General Sites
Crystal Springs
McDowell's Mausoleum
Campbell Brother's Circus Mural
Cub Creek by Jansen, Nebraska
Rock Creek Station State Park
Crystal Springs -Located southwest of Fairbury, this park and lovely campground are open year-round. Beauty and serenity surround you for a day or a week.
In November 1931, the city of Fairbury purchased land that included the tract leased for a number of years containing the springs which furnished water for the city from Claude Snyder of the John C. Kesterson estate. The purchase price was $20,000. In 1933, the city decided to improve the premises and made a natural park. An entrance was laid from the highway just after crossing the river bridge - the road then winding through the timber to the park proper. Also, another entrance was made at the present location. Due to a few seasons of high water, it was made the only entrance. Picnic facilities, restrooms, tennis courts, event a herd of deer and some wild and other kind of fowl were added. By May 1934, the swimming pool was build and ready for use. Due to flooding, the park has undergone numerous changes, including the relocation of the swimming pool to the city park.
Today, Crystal Springs is maintained by the City of Fairbury and is used for camping, fishing and picnics. Fishing for catfish, bass and trout is popular activity for many visitors. Don't forget to bring along some bread to feed the ducks and geese!
Rates: $8/night with electricity. Showers and restrooms available May -October 15.
Mural-The famous Fairbury Mural is located on the north side of the Globe Rexall Pharmacy building at Fifth and E Streets in downtown Fairbury. The mural depicts the Campbell Brothers Circus parade moving through the downtown area. The mural has been the focus of many postcards and pictures from tourists from all across the nation.
McDowell's Mausoleum-Located along Rose Creek, this is a handmade mausoleum constructed by Nelson McDowell. To view it, begin at Fairbury City Park and drive south on Frederick Street. Follow a curve onto Crystal Springs Road and again onto 566 Avenue. Continue moving south on 566 Avenue, until you reach a dead end (about 2 miles south on Highway 8). The Wildlife Management parking area is on the right hand side of the road. Over the railroad tracks and across the bridge, follow the south bank of Rose Creek and in less than half mile you will reach the Mausoleum.
Steele City Canyons-One of the most scenic areas in Jefferson County. Starting 1 1/2 miles east of Rock Creek Station Historical Park and following the road south as it winds down to just west of Steele City.
Cub Creek - 3 miles north of Jansen, and is an elite spot in a very exclusive region. With a boating dock, skiing and boating are a favorite pastime at Cub Creek. Swimming is allowed, and a shallow region is roped off for the younger swimmers.
For more information contact (402) 729-2148.
Buckley Creek -From Fairbury go south on Hwy 15 for 3 miles, turn west of Hwy 8, approximately 11 miles (1 mile before Reynolds). Picnic and campground areas are set up for visitors to enjoy. Buckley Creek has a nine-hole golf course with a par 33. On hold number 9, a player must cross a lake. The lake is the 2nd muddiest lake in the world. The mud is composed of volcanic ash. Do to all the ash, no fish are able to live in this lake. Electricity is available along the picnic areas. Open fire grills are available to campers to prepare their own food. For more information contact (402) 729-2148.
Rock Creek Station State Park-Pony Express and emigrant station where James Butler Hickok gained his famed name, "Wild Bill," when he shot and killed the station attendant, D.C. McCanles, in 1861. Visit the museum and interpretive center and see the brick murals made by Endicott Clay Products Co. See the log buildings, Oregon Trail ruts, picnic grounds, campgrounds, nature trail and see the blacksmith at work. You will delight in the scenery and enjoy the beautiful and modern campground..
6 miles southeast of Fairbury, NE. Open year-round. Modern facility with showers and electricity. Tent, motor home and horse camping. Rates: $14.00 with electricity. $9.00 no electricity. Nebraska State Park Permit required.
For more information call (402) 729-5777 or email rockcreek@diodecom.net
