Nebraska is full of hundreds of small towns, each with their own unique charms. If you find yourself out wandering around in southeastern Nebraska this summer, consider stopping in to visit the lovely town of Fairbury. There’s more to this town of less than 4,000 than you might expect.
Fairbury is a former railroad town that has persevered through all types of hardships.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons The first settlers arrived in what would become Fairbury in 1868. By 1870, the town had more than 350 residents and the promise of the railroad. When the St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad reached the town in 1872, Fairbury’s population grew significantly. Major fires in 1879 and 1903 threatened to set back Fairbury’s growth, but after both incidents the town simply picked up the pieces, rebuilt, and went on with life.The Great Depression and the departure of the railroad may have destroyed other towns, but Fairbury has managed to keep going through it all.
The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad had a profound effect on the town.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons The Rock Island Depot was built in Fairbury in the early 20th century. It stands today as the Fairbury Rock Island Depot Museum, a fascinating stop for any railroad enthusiast. It details the town’s history with the railroad.The Fairbury City Museum is another must-see attraction. This little town has some interesting history to share. One of the most fascinating tidbits: the Campbell Brothers Circus, once the second-largest circus in the world, used to winter in Fairbury. Original artifacts from that time (the late 19th-early 20 century) are on display in the museum. Walk over to the Globe Rexall Store on 5th and E Streets to see a huge mural of the Campbell Brothers Circus parade on the side of the building. Who would have thought this little town would have such a colorful history?
The entire Fairbury Commercial Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Some streets retain their original bricks, and many of the town’s original buildings remain intact and remarkably well-preserved.
The town is full of fantastic surprises, like these sweet stone structures in the city park. They’re like something out of a fairy tale.
flickr/John Carrell
flickr/John Carrell In Fairbury’s McNish Park, you’ll also find a disc golf course, playground equipment, beautiful trees and flower beds, and flowing water. This is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch and take in the peaceful, lovely scenery.
The town is full of people committed to preserving the past while looking forward to the future.
By postcard (open source) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons When the Bonham Theatre closed in 2012 after 86 years in operation, Fairbury citizens decided that their town couldn’t afford to lose this entertainment venue. They formed a group and banded together to fix up and reopen the theatre. They have received numerous grants and donations to help them along the way, but they still need help to reopen the Bonham.
Some of the other activities and attractions you’ll want to hit up in Fairbury are the Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, Fairbury City Park (with another fairy tale-like structure!), and the District 10 Schoolhouse museum. Don’t miss the July 4th flea market, which happens to be the largest flea market in Nebraska. There’s a parade that morning and fireworks at night – if there’s ever a perfect time for a day trip to Fairbury, the July 4th holiday is it.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The first settlers arrived in what would become Fairbury in 1868. By 1870, the town had more than 350 residents and the promise of the railroad. When the St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad reached the town in 1872, Fairbury’s population grew significantly. Major fires in 1879 and 1903 threatened to set back Fairbury’s growth, but after both incidents the town simply picked up the pieces, rebuilt, and went on with life.The Great Depression and the departure of the railroad may have destroyed other towns, but Fairbury has managed to keep going through it all.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Rock Island Depot was built in Fairbury in the early 20th century. It stands today as the Fairbury Rock Island Depot Museum, a fascinating stop for any railroad enthusiast. It details the town’s history with the railroad.The Fairbury City Museum is another must-see attraction. This little town has some interesting history to share. One of the most fascinating tidbits: the Campbell Brothers Circus, once the second-largest circus in the world, used to winter in Fairbury. Original artifacts from that time (the late 19th-early 20 century) are on display in the museum. Walk over to the Globe Rexall Store on 5th and E Streets to see a huge mural of the Campbell Brothers Circus parade on the side of the building. Who would have thought this little town would have such a colorful history?
See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Some streets retain their original bricks, and many of the town’s original buildings remain intact and remarkably well-preserved.
flickr/John Carrell
In Fairbury’s McNish Park, you’ll also find a disc golf course, playground equipment, beautiful trees and flower beds, and flowing water. This is the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch and take in the peaceful, lovely scenery.
By postcard (open source) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
When the Bonham Theatre closed in 2012 after 86 years in operation, Fairbury citizens decided that their town couldn’t afford to lose this entertainment venue. They formed a group and banded together to fix up and reopen the theatre. They have received numerous grants and donations to help them along the way, but they still need help to reopen the Bonham.
Have you visited this sweet little pioneer town? What was your favorite part?
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