Area Attractions and Activities
 Escape to a place where family and friends make memories that last a lifetime! Enjoy the peaceful serenity of rolling hills dotted with vibrant wildflowers, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, refreshing lakes and rivers and welcoming hospitality.
Get your feet wet while tanking or canoeing our family friendly rivers. Or stop by the Calamus Lake for more great swimming, boating and fishing.
The American Bird Conservancy has described the Nebraska Sandhills as the "best grassland bird place in the United States". The region sports some of the nation's best Sharp-tail Grouse and Greater Prairie Chicken hunting in the fall and premier lek viewing in the spring. Loup County is also home to the rare Burrowing Owl as well as a multitude of other indigenous species.
Hunt upland game, waterfowl, deer and turkey on native tall grass prairie. Low hunter density and thoughtful land management have produced one of the prime hunting environments the state has to offer. The diversity and quality of wildlife here makes Loup County a mecca for any outdoorsman!
Located in "God's Cow Country" Loup County relies heavily on cattle ranching. Come see real cowboys work cattle the old fashioned way while being good stewards to the land.
 For the amateur astronomer, don't forget to take advantage of some of the blackest nights you'll see by being far from the pollution of big city lights!
Soak in the rich history this area has to offer. Visit the original log cabin museum and other attractions in downtown Taylor.
Calamus Reservoir and State Recreation Area
 The Calamus Lake is the most beautiful boating and fishing lake the Sandhills has to offer! White sand beaches, modern boat ramps, and prize fishing make this one of the states most family friendly vacation destinations. Several campgrounds accomodate RV parking and tenting needs. The recreation Area includes ample opportunities for hunting, bird watching, hiking, etc.
For more info go to www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/parks.asp and click on Calamus SRA.
Events
The Loup County Fair (locally referred to as the "World's Fair") is the second weekend in August and is held in the town of Taylor. The youth of the county show off their 4-H projects including arts and crafts, foods, displays, and animal exhibits. Citizens proudly show off photography, art, produce, etc. Many family activities are planned throughout the weekend like a bicycle rodeo, turtle and duck races, cakewalks, chicken scramble, kiddie parade, and more! The Fair is wrapped up by one of the biggest and best community parades in the area on Saturday night followed by a musical/comedy street show that is free for all. Come see why Taylor triples its population during the Loup County Fair!
The Nebraska Junk Jaunt travels through Loup County every September and offers numerous stops for those searching for antiques and other "treasures". Check out http://junkjaunt.com/ for more information.
 Burwell, the "Outdoor Rodeo Capital of Nebraska," hosts Nebraska's Big Rodeo the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in July. In addition to traditional rodeo competitions, at each of the four PRCA performances, spectators enjoy Chuck Wagon Races, Wild Horse Races, the Dinner Bell Derby, Trick Riders and world champion clowns, bucking stock and contestants. When in Burwell, you won't miss the rodeo ground near the junction of Hwys 11 and 91. Be sure to attend Nebraska's Big Rodeo that has been a Burwell tradition for more than eight decades.For more information and ticket orders: (308) 346-5010
Find out more about hunting seasons and opportunities at www.ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/hunting.asp.
Harrop Park
 Harrop Park is located 18 miles North of Taylor on Hwy 183. Native flora abounds on the informative nature walk. A picnic shelter, windmill and restrooms make this an attractive place to stretch your legs while taking in the vast beauty of the Sandhills. A Nebraska Historical Marker on site tells the fascinating story of how "Harrop" came to be.
