Every little town in Nebraska has its own personality, which you can feel as soon as you cross the town line. Callaway, in Custer County, has a population of just 539 but a personality big enough for a town many times its size. If you don’t know it yet, you’ll want to soon.
This rural community is tucked away in one of the most scenic areas of Nebraska.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce It’s right in the heart of the seven valleys region. The James, Turner, Brown, Rye, Sand, (South) Loup, and Wood Valleys surround the town.
The area is so pretty, in fact, that it was once known as Delight.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons The town name was eventually changed to Callaway in honor of a railroad official.
As in many other Nebraska towns, the railroad played a very important role in the history of Callaway.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons In fact, the promise of the railroad led to a bizarre feud between two split factions of Callaway citizens. And the little town has some even weirder history involving cattle rustlers, a blood feud, and some gruesome incidents. You can read all about it on the town’s website.
The people of Callaway are dedicated to preserving the long and interesting history of the area.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons The Seven Valleys Museum holds all kinds of displays and exhibits that preserve the memories of the region’s past.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons And the first-ever Custer County courthouse also sits in the town. It was built in 1876 and serves as another important historical attraction in this lovely little town.
Callaway’s biggest claim to fame is its annual Kite Flight.
Village of Callaway The event takes place every Labor Day weekend and attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the country and even internationally.
Rows of flags represent guests from all over the world who come to enjoy the huge gathering of kite enthusiasts.
Village of Callaway
This is the absolute perfect place to fly kites. Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors, and complexity come out to enjoy this uniquely ideal location.
Village of Callaway The “howling plains” have no shortage of strong, sustained winds.
The event is held on 200 acres of wide-open prairie, so there is ample room for lots of kites, spectators, and fun.
Village of Callaway
If you come out to watch the fun and get kite fever in the process, you can even buy your own kite at the festival.
Village of Callaway But they won’t be quite as big and impressive as these.
The annual Pioneer Picnic is another fun event that everyone in the Callaway area looks forward to every year.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce
Contrary to its name, the celebration is more than a simple lunchtime get-together.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce
Events include a rodeo, parade, dances, kids’ activities, a trail ride, turtle and toad races, and more.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce
It’s a fitting celebration for this former frontier town that still holds its heritage so near and dear.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce There are also lots of other events throughout the year that bring the community together.
Callaway is a ranching community situated in the heart of the Sandhills, but it has the same spirit of dedication to family and fellowship that can be found all throughout Nebraska.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce
Callaway is also the perfect home base for day trips to other great locations in the area. It’s close to Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, and Oconto, home to a whimsical sculpture garden (#3 on this list). It’s also just a short jump away from the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway (#8 on this list)…and, of course, it’s right in the heart of the Sandhills, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Nebraska.
Facebook/Callaway Chamber of Commerce
It’s right in the heart of the seven valleys region. The James, Turner, Brown, Rye, Sand, (South) Loup, and Wood Valleys surround the town.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
The town name was eventually changed to Callaway in honor of a railroad official.
In fact, the promise of the railroad led to a bizarre feud between two split factions of Callaway citizens. And the little town has some even weirder history involving cattle rustlers, a blood feud, and some gruesome incidents. You can read all about it on the town’s website.
The Seven Valleys Museum holds all kinds of displays and exhibits that preserve the memories of the region’s past.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
And the first-ever Custer County courthouse also sits in the town. It was built in 1876 and serves as another important historical attraction in this lovely little town.
Village of Callaway
The event takes place every Labor Day weekend and attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the country and even internationally.
The “howling plains” have no shortage of strong, sustained winds.
But they won’t be quite as big and impressive as these.
There are also lots of other events throughout the year that bring the community together.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
