Adventure can be found all around Cambridge

McKinley Park
The pride of Cambridge is evident in our glorious McKinley Park, undoubtedly one of the largest parks per capita anywhere. It is recorded in our history archives that 10,000 citizens came from miles around to attend a 4th of July event in the early 1900's when the park was known as the "Playground of Southwest Nebraska". Today, the projects of the Cambridge Park Board and Foundation continually underscore this theme with new trails, footbridges, signage, concession/restroom facility, and plantings recently completed. A new public art installation and improving the historic formal flower garden are current projects.

The Medicine Creek provides the perfect backdrop for the park--its bountiful natural habitat enhances the park with majestic trees, birds, fishing, and exploration. The Medicine Creek Trail winding alongside and crossing over two footbridges is great for a walk or bike ride. Historic and artistic features compliment glorious flower gardens. Sporting facilities, swimming pool, playgrounds, and a one acre sandbox provide fun for all. An RV camping area with 11 spaces provides electrical and water hook-ups for a free-will donation. The park's many trees have allowed our designation as an affiliate site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Relive history visiting the historic one-room school house, watch a baseball game, or take in a riding and roping competition at the Patterson Rodeo Arena on Sunday afternoons.

Cross Creek Golf Links, 308.697.4768
This golfer’s paradise is not only affordable and challenging, but shows off some of Cambridge’s breathtaking views. Referred to as a "diamond in the rough" by an Omaha World-Herald reporter, Cross Creek greets many returning golfers each year.

Cambridge's championship length 18-hole public golf course wraps the northern slope of Cambridge with green from east to west. The course offers great diversity of play with links land holes mixed with park style holes. At 7,205 yards from the tips, the golf course offers a variety of teeing areas on each hole catering to golfers of all ages and abilities.

Hole number 18 has been called one of the best finishing holes in the Midwest, a very long par 4 turning left to a small green tucked between the Medicine Creek and large cottonwoods.

Cross Creek has a full time PGA professional who manages the course staff, teaches lessons, and arranges outings. Featuring a myriad of events throughout the golfing year, the TriValley ProAm annually caps off the year in September when many golf professionals and amateurs get together to support the TriValley Medical Foundation.

Cross Creek Golf Links offers quality at a reasonable cost. A fleet of Club Car rental carts provides reliable transportation around the course. The player will be greeted by lush fairways and large, receptive greens. Corporate and family outings will enjoy the friendly, helpful staff at Cross Creek.

Points of interest and breathtaking views highlight a round of golf at Cross Creek. You will cross the Medicine Creek on a re-purposed historical county bridge, encounter picturesque holes with expansive views of the river valley, and enjoy pockets of native grasses and wildflowers.

Come to Cambridge and add Cross Creek to your course list!

Harry Strunk Lake/Medicine Creek Reservoir/Medicine Creek State Recreation Area
RR 2, Box 95, Cambridge, NE 69022-9312, 308.697.4667
E-mail: mcreek@ngpc.state.ne.us

Located just ten minutes (via paved road) north of Cambridge, this amazing place deserves to have three names! The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has touted this as Nebraska's "Most Scenic Lake" and in times of "low water", the many springs that bring this lake to and over capacity year after year are truly a gift.

Rated by many visitors as one of Nebraska's loveliest recreation spots, Medicine Creek State Recreation Area and wildlife land encompass some 8,500 acres of public land and water in southeast Frontier County, 2 miles west and 7 miles north of Cambridge. The dam on Medicine Creek is a zoned, earth-filled structure. It is 165 feet high and 5,665 feet long. At the top of the conservation pool, the lake covers 1,850 surface acres, with 29 miles of shoreline. Water stored irrigates some 16,630 acres of land and has been the source of water Nebraska has called upon to assist with a water lawsuit filed by Kansas. Remember it is a State Park so a Permit is necessary to visit. Only about 90,000 visitors are recorded annually, so there is never a crowd and always something biting!

