National Willa Cather Center — Attraction in Red Cloud

The National Willa Cather Center is the place for all things Willa Cather. The nearly block-long facility incorporates multiple historic buildings in Red Cloud's history, including the Opera House where she was the valedictorian for her high school graduation. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, the bookstore and gift shop excellent, and the center has both permanent and temporary exhibit spaces.

This is a great place to start for exploring Willa Cather's formative years in Red Cloud and how that influenced her writing career. From the NWCC, you can pick up guide material to explore the Farmers & Merchants Bank exhibit across the street, the Cather Childhood Home, the Pavelka Farmstead,...

I fell in love with Red Cloud in 2012 when I was driving back roads from New Mexico to Nebraska City. Intrigued on my return to New Mexico, I booked a stay at the Cather Second Home in Red Cloud and immersed myself in "all things Cather." Since 2012, I have returned almost yearly for the Willa Cather Spring Conference. I come here as often as I can, and now I am excited that I can book my stays at the boutique hotel, Hotel Garber, which opened this spring. Come visit the National Willa Cather Center. You too will fall in LOVE with all things Willa Cather...

I really enjoyed the center during my time at the annual conference. The bookstore was top-notch with lots of books by and about Cather, the environment she wrote about and adjacent authors. You can choose a postcard (or two), sit down at the desk & write to friends and family. $3/card & they will post it for you! I purchased several tea towels that were hand stitched by volunteers with scenes from her novels. The permanent exhibit was comprehensive and well done. I loved my tour of the archives with Tracy who was generous with her time...