Broken Bow is a small Midwest enclave full of conveniences
Broken Bow is a central Nebraska community sown in hard work and buoyed by cordiality. The area is part of a region known for cattle farming and corn production. It’s also home to 3,500 people who take pride in this place, where they enjoy quick access to parks, schools and restaurants. “I would say the biggest draw for this area is the people,” says Stephanie Grafel, executive director of Broken Bow’s Chamber of Commerce. “We have a very open community — welcoming and ready to help out their neighbors.”
Buyers can choose from classic options and modern potential
Established homes make up the bulk of Broken Bow’s inventory, but not the entirety. “I think we have a really good mix,” Grafel says. “We have some homes that are very old, and well-maintained. ... We even have a new area in town right near our hospital that has lots available so somebody can come in and make a new build.” Some of Broken Bow’s oldest options date to the early 1900s and include bungalows, Cape Cods and foursquare-style houses. Midcentury ranch-style homes are also common. The Eagle Crest Subdivision by the Melham Medical Center is welcoming new construction with lots available for $10,000 a pop, from a quarter of an acre to a half-acre. Houses go for $130,000 to $200,000 in many cases.
Downtown is jam-packed and eclectic
Broken Bow’s downtown revolves around City Square Park. It’s loaded with businesses and exemplifies the community’s welcoming environment. “My business is right here on our downtown city square,” Grafel says. “And frequently when you see people passing by — tourists or just those that are traveling that stop in the park to rest — you’ll see our community members approach them and ask them how their day is. Or just say, ‘Hi,’ and wave as they walk by.” The Chamber of Commerce office is across the square from Ortello Dale, a coffee shop that doubles as a home decor store. Ollie’s Coffee and Boutique is similar, offering drinks, sandwiches and pastries, but also jewelry, shirts and jeans. Geared4Sports carries running shoes, cleats and more, and Chapin’s is a furniture store open for over 50 years. Locals have Grocery Kart for fresh produce and other food items.
Local fairgrounds are a hub for community events
The Custer County Fairgrounds are in Broken Bow and host a range of events, including the Custer County Fair. Held in late July and early August, the fair features a parade, a horse show, bull riding and more. The DC Lynch Carnival stops by the fairgrounds in July, as part of Broken Bow’s annual Crazy Days celebration. Crazy Days also includes a car show, a concert and a 5K run. Broken Bow has some events tailored specifically to children, too. “Down in our business district, we always have a community Easter egg hunt for the kids,” Grafel says. “And then we have what we call our Sidewalk Spooks and Trunk or Treat, where multiple businesses and organizations will have trick or treating for the kids. And we have several hundred kids that come, from not only Broken Bow but Custer County itself.”
Broken Bow schools offer interactive learning opportunities
The Broken Bow Public Schools system maintains a B grade on Niche. The B-plus-rated North Park Elementary offers science-based activities, like an egg drop. Broken Bow’s C-plus-rated middle school and B-rated high school share a campus. Students there can take agriculture education and family consumer science classes, and participate in extracurricular activities like a journalism club and a student council. There’s also a Mid-Plains Community College campus in Broken Bow with courses in topics from agriculture to sociology.
Parks combine to provide space for sports and more
Broken Bow is dotted with several green spaces that combine to cover over 100 acres. Melham Park has multiple athletic fields, a walking trail, a pool and a lake stocked with fish. There’s a playground and lighted ball diamonds at Tomahawk Park. “In the summertime we have Legion ball, so there’s a lot of baseball fields around that people enjoy going to,” Grafel says. The City Square Park downtown also has a playground, and a restored bandstand that dates to 1916. Broken Bow Golf Club includes a nine-hole course open to the public.
State highways connect locals to the rest of the region
Drivers in Broken Bow have quick access to Nebraska Highway 2, which connects to Highway 10 for trips to the Kearney Regional Airport, just under 70 miles away. The airport offers daily direct flights to Denver. Melham Medical Center, off Memorial Drive within Broken Bow, has a 24-hour emergency department.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.