Big City Amenities, Small Town Living

Some believe that moving to a small community like Holdrege means giving up the amenities, entertainment and experiences you would find in a larger city.

Spend a little time in Holdrege, and you might change your mind.

For a community of just more than 5,000 people, Holdrege and the surrounding Phelps County area offer a surprisingly long list of things to do, places to gather, and services that rival those of communities many times its size.  

Plus, you likely won't experience long lines or get stuck in traffic; parking is close by, and everything is just a few minutes away.

Entertainment and the Arts Without Crowds

At the Tassel in Holdrege, residents and visitors from Phelps County and beyond can enjoy concerts and performances in this upscale performing arts center. The venue attracts big-name entertainment, such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Grammy Award-winning duo ARKAI.    

The Tassel’s 2026-27 lineup includes The Reunion Beatles, Josh Hoyer, Quarteto Nueveo, and a fun holiday concert, The Barefoot Movement.  

In downtown Holdrege, the Iron Horse Arts District adds another layer to the community’s cultural scene. With its new gallery at First State Bank, public art projects, artisan events and monthly art shows, there’s always something new to discover. In late August, the district has planned a special Evening With George Lundeen (Aug. 28), the Flyover Concert Series featuring rising country musicians Jaden Schumacher and Tanner Sovereign (Aug. 29), a Mini Mural Auction (Sept. 18), and the Haunted Holdrege historic walking tour (Oct. 24).

And, then there’s the Speakeasy.

Tucked away in the historic ghost town of Sacramento within Phelps County, the Speakeasy offers an experience you might expect to find in a much larger city, including an exceptional menu prepared by a five-star chef.  

For craft beer lovers, Lost Way Brewery provides another local gathering place with locally brewed beer (including seltzers & NA options), events and a space for meetings and celebrations. Join in a book club, music trivia, or pitch night as a way to meet new friends.  

The Drive Golf & Lounge in downtown Holdrege is an upscale cocktail lounge and restaurant that brings an East Coast flair to downtown Holdrege with crab cakes and lobster bisque as well as top shelf drink options. With its two indoor golf simulators, residents can golf all year long, no matter the weather.

Sports & Recreation Close to Home

Holdrege offers recreational opportunities for all ages, from the newest generation of athletes to lifelong sports enthusiasts.

Holdrege’s new baseball and softball complex provides a first-class home for youth sports. Adult leagues also play at the new complex.

The Don Sjogren Community YMCA offers fitness, recreation and programs for kids and families throughout the year. The facility offers an indoor pool for swimming and water classes, a full-sized gymnasium with an indoor walking track, two racquetball courts, a group exercise studio and a variety of cardio and weight equipment.  

Holdrege is also home to two other fitness centers: Holdrege Fitness Co. offers personal training and cardio and weight equipment at its 24-hour access gym in downtown Holdrege, and Motivate Fitness offers a variety of classes and a supportive environment for health and wellness.

In Bertrand, Studio 607 helps residents stay healthy with yoga, sound bowl classes, Piyo and Tai Chi.

Holdrege’s North Park Lake offers another kind of escape. Its walking trails, lake and fishing provide a peaceful place to get outside. Tennis and pickleball players love the beautiful outdoor modern tennis courts at the park, and modern playground amenities along with a splashpad area.  In addition to its recreation, the park is home to one of the largest American flags in south central Nebraska and provides a great educational walk for visitors and residents through several bronze sculptures capturing the pioneer and American spirit.  

Residents can enjoy disc golf and an outdoor basketball court at Holdrege’s Veterans Memorial Park.

Phelps County boasts two excellent golf courses: the 18-hole Holdrege Country Club and a beautiful 9-hole course at Bertrand’s Hi-Line Golf Course.

Sand volleyball and bowling are two more activities provided in Holdrege at Gutterz Fun Center.

If you thrive on competition, adult leagues offered in Phelps County include sand volleyball, racquetball, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, softball, and golf.

Big City Health Care in a Rural Community

One of the amenities that people may take for granted until needed is access to quality health care.

Phelps Memorial Health Center provides rural residents with access to advanced technology , surgical services and specialists across multiple fields, giving people access to high-quality care without having to travel to a city. PMHC even offers chemotherapy treatments and recently added cardiac services including heart catheterizations.

For families considering where to live, work or retire, having premium and diverse care which is quickly accessible in a rural setting can make a big difference.

If you are considering a move to a small town, we invite you to consider Phelps County. Learn more at https://www.phelpscountyne.com/phelps-county/relocation-assistance.

PCDC offers home down payment assistance through area employers for new employees moving to Phelps County. Find out more at https://www.phelpscountyne.com/business-services/go!-programs/?cat=go.