McCook Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism

Unravel a rich culture of cowboy history, architectural prowess, folk music and outdoor adventures in this “Magical City of the West.”

Experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Midwest America at McCook, a town that has been home to buffalo herders, senators and folk musicians. Founded in 1882 at the endpoint of the Burlington railroad extension, McCook’s growth was fuelled by agriculture and trade.

Explore McCook’s streets, where cowboy heritage and fine art combine for a captivating visitor experience. See an equestrian show at the Kiplinger Arena before browsing local paintings at the Fine Arts Centre. In the evenings, enjoy authentic outback cuisine at a steakhouse and then watch plays performed at the Historic Fox Theatre.

Witness McCook’s storied past on the Heritage Square Historical Walking Tour, which passes through its old town. Take note of the Harvey P. Sutton House, which was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907. Nearby, see the home of George W. Norris, an influential senator who governed Nebraska in the mid-1900s. Delve deeper in McCook’s history of agriculture and railroads at the Museum of the High Plains.

Enjoy peaceful walks through McCook’s parks, which feature ponds, picnicking lawns and playgrounds. Rollerblade through Elks City Park, play a game of sand volleyball at Barnett Park or stroll along the scenic Kelley Creek Walking Trail. Work on your swing at the Heritage Hills Golf Course or take the kids for an amusing game of disc golf near Kelley Creek.

Just outside town, immerse yourself in the natural surrounds of the Red Willow State Recreation Area, a 6,000-acre (2428-hectare) reserve. Fish for bass, hunt for deer or camp with panoramic views of the Nebraskan prairie lakes. Nearby, enjoy scenic boating at the Medicine Creek Recreation Area or see the waterfowl refuge at the Enders State Recreation Area.

McCook is located in southwest Nebraska, approximately 5 hours’ drive from LincolnOpens in a new window. Get around town on foot or drive to nearby nature reserves.

Visit McCook in the summer months to catch the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival, a celebration of the art of storytelling through folk music and cowboy poetry performances.

Horse Creek Inn
Horse Creek Inn
2.5 out of 5
1 Holiday Bison Dr, McCook, NE
Stay at this hotel in McCook. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (635 reviews)
Senior Graduation
"Decided to stay in Nebraska for a senior graduation in Kansas. The breakfast was delicious, wish they had the waffle maker! Other than that, overall good stay!"

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Horse Creek Inn
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - McCook
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - McCook
2.5 out of 5
1301 N Hwy 83, McCook, NE
The price is £100 per night from 28 May to 29 May
£100
includes taxes & fees
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this golf hotel in McCook. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (562 reviews)
"This was the cleanest hotel!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - McCook
Holiday Inn Express McCook by IHG
Holiday Inn Express McCook by IHG
2.5 out of 5
711 North Hwy 83, McCook, NE
The price is £99 per night from 28 May to 29 May
£99
includes taxes & fees
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in McCook. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Jaycees Complex and TJ'S Family Fun Center ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Clean, friendly staff. Accommodating"

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Holiday Inn Express McCook by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
“The Frank” Townhouse in McCook
“The Frank” Townhouse in McCook
McCook, NE
Stay at this holiday home in McCook. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Norris Park and George W Norris Home ...
Very nice
"We had a funeral and it was a last minute get in for the wake and leave early for the funeral the next morning. They worked with us checking in earlier and communication was so nice. The house was plenty of room and very clean. Location was great. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2025

“The Frank” Townhouse in McCook
“The Bev” Townhouse in McCook
“The Bev” Townhouse in McCook
McCook, NE
Stay at this holiday home in McCook. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Norris Park and George W Norris Home ...
High School Rodeo 2024
"Very Nice Place to Stay. We have stayed a couple times and will stay again."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

“The Bev” Townhouse in McCook
Coratel Inn & Suites By Jasper McCook - Deluxe 1 King Bed NS
Coratel Inn & Suites By Jasper McCook - Deluxe 1 King Bed NS
McCook, NE
Stay at this aparthotel in McCook. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Elks City Park and Museum of the High Plains are ...
"Other guests were loud in the halls. Breakfast was scheduled from 6 to 9 am. I went to get breakfast, there was no hot food, only dry cereal instant oatmeal. Coffee could have been freaher."

Reviewed on 27 May 2021

Coratel Inn & Suites By Jasper McCook - Deluxe 1 King Bed NS
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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