Showcasing all the amenities of the SRA, wildlife seasons, innovative conservation practices, and compelling archeological details, you may read the entirety of a feature story by Rocky Hoffman from the NebraskaLand Magazine's May 2007 (pdf) issue here.

Cambridge Museum, 612 Penn Street, 308.697.4385
For 70 years, we have had the great fortune of preserving and appreciating our area history through the displays and programs of the Cambridge Museum. Since it was first opened by Charles Junker in 1938, the museum has been a place where local citizens have gifted important artifacts and historical documents. The museum’s first location was on the north side of U.S. Route 6&34. In 1990, the museum was moved to 612 Penn Street in a new facility funded through donations.

Natural history exhibits include geological collections of rocks and minerals, fossils of prehistoric plants and animals, and mounted birds and animals. Exhibits of pioneer home settings and businesses recreate the early lifestyle of Cambridge. Pioneer weaponry, agricultural tools, livestock memorabilia, and Native American artifacts are also featured. A “kid’s case” features discoveries of local youths.

The museum’s gallery hosts temporary exhibits and a collection of paintings from local artists. Also featured in the museum are collections of old photographs, postcards, newspapers, books, and other local memorabilia.

Various media equipment is available at the museum for special presentations. Museum Hours are April to October, Tuesday through Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and October through April, Saturday and Sunday only 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Wm. H. Faling Historic Tour Home/Cambridge Bed & Breakfast, 606 Parker Street, 308.697.3220
The century old landmark home built by Cambridge’s first mayor and community builders, William H. and Anna Faling has served as a historic tour home and as the Cambridge Bed & Breakfast since 1998. The Falings are exemplary pioneers who believed in the future of small town America and are quoted "We are the generation that built communities out of the Great American Desert".

The extraordinary neoclassic architecture and original details awarded its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Guests enjoy stepping back in time while enjoying modern amenities such as a private bath, television, and hi-speed wireless Internet. Luxurious bedding and furnishings as well as delicious homemade breakfasts make this a memorable experience at an affordable price. Tours and special events are hosted with advance arrangements.

Tranquil Valley Health Spa
Make the most of your Cambridge experience by de-stressing at the Tranquil Valley Spa. You will appreciate the skillful touch of our licensed massage therapist. This service of Tri-Valley Health System offers a full range of treatment options. Yoga classes are also available. Located at the Heritage Plaza, suite C-21. Advance scheduling recommended.

Cambridge Lanes, 601 Patterson, 308.697.4274
Enjoy the nostalgic experience of a small town bowling alley with six lanes, automatic scoring, great food and beverages. Non-smoking.

S.L. Jonson Studios, 622 Pacific Street, 308.697.3493 or 1.800.720.8574
The fine art studio of S.L. Jonson at 622 Pacific Street in Cambridge has produced the Daydreams sculpture located in the formal flower garden of McKinley Park. Sondra L. Jonson, educated at Bryn Mawr College, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Frudakis Academy of Art, and the Centro d’Estudios Hispanicos in Madrid, Spain, now has installed more than 45 monuments in 20 states. Due to an intensive production schedule, Sondra is not conducting tours at this time. Please check back for future availability.

S. L. Jonson Studios in the news: http://www.nebraska.tv/story/14941825/made-in-nebraska-sondra-johnson

Windmill Farms Inc., 41536 Road 718, 308.493.5927
Windmill Farms is a wild pheasant, quail and other game hunting meca that lives up to its motto “Great Nebraska Hospitality…a Hunting Paradise! This family farm has been improving and establishing quality habitat for many years to enhance the hunting experience.  Hunters experience the best natural habitat and upland game, turkey, deer, or dove hunting in Nebraska on 1600+ acres of family-owned property and over 4000 additional acres available for our hunting guests.  Each guest is a member of our family and is treated to hunting with a guide and dog, lodging, relaxing in a comfortable hot tub, three homemade meals and snacks, transportation to/from fields and family-style hospitality.