# Brady (Nebraska)

Brady is a small town of 420 people (2019) in rural Lincoln County in Nebraska.

## Understand

Brady, a town of 375 once called Brady Island, was given its name by John Fremont. While exploring Nebraska, he found some trappers on an island 15 miles east of the forks of the Platte River. Their leader was a man called Brady, so Fremont marked his map "Brady's Island."

## Get in

The primary means of getting to Brady is Interstate 80, which runs east-west; Lincoln is three hours east on I-80; Cheyenne is 4 hours west on I-80; Denver is 4½ hours west on I-80 and I-76.
North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) is the closest airport, with connecting flights from Denver International Airport.

## Get around

The only way to get around Brady is by car, although it is a nice size town to take a leisurely walk or bike ride.

## See

* Potters Pasture. Mountain biking enthusiasts are able to enjoy advanced skill riding with over fifteen miles of trails just within minutes of Brady.
* Jeffery Lake. The perfect sized lake just south of Brady where watersports, camping, and fishing is enjoyed by all. Near by Interstate lakes offer great fishing and free campsites as well.
* $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ Upper 84 Ranch. Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek's private hunting ranch. It is known as the Upper 84 Ranch, but Jay Novacek refers to it as his little slice of heaven in Nebraska. Jay, known as the tight end who went to five Pro Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s, has turned 3,500 acres of land near Brady Nebraska into something he has dreamed of since his youth. It features rolling hills with yucca plants, wild sage, prairie grass and cedar trees filling the landscape. From its highest peak called June's Point, the ranch overlooks Jeffrey Lake, providing a panoramic view that few people would ever believe was in Nebraska. June's Point is named after Jay's mother.
* A. Conroy Grave. A hostile party of Sioux Indians attacked A. Conroy and his son as they were putting hay east of Fort McPherson. The Indians killed the father and the rake team but the boy was driving and ran off. The boy fell backwards into the hayfilled teeth of the rake and he hid successfully all day. After sunset he escaped to Fort McPherson. In 1962, the Brady Lions Club marked Conroy's grave with a marker that reads "A. Conroy, Sept. 1868, Killed by the Sioux while mowing hay For the government troops, Marker erected by Lions Club of Brady 1962" This marker is in Sec. 28, Twp 12, R. 27. Tri-County donated the large rock from its rock pile at Kingsley Dam. This rock came from Colorado (to be used as rip-rap at the dam). Kugler Brothers erected the first fence around the marker. This fence was replaced by a native cedar pole fence, by the Brady Lions in 1989 for the Brady, NE Centennial. This marker is off the main traveled road—about 1/2 mile south.
* 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.

## Do

* Brady days. A weekend full of events and activities annually held the first weekend in August. This family fun weekend includes family fun night on Friday, Turtle Races, Parade, corn eating contest, horse shoe tournament, car show, pitch tournament, fireman BBQ and dance. Sunday begins with a community worship service, sand volleyball tournament, local teams Texas coed softball tournament ending with a demolition derby.
* Brady Tour of Homes, ☏ +1 308-520-1907. Enjoy a day out to preview a Gift and Art show, have a soup luncheon, then tour some of the fabulous Christmas clad homes of the Brady area. Held the second Saturday of December. Luncheon 11AM-1PM; Art & Gift Show 11AM-4PM; Tour of homes 1-4PM; Dessert 4-5PM. Tour of homes $5 and luncheon is a free donation to support the Brady NCIP community projects.
* Brady Chili Cook-Off, ☏ +1 308-584-3016. Held the last Saturday of January. Various chili cooking teams compete for best chili and best decorated booth. Cook-off begins at 11AM, public judging begins at 5PM. Bingo is one of the afternoon entertainment activities.
* Palmer Park. Has baseball field, sand volleyball court, tennis courts, frisbee golf course, playground equipment, and covered picnic area.
* Brady Community Center. A Grand Opening for the Brady Community Center was held in February 1996. The Center was and is a positive addition to the community. The Village Office was moved into the Center, which also houses a board room for public meetings. The Center boasts a large public area that holds approximately 200 people. There is a large kitchen area and handicapped accessible restrooms. This area has been used for wedding receptions, family reunions, anniversary and birthday celebrations, wedding/baby showers, business meetings, and community events.

## Buy

* Get -n- Go (Highway 30 and Market St), ☏ +1 308-584-3456. 6AM-10PM Daily. Frozen food canned food milk & eggs bread. fresh sliced lunch meat and cheeses. Sunday Beer to go.
* Roberta's, 201 N Main St, ☏ +1 308-584-3760. This home town salon offers much more than just a haircut. Tanning bed, nails, pedicure, and small gift items.
* Movies & More, 119 N Main St. Offers video rentals as well as small gift items.

## Eat

* Dairy Queen, 14417 S L-560, ☏ +1 308-584-3323. Offers various gift items as well other travel needs & conveniences.
* Hitchin' Post Saloon (Just off Highway 30 and Main St), ☏ +1 308-584-3777. Prime Rib specials every Friday and Saturday night. Food can be purchased M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-10PM, drinks served until 1AM (midnight on Sundays).

## Go next

Lincoln is 3 hours away on 80 East.