“Anybody can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the prairie.” — Willa Cather
The high plains are a special place. The people who settled here, the people who are still here, have persevered. Through drought, booms, busts, good times, and hard times. Back in the 80’s when times were tough a couple of east coast academics proposed that the entire high plains should be depopulated and given back to the buffalo. They called their idea the “Buffalo Commons”. They didn’t account for the fierce love that people out here have for their land and communities. They didn’t account for the resourcefulness of our people. So to those academics we say that we’ll still be here, proudly showing visitors the history, outdoor recreation, and rural lifestyle that make McCook such a great place. We’re proudly standing as the capital of the Buffalo Commons.
Have Some Fun . . .
Upcoming Events
june, 2023
Event Details
Join us for a fun-filled day with tales of ranching, cattle, and cowboys. The day begins at the High
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Event Details
Join us for a fun-filled day with tales of ranching, cattle, and cowboys. The day begins at the High Plains Museum where you will board a bus for the Nebraska Bull Service. NBS is a cattle industry service managing genetics that help the entire beef industry move forward. A trip to the West Sale Barn is sure to prep you for the next big cattle sale, and R.P. Smith, fourth generation cattle rancher, poet and storyteller from Broken Bow, will take to the sale arena with his unique brand of cowboy poetry and commentary. You won’t want to miss a sale barn lunch complete with homemade pie! The tour will culminate at the High Plains Museum with stories and art exhibit by western artist, Brandon Bailey, from Scottsbluff, NE. Brandon is one of 17 members of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America. It’s a day guaranteed to have you riding high in the saddle!
Advanced registration is required. Bus seating is limited. $30 person, includes lunch.
Call 308-345-8122 to reserve your seat or register online.
Time
(Friday) 9:00 am - 2:30 pm CST
Location
McCook
09jun7:30 pmBuffalo Commons Storytelling & Music Festival"How the West Has Fun"
Event Details
Evening includes Andy Hedges and Brigid and Johnny Reedy Tickets: Adults - $15, Children 12 and under - $5 (Ticket sales
Event Details
Evening includes Andy Hedges and Brigid and Johnny Reedy
Tickets: Adults – $15, Children 12 and under – $5
(Ticket sales begin in May and can be purchased at MNB, Sehnert’s Bakery or at the door.)
Time
(Friday) 7:30 pm CST
Location
Fox Theatre
412 Norris Avenue, McCook, NE 69001
10jun8:45 amBuffalo Commons Storytelling & Music FestivalFree Events at the High Plains Museum
Event Details
08:45 a.m. Meet & Greet - with rolls and coffee 09:00 a.m. The Cowboy Culture - Brandon Bailey 10:30 a.m. The
Event Details
08:45 a.m. Meet & Greet – with rolls and coffee
09:00 a.m. The Cowboy Culture – Brandon Bailey
10:30 a.m. The Beating Heart of a Cowboy – Andy Hedges
11:15 .am. A Proud Western Tradition – Brigid & Johnny Reedy
Time
(Saturday) 8:45 am CST
Location
High Plains Museum
421 Norris Avenue
10jun12:30 pmBuffalo Commons Storytelling & Music FestivalStories, Poetry, Music and Fun - Open Mic
10jun1:00 pm4:00 pmArtist Reception @ the Art GuildGrandview Galley
Event Details
Please join us in honoring Jerda Garey Vickers and Tom Vickers who are featured in the "Grandview Gallery". A great opportunity to talk to the artist to understand their inspiration
Event Details
Please join us in honoring Jerda Garey Vickers and Tom Vickers who are featured in the “Grandview Gallery”. A great opportunity to talk to the artist to understand their inspiration and process.
Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm CST
Location
McCook Art Center
209 Norris Avenue, McCook, NE 69001
10jun1:30 pm3:00 pmBuffalo Commons Storytelling & Music FestivalKids Fest - A Darn Tootin’ Good Time
Event Details
Ya’ll come on down to the library for some western fun! There will be cowpoke tales, ten-gallon hat making,
Event Details
Ya’ll come on down to the library for some western fun! There will be cowpoke tales, ten-gallon hat making, roping lessons, horseshoeing demonstration, and real cowboy music by Brigid and Johnny Reedy. Don’t miss this event!
FREE EVENT
Time
(Saturday) 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm CST
Location
McCook Public Library
802 Norris Avenue, McCook, NE 69001
Event Details
Dinner followed by Andy Hedges and Brigid & Johnny Reedy Ticket includes dinner and show - Limited Seating (Ticket sales
Event Details
Dinner followed by Andy Hedges and Brigid & Johnny Reedy
Ticket includes dinner and show – Limited Seating
(Ticket sales begin in May.)
Time
(Saturday) 6:30 pm CST
Location
Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe'
312 Norris Avenue, McCook, NE 69001
16jun6:30 pm11:30 pmBash on the Hills
Event Details
Mark your calendars and kick off the summer season with us at Heritage Hills Golf Course-McCook on June 16th! Doors Open at 6:30pm.
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Event Details






McCook Chamber of Commerce Member Presale OPENS – May 1st
General Admission Presale Opens – May 15
Presales CLOSE June 15.
Check out the bands here:
https://www.traynrbandmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ThePlatinumPearls
Offsite parking available at the South Fairgrounds Parking Lot. Parking attendants will assist with parking. Free shuttle service will transport you from offsite parking to event location and back. Handicap parking will be available at event location. NO GOLF CARTS will be allowed beyond the ticketing gate.
Bring Your Own Chair | Cash Preferred
Time
(Friday) 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm CST
Location
Heritage Hills Golf Course
6000 Club House Drive, McCook, NE