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John G. Neihardt Center

John G. Neihardt lived in Bancroft from 1900 to 1920. It is where he began his epic poem, The Cycle of the West. The Nebraska State Historical Society built and maintains the John G. Neihardt Center, which includes several exhibits in addition to Neihardt’s one room study and a prayer garden he designed. The prayer garden contains symbolism from the vision of the Oglala Lakota Holy Man, Black Elk, who Neihardt wrote about in Black Elk Speaks. The John G. Neihardt Foundation provides many local activities, including:

• John G. Neihardt Spring Conference -- a scholarly examination of his subjects and themes held the last Saturday in April.
• Neihardt Day -- an outdoor festivity on the grounds of the Center the first Sunday in August, celebrating Nebraska’s Poet Laureate.
• Special programs and exhibits throughout the year focusing on the history, literature, music, culture and tradition of the plains.

The museum’s hours are 8-5 p.m. (closed over the noon hour) from Monday through Saturday and 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information phone (402) 648-3388.

Other nearby attractions relating to the Plains Indians include:

• The Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center in Walthill, Nebraska, 17 miles from Bancroft
• Black Elk Neihardt Park in Blair, Nebraska, about 50 miles from Bancroft

Restaurants

• The Country Pub Steak House, 409 Main St., has noon specials Monday-Friday and features an evening special throughout the week. Come enjoy prime rib on Wednesday, chicken and ribs buffet on Thursday, fish fry on Friday, steak on Saturday and a Sunday buffet from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Now open for breakfast Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m. The Pub is open 8 a.m.-1 a.m. and there is seating room for 110 for private parties and banquets. Contact Deanna Soll at 402-648-7458 for more information or to make your reservation.

• Sweetie Pies, PO Box 314, Main St., includes a bakery and cafe. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Contact Mrs. Isaac at 402-648-3493.

Floral/Gift Shops

• Bancroft Floral & Gift, 302 Main St., phone 402-648-7979.   Fresh flowers for all occasions, blooming and green plants, silk arrangements, balloons, candy and cards for all your special days are featured in this unique shop.

Recreation and Parks

The Bancroft park has playground equipment, tables, shelters, ball fields, and a camping area with four hook ups. Annual celebrations include the John G. Neihardt Day in August and Harvest Fest in September. Several ball tournaments are also held throughout the summer.

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