Seniors Spend time In Wayne, Nebraska

Wayne, a city in Wayne County, Nebraska with a population of around 6,000, is the county seat and the home of Wayne State College. So why the name Wayne, senior visitors ask? Railroad officials originally named Wayne Brookdale, but the settlers prevailed upon the company to name the community the same as the county, in memory of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne of Revolutionary War fame.

Today, Wayne is a community blessed with a unique blend of industry, agriculture and higher education. Mayor Ken Chamberlain wishes to welcome you to his city. Wayne, the mayor notes… “is rich in history, and actively steps into the future with vigorous development and an innovative attitude. Our friendly people, sound economy and comfortable lifestyle make Wayne a great place to live and work.”

Seniors Visit the Ashfall Fossil Beds Historical Park

Senior visitors discover the Bike and Hike Trail and the Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. The Park includes a visitor center with interpretive displays, a working fossil laboratory, and a building over an ongoing excavation site that features native American rhinos and ancestral horses.

Smithsonian Magazine writes… “Prehistoric rhinoceroses and horses died of volcanic ash inhalation 12 million years ago – their fossils are studied now as a perfect example of natural selection.”

The Wayne Chicken Show is a fun event that provides a relaxed atmosphere and friendly environment for the whole family. It is held annually on the second Saturday in July.

Senior visitors can take in an “egg”-normous parade, hilarious chicken-related contests, games, dancing, and entertainment.

Seniors Tour Wayne State Campus

I think that my wife and I would enjoy  the Wayne County museum, housed in the Rollie Ley mansion, built in the 1890s. The home reflects a Victorian Colonial style and features original woodwork, carvings and turn-of-the-century items of historical interest.

TripAdvisor suggests that you not skip Riley’s Bar, a popular place in town. Check out Wayne State Campus,  The Fred G. Dale Planetarium located on campus in the Carhart Science Building and a series of programs held during the year on Sunday afternoons, beginning in November.

Being a Master Gardener, I’d have to take my wife to Garden Perennials where we could walk among three acres of flowers. We would enjoy the display gardens at a picturesque location in the country. The garden features flowering perennials, Asiatic lilies and various wildflowers.

I’ll top off Wayne with a video called Wayne Works that highlights the friendly community and its families. Senior travelers, enjoy this college town. -jeb