Ainsworth, Nebraska: Sandhills Crossroads for Deer and Turkey

Ainsworth is the Brown County seat with a population around 1,700, sitting squarely in the middle of the Nebraska Sandhills along Highway 20. This stretch of highway is one of the most scenic drives in the state, and Ainsworth serves as a natural stopping point for hunters headed into the surrounding public lands. The town is close to Long Pine, the Cowboy Trail, and thousands of acres of prime deer and turkey habitat.

The Town

Ainsworth is a quiet, friendly community built around agriculture and ranching. The downtown has a few blocks of local businesses, including a hardware store, pharmacy, and several churches. The Cowboy Trail, a 195-mile rail-to-trail conversion that runs through town, is the longest rail-trail in Nebraska. The surrounding landscape is classic Sandhills: rolling grass-covered dunes, scattered wetlands, and wide-open sky.

Where to Eat

Several small restaurants in Ainsworth serve solid comfort food. Local diners and cafes open early for breakfast and stay open through dinner, serving the kind of home-cooked meals that fuel long days in the field. The options are not extensive, but the food is genuine and the portions are honest. Ainsworth also has a couple of bars that serve food during hunting season.

Where to Stay

Ainsworth has a handful of motels along Highway 20 that cater to hunters and travelers. Rooms are basic, clean, and affordable. During peak deer season, it is wise to book ahead as the limited inventory fills up. The Long Pine area, about 15 minutes east, also has cabins and lodging options that put you closer to some of the best timber hunting in the region.

Where to Hunt

Brown County produces strong whitetail and mule deer numbers. The Sandhills habitat north of town holds mule deer in the open grasslands and whitetail in the timbered draws and river corridors. The Long Pine Creek area east of Ainsworth is particularly notable. The steep, timbered canyons along Long Pine Creek create dense cover that holds mature whitetails year-round.

Turkey populations are robust throughout the county. Spring gobbler hunting in the timber along Long Pine Creek and the surrounding drainages is outstanding. The birds use the cedar-filled draws and hardwood bottoms extensively.

The Cowboy Trail corridor and adjacent public lands offer walk-in access for upland bird hunters chasing sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken. Several WMAs in the county provide additional public access points.

Why Ainsworth Works

Ainsworth is a practical base for hunting the central Sandhills. You are within easy reach of Brown County's diverse habitat, the Long Pine timber country, and the broader Sandhills landscape. The town is large enough to have basic services but small enough that you will feel like a guest rather than a tourist. For hunters who want a genuine Sandhills experience without driving to the far reaches of the state, Ainsworth is a smart choice.