Outfitters and Guides
Calamus Outfitters
(located off State Hwy 96, on the north side of the Calamus Lake)
 - Tanking, Tubing and Canoeing the Calamus River
- Birding (Prairie Chicken and Grouse Lek viewing)
- Horseback Riding and Lessons
- Hunting (Deer, waterfowl, turkey, upland game)
- Lodging (Lodges, Cabins, and Tent Camping)
- Valleyview General Store
Call or email for more info and reservations: 308-346-4697 - www.calamusoutfitters.com
Rezac Guide Service on the Calamus
Full guide service on the Calamus Lake. Call for more info: 308-942-6163
Taylor Community Arboretum Project
 In the summer of 2009, the Taylor Arboretum committee reformed after nearly 20 years. This organization worked toward improvement of the Taylor Village Park circa 1990. Caring individuals thought that the park again needed some extra attention, not only in beautification but for safety reasons as well.
The Taylor Community Arboretum (TCA) this past summer applied for and received a 2009 Trees for Nebraska Towns grant, part of the Retree Nebraska Initiative, from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA). Justin Evertson, NSA director, and Bob Henrickson, NSA staff member, came to Taylor on August 15 to meet with the committee. From that meeting, NSA officials suggested to not only target the village park in the effort but make it a community-wide arboretum including the Tourist Park, Visitor Center, public library, Historical Pavillion Hotel, and museum as well as the Taylor Park. Being a part of the statewide arboretum initiative, Taylor will be included on the Arboretum map and thereby encourage more visitors to the area.
 So far four "condemned trees" have been removed, a new sign proclaiming Taylor as an Arboretum and the "Home of the Taylor Juniper" has been installed with native plants surrounding the base, and over forty trees have been planted with plaques installed next to them containing their common and scientific names (and any dedication information).
This coming fall the committee will be removing two more "condemned" Cottonwood trees, planting five to six more trees (including two more Taylor Junipers that will go on either side of the new "Welcome to Taylor" sign that will soon be located at the junction of highways 183 and 91), and installing the "commemorative brick" flower bed around the Arboretum sign. The committee will also be applying for another round of grant money which will be used to plant more trees at the auxiliary locations of the community Arboretum.
The Retree Nebraska Initiative is a matching grant, so community support is vital. No village or county funds or taxes may be used to fund the Taylor effort. Instead, the group is seeking volunteers and donations. To this end, there are four ways to help. Commemorative bricks will be available at a cost of $25 per brick with limited lettering available. These bricks will be used to form the base of the new Taylor Arboretum sign in the park. Supporters may also purchase trees for $100. This includes a small plaque with your name or your designated honoree’s name. All donations will go through the TCA’s account in the Burwell Community Fund. Donations of time and labor also count in the in-kind match for this grant. There will be many opportunities to help with the project.
Forms for bricks are now available at the Union Bank-Taylor Branch and at the Loup County Court House or click here to print a brick form and return it to Sue McNeil, Kevin Brown, or to Terry DeGraff at the Burwell Community Fund located in the Management Informations System building on the square in Burwell.
At this time, members of the Taylor Community Arboretum include
Colt Kraus, Loren Sandoz, Jean Harden, Tom & Sue McNeil, Shirley Armbruster, Kevin Brown, Ken Sheets, Amy Ritchie, and Dick Brown. If you have any questions about the Taylor Community Arboretum Project, or would like to join the Arboretum committee please feel free to contact Colt Kraus at kraus505@live.missouristate.edu.
Taylor Park
 The Taylor Park makes up the central village square and is easily recognizable by the many mature Cottonwoods as well as a large variety of other trees that provide ample shade and beauty. The Taylor Park was recently added to the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum registry as part of the Taylor Community Arboretum.
The park boasts a gazebo, modern playground equipment, two picnic shelters, public restroom facilities, running water, and ample space for picnics, reunions, children's activities or just quiet relaxation.
The main shelter has outlets located in a central brick structure and a charcoal grill right to the northeast.
Taylor Tourist Park
 The Taylor Tourist Park is located on Hwy 91 in Taylor and is ready to serve your RV parking and tenting needs. Besides six full RV hook-ups, the park has playground equipment, horseshoe pits, a large basketball court, and lovely shaded green space.
For more info call 308-942-6199.
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