Rivers, forests, and a named trail offer concrete starting points for a trip to Thomas County. There’s also birdwatching, fishing, golf, and visitor services in Thedford. What you focus on depends on whether you’re mainly planning to enjoy nature, take part in a particular activity, or visit town.
Rivers, Forests, and Regional Orientation
The Middle Loup River and the Dismal River flow through Thomas County and converge just east of the county. Part of the Nebraska National Forest lies between the Loup River and the Dismal River. Bessey Nursery is located in Thomas County, south of the Middle Loup River. Another regional landmark is the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway: between Halsey and Thedford, it includes a 17-mile stretch.
Trail, Forest, and Birdwatching
The Discovery Loup Trail is a three-quarter-mile loop through the Bessey Arboretum. The Nebraska National Forest also has trails and horse camping sites. Fishing is available at Forest Pond in the Nebraska National Forest, where there is also an accessible fishing pier. Conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check them before your visit. This brings together options for different interests: a named loop in the arboretum, fishing at Forest Pond, and other trails in the forest.
The Nebraska National Forest is recommended as a year-round destination for birdwatchers. A regional events calendar for 2026 also lists prairie chicken viewing blinds in March and April. Confirm their seasonal availability in advance if you plan to visit for this activity. Thomas County has very low light pollution, making it a good place to observe the night sky, too. Birdwatching and night-sky viewing offer different ways to enjoy nature.
Visitor Services and Other Activities
When tanking, visitors float down the Middle Loup River in a cattle trough. Tanking is a local recreational tradition; if you want to plan a specific trip, check in advance whether it is currently offered. Sandhills River Trips is a bookable visitor service at 608 Court St in Thedford. Confirm that it is operating before you travel, before making it a firm part of your plans.
The Thedford Art Gallery is located at 509 Court Street in Thedford. Anthem Coffee in Thedford serves espresso drinks, chai, smoothies, iced tea, and lemonade. The drink menu may change; check the current selection if you plan to visit. Together, these addresses offer specific places to visit for different interests, without conflating a visitor service with a gallery visit or a café visit.
The Thedford Golf Course is a nine-hole course. Its links-style design follows the natural contours of the Sandhills landscape, and the greens are not elevated. Golf thus adds a distinct theme to the nature and water activities.
Discover more destinations: Halsey, Colfax County, Blaine, Webster County, Franklin County, Cherry County, Cuming County, Hall County.
For the main travel overview: Nebraska.
