Alan J.

Bartels
At Arcadia, the Middle Loup River fows
right by the Arcadia Garden Club Park. Tent
and RV camping, fshing and swimming are
enjoyed here and playground equipment,
covered picnic shelters and grills are but a
few of the many amenities. (308) 789-6552.
In 1887, Burwell was the end of the
Burlington Northern Railroad line. Te
locomotive turntable is still intact on Bur-
wells west edge. Burwell is the Outdoor
Rodeo Capital of Nebraska and 20,000
visitors come every July to Nebraskas Big
Rodeo. www.nebraskasbigrodeo.com. Te
rodeo theme rides downtown with a large
bronze statue of a cowboy on a wild horse.
To the north, the fags of the Veterans Me-
morial wave. Shade is abundant thanks to
ancient cottonwoods at Burwell City Park.
Teres a playground, authentic sod house,
swimming pool, fshing pond and canoe
access to the Loup River. Tis park is a
birdwatchers paradise.
At the lake, the Calamus State Fish
Hatchery grows walleye, hybrid bass, trout
and other species in 51 ponds and is open
to the public. (308) 346-4226.
Te Garfeld County Historical Muse-
um has proudly displayed regional history
since 1972. Exhibits include a Cowboy
and Indian room, a military display and
Dr. Crams operating room. (308) 346-
4580. Calamus Golf is known for challeng-
ing water hazards and deep grass bunkers.
Te course is one mile east of Calamus
Reservoir on Highway 96. (308) 346-5559.
Next door Calamus Lodge ofers lodging,
and its new bar and grill caters to golfers
and lake visitors. (308) 346-4331.
On the southwest corner of Burwells
town square, the three-story Hub ofers
antiques, ice cream treats, hotdogs, sand-
wiches, cofee and more from its historic
building. (308) 346-4674. For more than a
quarter century the Pizza Palace has baked
classic pies for diners and ofers carry out,
too. More than 20 varieties are ofered in
this alcohol-free restaurant on the north
side of the square. (308) 346-5200. Barbs
Diner ofers breakfast, lunch and dinner,
banana splits and other treats in an atmo-
sphere that feels like Burwell in the 1950s.
(308) 346-5020.
Dukeman Family Foods ofers perfect
for grilling cut to order steaks, smoked
meats, and everything travelers need while
visiting area lakes or the Sandhills. (308)
346-4008.
Afer sisters Tenise Jarecke and Tammy
Schmaljohn moved away to work in res-
taurants in Seattle and Kansas City, they
longed to return to Nebraska. Teir Sand-
stone Grill opened in 2005 on Burwells
town square. It ofers a rare combination of
healthy gourmet foods at reasonable prices
in the comfortable atmosphere of the clas-
sic old Burwell Hotel building. Te Sand-
stone Grill features Nebraska wines and
premium vintages from elsewhere, and de-
lectable desserts made fresh daily. Each of
the restaurants burger options are available
in beef or bison, and its Cowboy Wedgie
salad is a regional favorite. (308) 346-4582.
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