Vitame Vas, we welcome you!
Wilber is a unique ethnic community located 36 miles southwest of Lincoln, Nebraska. The first thing that greets you as you arrive downtown is traditional Czech music filling the air on main street. Flowers in the sidewalk pots bring a friendly feeling to each visitor. The Czech language is remembered by the store front signs and citizen greetings on the streets.
The Chamber of Commerce offers “A Day to Remember” walking tours for groups of all sizes. Advance arrangements can be made by calling 1-888-4-WILBER
The day begins at the Czech Museum for coffee and a kolace, a Czech pastry, followed by a trip to the Wilber Bakery to watch a baker make kolace and other pastries. Next, see Czech meat specialties being made from original recipes at theWilber Meat Market. On to Barnas Drug for a history of garnets and hand-blown glass made for centuries in the Czech Republic. You will have an authentic Czech lunch, tour the historic Hotel Wilber, a bed and breakfast inn, and learn about Czech costumes at the Czech Craft Shop. Then back to the Czech Museum for a guided tour of the three floors. The tour ends in the afternoon. You will have a most enjoyable day in Wilber!
Wilber has a wonderful Czech Museum, open daily from 1 to 4 p.m.; several buildings that are listed in the National Historic Register, camping facilities, bowling alley, swimming pool, and occasional weekend dances at one of the surrounding Sokol halls, featuring polka music.
Sokol halls helped Czech families provide guidelines for their children’s sense of morals and ethics, as well as physical fitness through gymnastics and other athletic activities. The halls are run by volunteer members and are used for weddings, anniversaries, funerals, and other community events. There are three Sokol halls in the Wilber area.
The Czech Craft Shop located on Third Street in the center of the business district, makes and sells Czech costumes. The volunteers still hand embroider the beautiful patterns on the vests, blouses, and aprons, plus they make several colors of skirts, and have long and short sleeve shirts and vests for men. The shop also features magnets, note cards, books, and many special gift items. The shop is open 9 a.m. to noon, year round. Additional hours in June, July, and August: Monday-Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Or by appointment by calling (402) 821-2484 or (402) 821-2062.
Bed and Breakfast
For a change of pace, escape to the 1895 Hotel Wilber, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. We invite you to experience a touch and taste of Czech traditions. Enjoy soothing tranquility and warm hospitality year round at this fully restored landmark hotel turned bed and breakfast inn and restaurant. Located at 2nd & Wilson Streets in the heart of Wilber, the historic Hotel Wilber graciously welcomes you to our nation’s Czech Capital. Step back to the late Victorian era as you enter the hotel lobby. Its polished oak woodwork, staircase and floor, high pressed tin ceiling and lace-trimmed windows gracefully reflect the splendors of the past. In the privacy of the second story, 11 guest rooms decorated in quaint ole style await. Each features authentic antiques and its own unique decor. Antique lamp posts and colorful flower beds surround Hotel Wilber, lending to the inn’s nostalgic atmosphere. The shaded garden is a great place to relax, refresh and unwind. Also available for weddings, parties, reunions, anniversary and birthday parties, etc. Call (402) 821-2020 for reservations.