Beatrice was formed in 1857, after passengers from the steamboat Hannibal ran aground on their way to Nebraska City. Calling themselves the Nebraska Association, they set about finding a new place to call home. They named the new settlement Beatrice, after Julia Beatrice Kinney, the teenage daughter of Association member Judge John F. Kinney. It quickly became the county seat, a position it's held ever since.
Today approximately 12,500 residents call Beatrice home. While the city is small, key attractions like the Beatrice Speedway, historic sites, and opportunities for hunting and fishing make it a popular destination for tourists wanting to connect with nature and get away from it all. Discover all Beatrice has to offer on your next Nebraska vacation.
When should you visit Beatrice, NE?
Beatrice is at its most inviting in early fall. By September, tornado season has passed, the sweltering summer heat has subsided, and the leaves are changing to rich reds, oranges, and yellows. With typical top temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, it's perfect weather for fishing, hiking, and enjoying a round of golf at Beatrice Country Club or Hidden Acres Golf Course. October is also pleasant, with peak temperatures in the high 60s, but November is very cold.
Tornado season starts in May, so if your heart is set on a spring getaway don't leave it too long. Winter snow lingers in March, but April is relatively comfortable with highs in the mid-60s.
Tornadoes are most common in May and June. While the winds die down by July, the scorching heat makes most travelers uncomfortable. The temperatures usually sit in the high 80s, but during heatwaves it can soar past 100.
Only the bravest souls visit Beatrice during winter. If the average temperatures in the mid- to high 30s aren't enough to scare you off, the unpredictable ice storms and blizzards might. Driving during this time of year can be treacherous and the conditions can change in an instant.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Beatrice, NE:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Beatrice, NE. Analyze these line graphs to determine the cheapest seasons to stay in Beatrice for your upcoming travels.
What are the best hotels in Beatrice, NE?
Beatrice isn't known for its luxury, but a few hotels in the local area are a cut above the rest. Consider the following hotels to make your stay extra special.
While most local hotels offer little more than rooms, Holiday Inn Express – Beatrice has great facilities including a heated indoor pool and a fitness center with treadmills, an exercise bike, and a wall-mounted TV to keep your exercise routine on track. If you'd prefer relaxing, head to your well-appointed room. Holiday Inn Express has comfortable rooms with your choice of a single king bed or a pair of queens. Connected and pet-friendly rooms are available on request. Business travelers are treated to free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the Manager's Receptions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
If you don't mind the drive, the Residence Inn by Marriott Lincoln is another upmarket choice. It's an all-suites hotel with plush pillow-top bedding, full-size kitchens, modern appliances, and free Wi-Fi to help you feel like home. Enjoy the free breakfast each morning, then start thinking about what you want to order for your evening meal from the complimentary grocery service. It makes a great alternative to eating out, although there are several restaurants close by if you'd prefer someone else did the work! An indoor pool, outdoor grill, sports court, and evening socials add to the fun.
What are the budget hotels in Beatrice, NE?
3 Star Average Prices: $114.78
Beatrice tends to cater to more for frugal travelers than visitors that want to splash cash, so you'll find several affordable options in and around the city center. The following hotels will leave more in your pocket for souvenirs.
Less than 5-minutes' walk from Beatrice Municipal Airport and next door to Walmart, the pet-friendly Travelers Lodge Beatrice is ideally located for travelers. Its tidy rooms have everything you really need including flat-screen TVs showing cable channels, mini-fridges, microwave ovens, and coffee makers. There's a coin laundry on site and plenty of off-street parking. The Travelers Lodge Beatrice treats guests to free Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast each morning.
If you aren't too fussy about staying in the center of town, Marysville Surf Motel is another affordable option. Its recently remodeled rooms aren't flashy, but they're spacious and tidy, with quality appliances including large 40-inch TVs and coffee makers for your caffeine fix. Choose from a drive-up exterior corridor room or one of the larger interior corridor rooms. You'll never be bored here, with a hot tub, fitness room, and games room all on site. The meeting room, with a kitchen, balcony, and bathrooms is ideal for parties and business events.
