If you’re looking for the best things to do in Norfolk, Nebraska, you’re in the right place! This up-and-coming city might just be your new favorite midwest small town. Not only does Norfolk have great outdoor activities, but it has an amazing variety of local restaurants, boutique shops and a thriving art scene.
Norfolk is best known as being the hometown of Johnny Carson, who hosted The Tonight Show for 30 years (from 1962 - 1992). You’ll see references to Carson all over town, from murals to an exhibit at the Elkhorn Museum.
However, the best part about Norfolk is the spirit and energy of the local community. There are so many incredible local businesses and they’ve been putting in hard work to put Norfolk on the map.
Here are a few examples of how the community has turned their ideas into impact:
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Over the past few years, the North Fork of the Elkhorn River has been cleaned up, put-ins + pull-outs have been built for paddlers, and whitewater features have been added to create such a fun experience. Owner of North Fork Outfitters, Tony Stuthman, has been a strong advocate for improving the river.
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The local restaurants share ingredients and come together when needed. As a result, no restaurant closed due to Covid. I loved that Amber Behrens (co-owner of Black Cow Fat Pig Pub) summed it up perfectly when she said, “Everyone wants to see Norfolk succeed.”
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Downtown Norfolk is a certified creative district in Nebraska and is full of art. In fact, it was the third creative district to be established in Nebraska. Plus, they’re taking steps to become an entertainment district (and hoping to be the first in Nebraska). This means you’ll soon be able to drink as you explore downtown!
Norfolk is not a town where you’ll want to eat or shop at chains. There are so many fantastic local businesses, and it’s easy to see the passion in the community when you visit.
From whitewater tubing to taking an art walk downtown, there are so many fun things to do in Norfolk, NE. Keep reading to learn all about my experience visiting in summer 2025, and to plan a trip of your own!
Disclaimer: I was hosted on a trip to Norfolk, but opinions are my own. Thanks to Visit Norfolk Area NE for their generosity and hospitality!
How To Get To Norfolk
Norfolk is not located on a major highway, which is part of what makes it special. But it is located at the intersection of US Routes 275 and 81, and is an easy drive from Grand Island, NE, Sioux City, IA, Omaha and Lincoln.
When to Visit Norfolk
When it comes to when to visit Norfolk, I recommend going between May and October so that you can take advantage of warm weather, the Saturday Farmers Market and the whitewater trail.
July and August tend to be the hottest time of the year with highs in the 80’s °F and lows in the 60’s °F.
Winters in Norfolk can bring snow, chilly winds and sometimes ice. January tends to be the coldest month of the year with an average high of 31°F and an average low of 11°F.
Where To Stay in Norfolk
I had an amazing stay at Norfolk Lodge and Suites, which is just a few minutes outside of downtown Norfolk. The property is more than just a hotel - it offers a brewery, lounge spaces and even a mini golf course.
The rooms are spacious with nice furnishings, and I was super impressed with how comfortable the bed was. This doesn’t feel like a typical chain hotel and you can really tell how much care has gone into everything.
If you can, you should absolutely visit their rooftop terrace, which is currently open on Tuesdays nights for a prime rib night. The terrace offers some amazing views of the area.
The Best Things To Do in Norfolk, Nebraska
Here are some of the best things to do in Norfolk, NE! It’s the perfect amount of activities for a fun weekend getaway.
Go Tubing on the Elkhorn River
If you’re visiting Norfolk during the warmer months and you love an adventure, tubing down the Elkhorn River is a must! Rent your tubes from North Fork Outfitters. Tony, owner of North Fork Outfitters does a great job of making sure you’re safe and comfortable. He also played a pivotal role in improving the river and making it a destination.
In recent years, several whitewater features have been installed in the river. There are also new put-ins and pull-outs, and they continue to make the river cleaner and easier for anyone to go on an adventure.
Fun Fact: You can also surf in the whitewater rapids on the river! North Fork Outfitters offers beginner surfing lessons as well.
