Group and Motorcoach Tours

Discover the World of Willa Cather on the American Prairie

Embark on a literary oasis and introduce your group to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Willa Cather—Nebraska’s "foremost citizen" and author of O Pioneers!, My Ántonia and One of Ours.

Historic Site Tour

The National Willa Cather Center is located in the quiet rural town of Red Cloud, Nebraska—childhood home of writer Willa Cather. Alongside the Red Cloud Opera House, the Center is a cultural oasis on the Great Plains. Ten historic buildings—and a 612-acre tract of native prairie—comprise the largest collection of sites related to any American author.

Whether you have a few hours, a half day, or all day—let us arrange the perfect immersive tour itinerary within your timeframe!

To speak with us about your tour, please call 402-746-2653.

What Your Group Will Experience

Visit the fully-restored Willa Cather Childhood home and other sites related to Willa Cather's life and writing on our guided tours
Hike, picnic, star-gaze dark skies, or watch the sunrise and sunset at the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie
Take a guided Prairie Tour with our expert Master Naturalist
View our exhibits, American Bittersweet: The Life & Writing of Willa Cather and Making A Place: A Long History of Red Cloud — and changing art installations in our galleries
Enjoy scenic country roads or take a Cather Country Tour of rural settings in the author's novels, including the Pavelka Farmstead, the famed setting at the end of Willa Cather's My Ántonia
Shop at the National Willa Cather Center Bookstore for curated books and gifts
Explore the extensive Collections & Archives at the National Willa Cather Center
Take in a performance at the Red Cloud Opera House
Enjoy a delicious lunch served in our beautiful Red Cloud Opera House Art Gallery — or a picnic on the prairie!

Exclusives for Bus Tours

Meals, Lodging, and Perks

Free meal & tours for bus drivers/tour escorts
Complimentary bus parking
Discount on group lodging in Red Cloud
On-site tour coordinator
Delicious catered lunches are available with prior arrangement
The historic Cather Second Home offers lodging for small groups of fifteen or less
The boutique Hotel Garber can accommodate motor coach groups

Life & Legacy Tour

Learn Through Film, Exhibits, and Collections

An expert-led overview of Willa Cather’s life and career, including the American Bittersweet: The Life & Writing of Willa Cather museum exhibit and archive at the National Willa Cather Center.

Historic Sites Tour

Discover Cather's Childhood Home

A docent-led tour of three to seven historic sites connected to Willa Cather’s life and writing, including her childhood home, a National Historic Landmark.

Landscape Tour

Explore the Native Prairie

Explore the spectacle of the Great Plains with a guided hike at the Willa Cather Prairie, the largest tract of unplowed prairie in the region, and home to more than 250 native plant species.

Arts Tour

Explore stunning work of regional artists with the current gallery exhibit and tour the Red Cloud Opera House, where Willa Cather once performed.

Center of Everything

A Scenic Drive Along Heritage Highway

Red Cloud is just 20 miles north of the Geographic Center of the United States along scenic U.S. 281 which bisects the country from Canada to Mexico. Exit off I-70 or I-80 onto a scenic rural byway and enjoy a stunning drive on the Great Plains into Willa Cather's hometown.