14 Attractions
There is so much to do and see in the Elwood/ Johnson Lake Area! For those who love the great outdoors, Elwood boasts a fantastic Village Park. There are attractions for all ages – playground equipment for little kids and big kids, picnic shelters and grills, restrooms, the municipal swimming pool, disc golf, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts. The ball fields and rodeo arena sit just adjacent to the Park. The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is one local event that takes place in the Village Park. Hundreds of eggs are stuffed full of goodies, and area children are invited to gather up as many as they can carry. Other year-round attractions and events going on in Gosper County: The Annual Elwood Spring Gala, hosted by the Elwood Area Foundation, takes place in late March every year. This elegant affair is a community fundraiser disguised as a fantastic night out. Each year, a sold-out crowd is treated to an incredible dinner, complimentary beverages, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the Gala auction are used for youth grants and grants for community projects. The House on the Hill Bed & Breakfast & Catering holds classes
ranging from crafting to cooking to gardening. In July, Gosper County increases in size as alumni, family members, and folks from neighboring communities come to Elwood to celebrate the world- famous Gosper County Fair and Rodeo. Our home-town operated, family-friendly carnival is open Thursday- Friday-Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight, and the Rodeo is held on Thursday and Friday evenings. The carnival is full of rides and games for all ages, and includes a full concession stand. Other fair-time events include a golf scramble, sand volleyball tournament, horseshoe tournament, 4-H events and displays, free entertainment at the Civic Center bandstand, and a parade every other year on “odd” years. Fall and winter months in Gosper County are full of sporting events, Husker parties and good food. The Great Elwood Chili Cook-off is a bi-annual event, held on election years. The general public is invited to show off their best chili or soup; or, if you are more into eating than cooking, we invite you to come out and try all the offerings and vote on your favorite. In December, the Elwood Chamber hosts
Old Fashioned Christmas, where businesses and organizations invite the public to attend their open houses in beautiful downtown Elwood. Attendees can talk to Santa at the Gosper County Senior Center, ride on a fire truck at the Fire Hall, and be treated to endless amounts of delicious food at each stop, all while entering drawings for door prizes and Chamber Bucks. Be sure to check out the Elwood Chamber’s Facebook Page or website www.elwoodnebraska. org, for the latest news on attractions in Gosper County, as well as the dates for Old Fashioned Christmas and other upcoming events. The Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is another favorite of outdoor lovers. Ten minutes north of Elwood, Johnson Lake SRA offers excellent camping, fishing (including ice fishing) and water sports. This recreation area packs a lot of outdoor fun in 68 acres and provides three access points to the 2,068-acre lake. It is the heart of a complex of lakes on the Tri-County Canal south of I-80 between Lexington and Cozad. It provides fine outdoor recreation opportunities, especially when joined with the nearby Gallagher Canyon SRA, Elwood Reservoir WMA, Plum Creek and Phillips Canyon.
Two Johnson Lake attractions that provide entertainment, such as karaoke and live bands, are Nautical Rose and Canyon Lakes Brewing Company. Both venues offer entertainment, craft fairs, a farmer’s market, and great food and beverages. Medo’s Resort is another Johnson Lake restaurant, lounge, along with a pool table and dart board for friendly competition. In addition, Medo’s Resort has lakeside cabins for rent, a public boat ramp, dock, and swimming beach. CraZy Marv’s RV & Cabin Retreat offers RV pull- throughs with full hook-ups, two remodeled cabins, a spacious three bedroom/ two bath house rental, bike rentals for every age, and a rental hall for events. Call CraZy Marv’s at 308-325- 0760. Price’s Rentals is in the business of renting FUN! They rent out lake houses, boats, jet-skis, paddle boards, kayaks, electric scooters, bicycles, and party buses! They also sell live bait and tackle, water sports equipment, boating and camping supplies, lake- themed apparel, yard games, unique gifts, beverages, and snacks. Price’s Rentals is famous for axe throwing and a cool place to hang out
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