Historic McCook blends 19th-century charm and community
Established in the late 1800s, McCook has a charming downtown center in the Great Plains of southwest Nebraska, with award-winning cafes and 19th-century architecture. It also offers plenty of weekend activities with areas like the Heritage Hills Golf Course and the Red Willow Reservoir. The area's main draw is its relatively low housing costs and community-oriented vibe. "If you know the phrase, 'It takes a village,' that is the definition of McCook," says Danica Skaritka, a McCook native and Realtor at Coldwell Banker Preferred Group. "If your car were to break down, somebody would be there to help you. We were raised to help our neighbors and do our best."
Colorful cafés on the bricks of Norris Avenue
Norris Avenue is McCook's central thoroughfare, with historic brick roads lined with boutiques and well-known restaurants. "Downtown 'on the bricks' is a great place," Skaritka says. "They kept the original brick streets in the middle of town. It has many family-owned businesses, which are great for people who shop local." Nebraska's only James Beard award-winning restaurant, Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe in 2019, is known today as Embers Bakery & Cafe, and serves pastries and sandwiches with the occassional live music. Another eatery is Tequilas, which has a colorful atmosphere with painted murals and chandeliers. Residents can pick up groceries at Fresh Foods or Walmart Supercenter along B Street.
Festivals and museums celebrate southwest Nebraska culture
The Heritage Square Walking Tour spans 10 blocks, showing historic 1800s architecture in the town center. The tour includes a Frank Lloyd Wright design and the homes of former U.S. Senators. The Museum of the High Plains features Native American artifacts and antiques from the early Western settlement. Locals can also celebrate the community with the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival, with art shows, storytelling events and live music from regional artists in mid-June.
Craftsman-style homes with modest lawns and mature trees
Due to its topography in the Great Plains, this community sits on a bed of rolling hills with gently sloping streets. Craftsman and ranch-style homes sit on grassy lawns with well-connected sidewalks shaded by oak and cottonwood trees. Home prices range from $140,000 to $250,000. "McCook is a great place to find a more affordable mortgage or rent prices, so it leaves the door open for new families to move in," Skaritka says.
From golf to camping, outdoor options are close to home
Established in the 1980s, the Heritage Hills Golf Course has fairways with dramatic elevation changes, and it was on Golf Digest's 1984 best 75 golf courses nationwide. George Norris Park is a green space with various playground structures and picnic tables. The Jaycee Complex has a baseball diamond and three softball fields. Around 12 miles north, Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area is a popular fishing area with catfish and largemouth bass. It also has campgrounds, hunting areas and 2 miles of hiking trails in the plains.
McCook schools offer B-range ratings and student-led programs
McCook Elementary is a Pre-K-3 school that earns a B grade from Niche. Second-grade students can participate in coding challenges through their computer science class. Central Elementary School serves grades 4-5 and has a B-plus. It also has field trips to the Red Willow Reservoir and the Kearney Archway. McCook Junior High School also receives a B-plus, and student writers can join the Junior High Herd Newspaper. McCook Senior High School scores a B-minus and has a Career Search and Investigate Day, where students explore different career opportunities through McCook Community College.
McCook has highways and commercial flights to Denver
There is no reliable fixed route for public transit, although the city provides a dial-a-ride service. North Platte is about 70 miles north on U.S. Route 83, while U.S. Route 34 heads west toward Colorado. The Community Hospital is a medical center with an emergency room on H Street. The McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport offers daily passenger flights to Denver International Airport.
