Broken Bow, Nebraska: Central Nebraska's Premier Hunting Town

Broken Bow is the Custer County seat with a population around 3,500, sitting right at the transition zone where the Sandhills meet the agricultural heartland of central Nebraska. This location creates a diversity of habitat that is hard to match anywhere in the state. Pheasant, quail, deer, turkey, and waterfowl all thrive in the surrounding landscape, and Broken Bow itself offers surprisingly good amenities for a town its size.

The Town

Broken Bow has a well-kept downtown square with local shops, restaurants, and a courthouse that anchors the community. The town has seen steady investment in recent years, with new businesses and updated infrastructure. It feels like a small town that takes pride in itself. For hunters, that translates to clean lodging, good food, and a welcoming attitude toward out-of-town visitors carrying gun cases.

Where to Eat

Bonfire Grill is the top dinner spot in Broken Bow, serving steaks, burgers, and American classics in a comfortable atmosphere. Hokey Bro's Soda Fountain on the square is a throwback treat, perfect for a midday break with homemade ice cream and sandwiches. Several other restaurants and cafes along the main corridors serve breakfast and lunch. For a town of 3,500, the dining scene is genuinely solid.

Where to Stay

The Cobblestone Hotel and Suites is the newest and most comfortable option in town, with modern rooms and a hot breakfast. Several locally owned motels along Highway 2 offer hunter-friendly accommodations at lower price points. During pheasant opener weekend, rooms book up fast, so plan well in advance.

Where to Hunt

Pressey WMA south of Broken Bow covers over 1,600 acres of grassland, cedar draws, and crop fields. It is one of the more productive WMAs in central Nebraska for pheasant, quail, and deer. The varied terrain rewards hunters who are willing to work the edges and draws rather than sticking to the obvious paths.

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area offers another public access point with timber, springs, and grassland habitat. The springs attract wildlife year-round, and the surrounding terrain holds deer and turkey.

One Box Pheasant Hunt, based near Broken Bow, offers guided pheasant hunting on managed private land for those who want a guided experience. Custer County as a whole is strong pheasant and deer country, with a mix of irrigated cropland, CRP grass, and rangeland that provides food and cover in close proximity.

Why Broken Bow Is a Top Pick

Broken Bow hits the sweet spot for hunting trips. You get genuinely good restaurants, comfortable hotels, and convenient services in a town that still feels small and authentic. The surrounding habitat diversity means you can hunt pheasant in the morning and sit a deer stand in the evening without driving more than 20 minutes. For groups that include hunters with different interests or experience levels, Broken Bow offers something for everyone.