Norfolk

Norfolk is a city of approximately 24,500 people in northeast Nebraska, located in Madison County along the Elkhorn River Valley. As the economic center for a six-county area, Norfolk serves as the major retail trade center for Northeast Nebraska, with manufacturing, farming, education, and retailing driving the local economy. The city is perhaps best known as the hometown of legendary talk show host Johnny Carson, who grew up there before becoming the host of The Tonight Show.

Norfolk has a charming, community-oriented character with a well-preserved downtown area along Norfolk Avenue between 1st and 7th Streets. The city features several museums, parks, and recreational opportunities, including the eastern terminus of the Cowboy Trail, a hiking and biking trail stretching over 300 miles to Valentine.

Climate features hot summers with temperatures in the 80s–90s°F (27–37°C), cold winters with temperatures below freezing, and moderate precipitation. Spring and fall are pleasant seasons for outdoor activities.

By Plane

Norfolk Regional Airport (OFK), also known as Karl Stefan Memorial Field, is located at 4100 South 13th St. Linear Air operates air taxi flights from Denver International (DEN). Take US-81 and turn west on S 13th St. ☏ +1 402-379-7810.

By Train

By Car / Road

Norfolk sits at the intersection of US Highway 275 and US Highway 81. Nebraska Highways 35 and 24 also lead to the town. From Omaha, drive west on US-275 approximately 115 miles (about 2 hours). From Lincoln, take US-81 north approximately 100 miles (about 1.5 hours).

By Bus

Allied Tour & Travel Bus Stop — 720 E Norfolk Ave (at intersection of Norfolk Ave and S Chestnut St). Serviced by Greyhound and Express Arrow. 7:45AM–5PM. ☏ +1 402-371-3850 or toll-free +1 877-779-2999.

Norfolk is laid out in a grid pattern with numbered streets going north-south and named streets going east-west. The downtown region is along Norfolk Ave between 1st and 7th Street. Public transportation is available through North Fork Area Transit — 307 W. Prospect. M–F 6AM–6PM, Sa 6:30AM–6PM, Su 6:30AM–3:30PM. Fares: $2.50 adult, $2 children and seniors. Rides must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. ☏ +1 402-379-4595.

• Elkhorn Valley Museum — 515 Queen City Blvd. Local museum focusing on town and regional history, with an extensive exhibit on Johnny Carson. Features Verges Park with three historic buildings including an 1860s cabin. W–F 11AM–3PM, Sa 11AM–4PM. Admission: $6 adult, $3 children, $5 senior. ☏ +1 402-371-3886.

• Norfolk Arts Center — 305 North 5th St. Community art center showcasing local artists and hosting events. Tu–F 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–2PM. Free admission (donations welcomed). ☏ +1 402-371-7199.

• Ta-Ha-Zouka Park — 2201 S 13th St. Named after the Omaha word for "Elk's Horn." 180-acre park with softball, sand volleyball, disc golf, and camping. Eastern point of the Cowboy Trail. April 15–Oct 15. Camping: $12/night tents, $18/night RVs. General admission free. ☏ +1 402-844-2180.

• Off Road Ranch — 2904 Old Hwy 8. Host of the Midwest Quad Racing championship with looped raceway and off-road course for ATV and motorbikes. 11AM–9PM. Admission: $15 adults weekly races, $20 all other races. ☏ +1 402-844-5044.

• Poppy's Pumpkin Patch — 55275 837th Rd (south on Hwy 81 to 837th St). Locally run gourd farm with family activities and weekend cafe. Sep 11–Oct 31. Admission: $8 per person, $7 seniors. ☏ +1 402-379-0455.

• AquaVenture Water Park — 715 S 1st St (Veteran's Memorial Park). Water slides, wave pool, and water playground. Memorial Day–Sep 30: 11:30AM–7:30PM. Admission: $8 adults, $6 children, $7 seniors. ☏ +1 402-844-2270.

• Cowboy Trail — Norfolk serves as the eastern terminus of this 300+ mile hiking/biking trail stretching to Valentine, Nebraska.

• Smokin Stan's BBQ — 114 Madison Ave. Barbecue restaurant. ☏ +1 402-316-3459.

• The Pub — Downtown Norfolk. Local pub with a selection of beers and cocktails in a casual atmosphere.
• Norfolk Coffee & Tea — Downtown. Coffee shop serving specialty coffees, teas, and light pastries in a relaxed setting.

• Mid-range: Norfolk Lodge & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection — 4200 W Norfolk Ave. All rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen TV, wet bars, and bath robes. ☏ +1 402-379-3833.
• Mid-range: Norfolk Country Inn — 1201 S 13th St. 127 rooms and suites with room service. ☏ +1 402-371-4430.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express & Suites — 920 S 20th St. Indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary hot breakfast. ☏ +1 402-379-1524.
• Budget: Eco-Lux Inn — 1909 Krenzien Dr. ☏ +1 402-371-7157.
• Mid-range: Hampton Inn — 904 S 20th St. 75 rooms with two beds or king-sized bed. ☏ +1 402-379-3585.

• Norfolk Farmer's Market — 3rd St and Norfolk Ave (Riverpoint Square Park). May 29–Oct 30: Tu Th 4:30PM–6:30PM, Sa 9AM–noon. Fresh produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts.

• Columbus (60 mi / 1 hr southwest) — Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial and Platte County Museum.
• Omaha (115 mi / 2 hr southeast) — Nebraska's largest city with the Henry Doorly Zoo and Old Market.
• Valentine (200 mi / 3.5 hr west) — End of the Cowboy Trail with Smith Falls and Sandhills wilderness.
• Sioux City, IA (75 mi / 1.5 hr northeast) — Missouri River city with casinos and the Sergeant Floyd Monument.