles
west of McCook, on Hwy 34. Deer, Dove, Pheasant, Quail, Rabbit,
Squirrel, Turkey and Waterfowl.
CRP Management Access
Program (CRP-MAP)
The CRP Management Access Program
(CRP-MAP) is a pilot program, being
implemented statewide across Nebraska.
Program goals are to improve habitat for
pheasants and other wildlife on CRP land
and to provide public access for walk-in
hunting on those acres. CRP-MAP is funded
jointly by the Game and Parks Commission
from Nebraska Habitat Stamp funds and grants
from Pheasants Forever chapters across the state.
NOT ALL CRP AREAS ARE OPEN TO PUBLIC HUNTING. Make
sure the land you are entering is posted with “CRP-MAP Hunting
Permitted” signs like the one illustrated in this publication.
For more information: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov
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Days Inn and Suites 40 rooms – Indoor pool & spa – Suites – 901
N. Hwy 83 – 308.345.7115 – 800.DAYSINN – www.daysinn.com
Economy Inn 39 rooms – Breakfast room – Wireless Internet –
1103 East B Street – 308.345.1141 – 888.345.1141
Horse Creek Inn 50 rooms – Suites – Meeting room – 1 Holiday
Bison Drive – 308.345.4505 – www.horsecreekinnmccook.com
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308.345.2373
308.345.4227
308.345.2296
308.345.6216
402 East B St
1006 West B St
N Hwy 83 & Coppermill St
805 East B Street
Bueno’s Taquitos
Club Paradise
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308.345.7464
308.345.4117
308.345.2930
308.345.2948
305 West 10th St
701 West B St
905 East 7th St
Fuller’s Family Restaurant
Goodlife Chinese Restaurant
Business Name
308.345.2420
308.345.3422
809 West B St
501 North Hwy 83
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant
Mac’s Drive-In
McDonald’s Restaurant
308.345.5198
308.345.8881
404 West A St
402 Norris Ave
Loop Brewing Company
Rocket Inn
Big Red’s Sports Bar
Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Vicki’s Cafe
Taste of Texas BBQ
Tequilas Mexican Grill
308.345.6243
308.345.2292
112 West 1st St
Red Willow SRA
Lighthouse Marina & Grill
Taco John’s
TJ’s Family Fun Center
Subway Sandwiches & Salads
Sports Bar & Grill
Sehnert’s Bakery & Bieroc Café
Runza Restaurant
Pizza Hut/Taco Bell/KFC
Oz-Tex
Old Sarge’s Tavern
McDonald’s Restaurant
La Cocina Restaurant & Lounge
Kelley Creek Pub
Joltin’ Jo’s Espresso
308.345.2936
311 Norris Ave
110 Norris Ave
El Puerto Mexican Restaurant
Eagles Club
The Coppermill Steakhouse
Phone
308.345.7154
Chief Motel 94 rooms – Indoor pool & spa – Suites – 612 West B
Street – 308.345.3700 – 866.842.3252 – www.thechiefmotel.com
Address
Cedar Inn 4-Less 23 rooms – 1300 East C Street – 308.345.7091 –
www.cedarinn4less.com
900 West B St
Lodging Guide
Arby’s Roast Beef Restaurant
Whether you are staying one night or a week, you
will find the lodging you seek in McCook. Our
motels and inns offer the amenities you have
come to expect including Wi-Fi, complimentary
breakfasts, luxury suites, indoor pools and
exercise rooms, all provided with first class
service that will make you feel right at home.
Dining experiences vary from a light lunch in a
Euro-style café to a burger and fries delivered
by a carhop. Or maybe a hearty home style
breakfast–or a delicious Nebraska steak dinner.
You’ll find all that and more with over two
dozen restaurants and pubs in McCook.
Business Name
Dining Guide
Lodging
and Dining Guide
Address
Phone
308.345.4036
308.345.1611
308.345.1980
308.345.2700
308.345.2322
308.345.9900
308.345.6500
308.345.3786
308.345.4150
308.345.6033
308.345.2922
308.345.3422
121 N 4th Street, Indianola
116 N 4th Street, Indianola
North Hwy 83
308.364.9906
308.364.2775
308.345.7618
North Hwy 83 (North Sale Barn) 308.345.5040
205 Norris Ave
112 West 11 St
710 West B St
North Hwy 83
216 Westview Plaza
1604 West J St
312 Norris Ave
802 North Hwy 83
811 North Hwy 83
801 West C St
114 West 1st Street
501 North Hwy 83
14RWCC-001_0414_5M
800.657.2179 • GoToMcCook.com
PO Box 337 • McCook, NE 69001