The 1,200 residents of Burwell in Garfield County enjoy the best of both worlds, living where the cattle-producing Nebraska Sandhills meet fertile farmland. This central Nebraska town was founded in 1884 and is located not far from where the North Loup River and Calamus River join. Thousands of aquatic adventurers come here annually to float their sailboat, kayak, canoe or inner tube. River tanking is another popular pastime. The Calamus State Recreation Area is a starting point for many outdoor adventures.
Burwell has also been home to Nebraska’s Big Rodeo since the 1920s. Each July, professional rodeo cowboys from across the continent — and local cowboys who work the Sandhills range every day — ride broncos and bulls to the loud cheers of thousands of spectators. The event’s Wild Horse Race is a hoot. More than 18,000 rodeo fans come to the show over its four days.
For more information about Burwell, contact the Garfield County Convention & Visitors Bureau at visitburwell.org or (308) 346-5210.