# Hershey (Nebraska)

Hershey is a town of 660 people (2019) in rural Lincoln County, Nebraska, midway between North Platte and Sutherland in the Platte River valley.

## Understand

While the first Union Pacific Railroad tracks were laid in 1867, it wasn't until 1892 that the farmers and ranchers met to organize a town site company so they could have a post office and a railroad siding from which they could ship hay and potatoes. The town was named in honor of one of the owners of the Paxton & Hershey Land and Cattle Company, J.H. Hershey, originally from Pennsylvania. It wasn't until 1909 that Hershey was incorporated as a village.

## Get in

The primary means of getting to Hershey is Interstate 80, which runs east-west; Highway 30, named the Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway, runs east-west. Lincoln is 3½ hours east on I-80; Cheyenne is 3½ hours west on I-80; Denver is 3½ hours west on I-80 and I-76.
North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) with connecting flights from Denver International Airport.

## Get around

A car makes life easier, but the village is small enough that you can walk anywhere you need to go.

## See

* American Legion Hall. This historic hall has been restored by an enterprising and energetic group of local activists.
* North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 219 S. Dewey, ☏ +1 308-532-4729, toll-free: +1-800-955-4528. The CVB maintains a comprehensive list of attractions, events, lodging and dining establishments in all of Lincoln County.
* Spring Crane Migration. One of the greatest migratory spectacles in the world, millions of Sandhill cranes converge on the river bottoms and corn fields between Hershey and North Platte from mid-March through about April first. If there hasn't been a lot of rain or snow, the gravel roads north of town will get you up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. Pull to the side of the road and watch the show, just don't venture on to private property. (updated Nov 2018)

## Do

* The Hershey Fall Festival. Held annually in August, usually around the third weekend. The celebration features a parade, community picnic, and a dance "under the stars and between the bars".

## Buy

* Western Convenience Stores, 814 N. Spur 56C, ☏ +1 308 368-7368. A large truck stop at the Hershey I-80 interchange. It features a great cafe, truck wash and convenience store.
* Rivers Edge Ranch Supply (Right at the junction of I-80 and Spur 56C (I-80 Exit 164)), ☏ +1 308 368-7576. Western wear, tack and ranch supplies.
* Gary's Super Foods, Lincoln Ave, ☏ +1 308 368-5505. Nostalgic home town grocery store.
* Home Lumber & Supply, 200 West Railroad, ☏ +1 308 368-5511. The name says it all.

## Eat

* Butch's Steakhouse & Lounge, 121 West First St, ☏ +1 308 368-7231. One of Lincoln County's favorite restaurants. Featuring great home cooking.
* Western Convenience Cafe, 814 N. Spur 56C, ☏ +1 308 368-7368. The restaurant in the Western Convenience truck stop near Interstate 80. Open 24 hours, it is a great place for breakfast after closing the bar.
* Jay-Jayz, North Spur Road 56C (I-80 exit #164), ☏ +1 308 368-5278.

## Drink

* The Bar, 101 West First St, ☏ +1 308 368-7552. Creative name. Or maybe with a name like that, it's supposed to be "The Hershey Bar." Anyway, popular local watering hole.

## Sleep

There are more than 1500 sleeping rooms available in North Platte, eleven miles east, and the Park Motel, with about 20 rooms in Sutherland, six miles west.
* Jay-Jayz Campground, North Spur Road 56C (I-80 exit 164), ☏ +1 308 368-5278.