Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway

08/18/2026

The Knight Museum & Sandhills Center will conclude its three-part Spade Ranch Summer Series on Thursday, August 20, at 5:30 p.m. with a final presentation exploring the rise, fall, and preservation of one of western Nebraska’s most significant ranching operations.

Steve Cleveland will present “The Rise, Fall, and Preservation of the Spade Ranch.” The 30-minute program will explore the growth of the Spade Ranch, the changes and events that led to its decline, and the efforts that have helped preserve its history and stories for future generations.

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session and explore the Spade Ranch interpretive panel series currently on display at the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center.

The August presentation is the final installment of a three-part summer series dedicated to exploring different chapters of the Spade Ranch story. Programs held throughout the summer have provided opportunities to learn more about the ranch, the people connected to it, and its role in the history and development of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Guests do not need to have attended the previous programs to enjoy the final presentation. Anyone with an interest in local history, ranching heritage, the Nebraska Sandhills, or the Spade Ranch is encouraged to attend.

Event Information

What: Spade Ranch Summer Series – Part 3
Topic: The Rise, Fall, and Preservation of the Spade Ranch
Presenter: Steve Cleveland
When: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Knight Museum & Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska

For more information, contact the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center at 308-762-2384.

07/16/2026

Great story about one of the new additions at the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Visitor Center in Borken Bow. Thank you to all of the volunteers who made this possible!

A replica sod house on the east edge of Broken Bow features hand-cut sod walls, and even a ridgepole that can be seen in an original late-1800s photograph.

07/15/2026

The Knight Museum & Sandhills Center invites the public to continue exploring the rich history of the legendary Spade Ranch during the second installment of its three-part summer program series.

On Tuesday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m., ranch history enthusiast Steve Cleveland will present a 30-minute program focusing on C.F. Coffee and land settlement, examining the influential role Coffee played in the development of the Nebraska Sandhills and the communities connected to the Spade Ranch.

Following the presentation, attendees are invited to participate in a question-and-answer session and explore the museum's Spade Ranch interpretive panel series, which highlights the history, people, and legacy of one of western Nebraska's most influential ranching operations.

This program builds on the first presentation held in June and offers new stories and perspectives for both returning guests and first-time attendees. Whether you have attended previous programs or are joining the series for the first time, each presentation is designed to stand on its own while contributing to a broader understanding of the Spade Ranch and its lasting impact on the region.

The Spade Ranch interpretive panel series remains on display at the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center throughout the summer, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the people, ranching operations, communities, and historical events that helped shape the Sandhills.

The final program in the three-part series will be held in August.
For more information, contact the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center at 308-762-2384.

06/24/2026

A new baby has arrived at the Stable Productions Exotic Animal Ranch near Seneca, NE along the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway!

06/23/2026

🤠 The story of the Spade Ranch comes to life at the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center!
Join us on Thursday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. for the first program in our three-part summer series featuring ranch historian Steve Cleveland.
Steve will present a 30-minute program exploring the history, people, and legacy of the legendary Spade Ranch. Following the presentation, guests are invited to participate in a Q&A session and explore the museum's Spade Ranch interpretive panel series currently on display.
Whether you have family connections to the Spade, an interest in ranching history, or simply enjoy learning about the Sandhills, this program offers a unique opportunity to discover one of western Nebraska's most influential ranching operations.
📍 Knight Museum & Sandhills Center
📅 Thursday, June 25
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Additional programs with this series planned for July and August.
We hope to see you there!

06/16/2026

On the grounds around a red barn that serves as the visitor center for the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway, community members are preserving local history by restoring a one-room schoolhouse.

06/11/2026

The Knight Museum & Sandhills Center is pleased to host The Pollinators, a traveling art exhibit from IMPACT Nebraska Artists, now on display through July 30, 2026.

Featuring 30 pieces of art by 30 Nebraska artists, the exhibit celebrates the beauty, diversity, and importance of pollinators. Through paintings, mixed media works, and other artistic expressions, visitors are invited to explore the vital role pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems and supporting agriculture across Nebraska and beyond.

The exhibit showcases a variety of artistic perspectives while encouraging appreciation for bees, butterflies, birds, moths, and other species that contribute to the health of our environment.

The exhibit may be viewed during normal museum hours through July 30.

For additional information, contact the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center at 308-762-2384 or visit knightmuseum.com.

Photo Caption:
Artwork from The Pollinators, a traveling exhibit from IMPACT Nebraska Artists featuring 30 pieces by 30 Nebraska artists, now on display at the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center through July 30.

05/22/2026

The river is calling.....

Nothing says summer quite like tanking down the river ☀️🌊

Round up your crew, load up the cooler, and float through the beautiful Nebraska Sandhills in one of our river tanks!

GliddenCanoeRentals.com

05/21/2026

05/19/2026

😎 Who else is getting excited?!

Bring the family out & come see us!