2 Star Average Prices: $84.75
What are the best discounts in Beatrice, NE?
Receiving discounted accommodation always feels like a win. You don't need to wait for a sale to save at the following hotels around Beatrice.
Capri Inn & Suites – Beatrice discounts its regular rates for large traveling groups. Its rooms are simple but spacious, with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwave ovens, and writing desks. Some even have hot tubs, perfect for those romantic getaways. The indoor swimming pool and hot tub are always popular with guests. The enormous onsite parking lot suits cars, trucks, and RVs.
The always affordable Super 8 By Wyndham Crete becomes even more appealing if you're a AAA auto club member, senior or AARP member, or part of a large traveling group. All these guests receive discounts on all rooms, from standard guestrooms to whirlpool suites. This pet-friendly hotel boasts modern rooms with fridges, microwaves, wall-mounted TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Parking is also free, whether you have a compact or an RV. The famous SuperStart breakfast provides all the fuel you need for sightseeing in Beatrice.
What are the best value options in Beatrice, NE?
The following hotels offer the things that really matter to guests without charging them extra for things they don't. You'll always enjoy value for money at these great accommodation providers around Beatrice.
Given its name, it's unsurprising that America's Best Value Inn Beatrice always gives travelers a good deal. It's clean and pet-friendly, with well-appointed rooms featuring microwaves, mini-fridges, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs playing Showtime and other cable channels. The high-speed Wi-Fi is free, along with the tasty continental breakfast served each morning. The front desk stays open 24 hours a day to serve you better.
Fairbury NE Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Fairbury is a boutique charmer, with spacious, well-appointed suites, including pet-friendly accommodation. Every suite has a fridge, a microwave, and luxury linens on the beds. The complimentary breakfast buffet is a real treat. Don't worry about overindulging. The hotel's pool and fitness room can help you work off the pastries. If you need some extra energy before your workout, grab some Wolfgang Puck coffee in the lobby. It's available to satisfy your caffeine cravings at any time of the day or night.
What are the best tourist attractions in Beatrice, NE?
Many visitors are surprised to discover all there is to see and do in Beatrice. Make sure you spend at least a few days in the city exploring great tourist attractions like these.
Beatrice Speedway is arguably Beatrice's biggest draw card. This 1/3-mile dirt track hosts IMCA modified, sport mod, hobby, stock, and sport compact car races most Friday nights from March to September. From the Spring Nationals to September Fest, Beatrice Speedway provides an adrenaline-filled atmosphere for race enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
Homestead National Monument is the only national park in Southeast Nebraska. More than a green space, its heritage and education centers offer a fascinating glimpse into frontier life and the Homestead Act's impact on the nation. Walk in the footsteps of historic homesteaders as you explore the three miles of trails through the site's 100-acre grass prairie. Special photography displays, film festivals, and other events throughout the year encourage return visits.
Learn more about the area's past at the Gage County Historical Society and Museum. It's fittingly housed in the former Burlington Railroad Depot Passenger Station, the very place where Beatrice was founded in 1857. The museum celebrates the rich tapestry of life in Gage County through the ages with displays focused on its prominent citizens, railroads, agricultural history, and other industries. If you knew people who lived in Gage County, don't be afraid to ask the staff about them. With their obituaries, marriage records, newspaper articles, and country history books, they may be able to tell you something about your loved ones that you didn't know!
Sports fans shouldn't miss the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame, which celebrates the state's Major Leaguers, college heroes, and more. Take your time admiring the memorabilia, photographs, and other artifacts dating right back to 1916.
Beatrice might be a small city, but it's big on personality. It makes an excellent pit stop on the way to Lincoln, but don't be surprised if you want to linger longer in this charming Gage County town.
FAQs about hotels in Beatrice
How much does a cheap hotel in Beatrice cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Beatrice can be as cheap as $84.75 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Beatrice cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Beatrice has been $114.78 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Beatrice, NE
Below are reviews of the city of Beatrice, NE from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Hometown Feel"
Score
5.0 / 5
Hometown feel.
Linda L., from 29-Oct-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Beatrice, NE shown above is
5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews