National Willa Cather Center Named Outstanding Tourism Attraction
National Willa Cather Center Named Outstanding Tourism Attraction
La Vista---Over the last five years, the Willa Cather Foundation embarked on a significant undertaking to create a new archive and museum. The Center is a state-of-the-art archive, museum and arts center that promotes the legacy of renowned writer, Willa Cather. In June, a dedication for the Center was held where first lady Laura Bush was the keynote speaker. Since the dedication and opening, the Foundation has seen an increase of over 40% in visitors and 20% of visitors taking guided tours. Visitors hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and up to seven foreign countries. Remarkably, approximately 80% of visitors come from outside of Nebraska, requiring overnight lodging and garnering average spending of $211 per day. The Center has also had a transformative effect on downtown Red Cloud, recently a coffee house and a wine and craft beer tasting room have opened in nearby buildings.
The Center also received the 2017 Nebraska Preservation Award from the Nebraska State Historical Society.