The tubing journey takes 2-3 hours and involves peaceful sections of the river along with the whitewater sections. You’ll begin and end with a float through wooded areas, and the whitewater features are in the middle.
I had such a lovely time tubing (especially in the whitewater section)! It’s a great way to cool off in the summer and go on an adventure that offers a bit of adrenaline along with relaxation. I certainly think it’s one of the best things to do in Norfolk!
If you’re new to tubing, I recommend bringing a dry bag along with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and water. My group found that some of us were going very different speeds and it was hard to stick together. It might be nice to have some ropes to tie together, or be prepared to find areas on the side where you can wait for the rest of your group.
Tubing is such a fun adventure in Norfolk and I highly recommend adding this to your Nebraska bucket list!
Bike or Walk the Cowboy Trail
It’s always amazing to see abandoned railroad paths be transformed into something that offers recreation for the community, and that’s exactly what has happened with the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska! The trail extends 300+ miles and Norfolk is the easternmost terminus. It’s currently developed between Norfolk and Valentine, but will eventually go all the way to Chadron (in Northwest Nebraska).
The trail has 30 communities along the way, most located about 10 to 15 miles apart. Most of the towns along the path have options for camping, plus restaurants and places to restock your supplies. So, you could comfortably do a bikepacking trip that lasts a few days (and I hope to do this in the future!).
The trail surface is made of crushed limestone, which is smooth and easy to bike on. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of rivers and bridges, along with rolling hills and farms.
If you’re short on time, take a walk on part of the Cowboy Trail in Norfolk. I parked at the ‘Cowboy Trail Parking Lot’, which has space for several cars, and walked to the bridge over the Elkhorn River.
And if you don't have a bike of your own, you can rent from Norfolk Bike in town!
Visit the Elkhorn Valley Museum
The Elkhorn Valley Museum is a great place to learn about some of the history of Norfolk, see local artwork and artifacts, and learn all about the life of Johnny Carson.
One highlight for me was the temporary exhibit of artist Gale D. Jones, which features woven waterfall paintings. Jones grew up in Nebraska and developed an original technique where similar paintings with different hues are woven together, creating a beautiful and unique style.
As you continue through the museum, you’ll also see a Nebraska Music Hall of Fame, a neat children’s discovery center and unique items such as a square turning tractor, a large working music box and more.
The Johnny Carson exhibit has been recently updated to include more of his early life. You’ll get to learn about his childhood, the production of The Tonight Show, how Carson gave back in Nebraska, and more.
Finally, there is more to see outside of the museum. Verges Park is home to one of the oldest buildings in Norfolk (the Dederman Cabin), a one-room schoolhouse and a pollinator garden. And perhaps more interesting is ‘The Cave,’ which was dug out in the early 1900s and used for a variety of things, such as meetings and parties. The outdoor buildings are open for events and upon special request.
The Elkhorn Valley Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and costs $7 per adult and $3 per child. It’s well worth a visit during your time in Norfolk!
Enjoy the Sculpture Trail in Downtown
Take a stroll through town while admiring a variety of sculptures! Norfolk has a beautiful sculpture walk that features several sculptures by artists from the midwest and beyond. There are 18 sculptures in Dowtown Norfolk and 3 more in Madison (located 20 minutes away).
If you’re interested in learning about the sculptures while enjoying some local bites and drinks, there is even a guided tour offered that includes food, cocktails and information about the sculptures and artists.
Go Shopping Downtown
Norfolk has a very walkable downtown area full of great shops and restaurants. One shop not to miss is V'z Oddz and Endz LLC. It’s a consignment shop with a variety of things, from clothing to home decor to books. They even have a cafe in the back of the shop serving ice cream, sandwiches and more.
If you like home decor, also be sure to stop at Magnolias Home Decor and Design. This gorgeous shop has so much decor inspiration and a large selection of artwork, throw pillows, faux florals and more.
If you work up a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by 4th St. Sweets, which has all kinds of chocolates and other sweets. They’re family-owned and have a large range of chocolate covered candies (including s’mores, bananas, strawberries and more), plus retro candies that will take you back to your childhood.
Fun Fact: Hallmark Cards actually originated in Downtown Norfolk! It began as Norfolk Port Card Company in 1905.
One more place to visit is Revitalized Studio, where Renae teaches painting workshops, and you’ll find art for sale.
And if you’re in need of a coffee or a cocktail after all of that shopping, take a break at Fenders. They have a great cocktail menu, plus specialty coffee drinks. There is an airey outdoor space, or indoor seating that feels moody and perfect for happy hour or date night.
Visit the Farmers Market
If you’re in town at the right time, be sure to check out the Norfolk Farmers Market! It occurs on Saturday mornings from May to October, and Tuesday evenings from June to September. The market occurs downtown at River Point Square and has a large selection of locally made goods and foods.
You’ll find breads, flowers, baked goods, produce, soaps and so much more. I’m hoping to visit in the future!
Check for Fun Events
Norfolk always has a variety of events, whether it’s live music, comedy or BINGO night. I happened to visit during the Great American Comedy Festival, which pays tribute to Johnny Carson. Each year, they bring in a variety of comics and find headliners that have some kind of connection with Carson.
The headliner when I went was Yakov Smirnoff, who was on the Johnny Carson Show a number of times and is an American comedic legend. He was hilarious and even ended his act on a really sweet and sentimental note.
The comedy festival lasts a few days with a few different types of events. There’s a magic show on Thursday, a late night Bar show on Friday (the main shows take place at the Johnny Carson Theater, which is attached to a high school, so there is no alcohol served).
The Great American Comedy Festival takes place in mid-June, which is a great time of year to visit Norfolk!
Eat Local in Norfolk
Norfolk has several locally owned restaurants that will be sure to satisfy your needs. Here is where I ate:
NoFo Pizza & Cafe
NoFo is THE spot to enjoy great pizza with an incredible sourdough crust. They know their bread here. In fact, the establishment actually started as a bakery. You can enjoy breakfast in the morning with items like breakfast sandwiches on brioche bread or croissants, or visit for lunch or dinner and indulge in pizza, sandwiches and more. I loved the margarita pizza.
The 411 Restaurant and Lounge
The 411 Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty dinner in Downtown Norfolk. They have an open kitchen concept so you see what’s going on and feel more connected to the process. Danny Orwa, the owner of 411 Restaurant, said that he wanted to inspire cooks to feel needed and have a role in the process.
I had the macaroni and cheese, which was so creamy and delicious. The chips with buffalo sauce and blue cheese were also delicious and hard to put down.
District Table and Tap
District Table and Tap is an enjoyable local spot to enjoy local beer, sandwiches, burgers and more comfort foods. They have a nice patio space downtown and fun specials and events throughout the week. I loved their veggie sandwich!
Black Cow Fat Pig Pub
Black Cow Fat Pig is where you’ll want to go for an elevated dinner. You can enjoy a steak, burger, pulled pork and more. They didn’t have many vegetarian options, but I was really impressed with their tomato and basil flatbread. They also do a great job of using local ingredients throughout their menu.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect weekend getaway to Norfolk, NE! Sure, the Johnny Carson legacy of the town is interesting. But as someone who didn’t grow up watching Johnny Carson, I really fell in love with the outdoor adventures and the entrepreneurial spirit of the locals in Norfolk. It’s clear that so many people have brought their passion into their businesses, whether that means advocating for a cleaner river, bringing more artwork downtown, or countless other ways. I hope you’ll add Norfolk to your Midwest bucket list!
For more Midwest Travel Guides, check out these guides:
- The Best Things To Do in Kearney, NE
- The Best Things To Do in Northwest Nebraska
- 12 Outdoorsy Road Trip Ideas in the Midwest
- The Perfect Badlands and Black Hills South Dakota Itinerary
- A Guide to Badlands National Park in October
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- How to Spend 3 Days in Madison, Wisconsin
- The Best Things To Do in Cedar Rapids, IA
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