Heritage Highway
Red Cloud, NE

The historic town of Red Cloud is named after the Indian Chief who was the leader of the Sioux Indians. He is known for his statesmanship in dealing with the United States government and working for the needs of his people. Legend has it that his daughter, Blue Cloud, is buried in a hill overlooking the Republican River Valley. The town also has a rich heritage of pioneering, which has been immortalized by Willa Cather in her writing.

Red Cloud is the childhood home of the Pulitzer Prize winning author, Willia Cather. The immense Nebraska prairie and the town of Red Cloud was inspiration for her works. Willia Cather's influence is so strong in the area that the Nebraska State Legislature officially proclaimed the western half of Webster County as “Catherland” in 1965.

There are many other things to do and see while in Red Cloud and the area is full of historic sites. The Starke Round Barn, built in 1902-3, located near Red Cloud is the largest barn of its type in Nebraska and one of the largest in the state. It measures 130 feet in diameter and has three levels. The bottom is for animals, the second for machinery, and the third, which is a loft, is for hay.

There are also recreational opportunities along the Republican River. Visitors can go fishing, canoeing, camping, or hunting. The beauty of the area is an important part of the heritage of the people in the area.