Monowi, Nebraska, a tiny village in Boyd County, holds the unique distinction of being the only incorporated town in the United States with a population of one—Elsie Eiler. Founded in 1902 as a bustling stop along the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, Monowi thrived in the 1930s with 150 residents, boasting shops, a school, and a post office. Named after a Native American word for “flower,” inspired by the wildflowers that once blanketed its prairies, the town saw its population dwindle as younger residents left for bigger cities. By 2004, after the death of Elsie’s husband, Rudy, she became Monowi’s sole resident, single-handedly keeping its tavern, library, and spirit alive.
Things to Do in Monowi
1. Visit Monowi Tavern and Engage with Elsie Eiler’s Stories
Stop by the Monowi Tavern, the heart of America’s smallest incorporated town, run single-handedly by Elsie Eiler, the village’s sole resident, mayor, and bartender. This cozy, rustic bar serves cold beer, hearty burgers, and, according to some, the “best ribeye in Nebraska.” The real draw is Elsie’s storytelling—chat with her about Monowi’s history, from its 1930s peak with 150 residents to its current solitude, or hear tales of the region’s ranching and railroad past. The tavern is adorned with Nebraska Cornhuskers memorabilia and vintage Budweiser mugs, creating a nostalgic vibe. Don’t miss the chance to buy a Monowi T-shirt or sign the guestbook, joining travelers from across the globe. The tavern is open daily except Mondays, and the experience feels like stepping into a living piece of Americana. Be sure to check road conditions, as spring flooding can complicate access along Highway 12.
2. Explore Rudy’s Library and Monowi’s Historical Remnants
Just steps from the tavern, visit Rudy’s Library, a small plywood shed housing
over 5,000 books in memory of Elsie’s late husband, Rudy Eiler. This quirky, honor-system library offers a surprising range of literature, from novels to history books, making it a bibliophile’s delight in the middle of nowhere. Spend time browsing the collection and reflecting on Monowi’s past as a bustling prairie village founded in 1902. Afterward, take a short walk around Monowi’s overgrown streets to see remnants like the abandoned schoolhouse, church, and grain elevator, where wildflowers—echoing the town’s name, meaning “flower” in a Native American language—dot the landscape. Bring a camera to capture the haunting beauty of this near-ghost town, especially at dusk when the single streetlight casts a warm glow. The library and walk offer a quiet, introspective dive into rural America’s fading legacy.
3. Hike and Picnic at Niobrara State Park
Drive about 20 miles from Monowi to Niobrara State Park, nestled where the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers meet, for a dose of outdoor adventure. The park features scenic trails like the Riverfront Trail, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, river bluffs, and diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and deer. Spend the morning hiking a 2-3 mile trail, immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty, which blends Midwest prairies with Western rock formations. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s designated areas, perhaps near the river for a serene backdrop. In the afternoon, join a guided nature walk led by park rangers to learn about local flora, fauna, and the area’s geological history, including fossil sites. The park’s proximity to Monowi makes it an ideal day trip, offering a contrast to the village’s solitude with vibrant outdoor activities. Check the park’s schedule for guided walk times and bring bug spray for summer visits.
1. Monowi Tavern (Monowi, NE)
At the heart of Monowi, the Monowi Tavern is not just a place to eat—it’s a pilgrimage to America’s smallest incorporated town, run by its sole resident, 91-year-old Elsie Eiler. Open six days a week (closed Mondays), this weathered bar serves up cold beers, juicy burgers, and what some call the “best ribeye in Nebraska,” grilled to perfection by Elsie herself. The tavern’s walls, decked with Nebraska Cornhuskers gear and vintage signs, hum with history, having served ranchers and travelers since 1971. Visitors rave about the charm of chatting with Elsie, who might share tales of Monowi’s 1930s heyday when 150 people filled its streets. Expect a no-frills menu with staples like hot dogs and fries, but the real draw is the atmosphere—a mix of dive-bar grit and warm hospitality. It’s a bucket-list stop for those chasing Americana, but come prepared for a crowd; Elsie’s fame draws curious tourists and loyal locals from nearby farms. Tip well and sign the guestbook to join a global roster of visitors.
2. The Sandhills Bar & Grill (Verdigre, NE, ~25 miles from Monowi)
A 30-minute drive south of Monowi lands you in Verdigre, where The Sandhills
Bar & Grill offers a taste of Nebraska’s rural heartland. Housed in a modest brick building, this local haunt is a favorite for its hearty comfort food and laid-back vibe. The menu boasts crowd-pleasers like hand-breaded chicken fried steak, smothered in creamy gravy, and towering burgers stacked with fresh fixings. Their Friday night prime rib special is a regional draw, slow-roasted to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The bar’s walls, adorned with taxidermy and local sports memorabilia, reflect the area’s hunting and ranching culture, while the jukebox keeps things lively. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s a spot where farmers, families, and travelers mingle, swapping stories over frosty mugs of Busch Light. Verdigre’s Czech heritage, celebrated during its annual Kolach Days festival, sometimes sneaks onto the menu with specials like homemade kolaches. Call ahead for hours, as small-town spots like this can vary, and don’t miss the homemade pies if they’re on offer.
3. Big John’s Cafe (O’Neill, NE, ~50 miles from Monowi)
About an hour’s drive west, O’Neill—known as the “Irish Capital of Nebraska”—hosts Big John’s Cafe, a beloved diner that’s been dishing up home-style meals for decades. This classic small-town eatery, with its checkered tablecloths and friendly waitstaff, serves breakfast all day, featuring fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and omelets stuffed with local sausage. Lunch and dinner bring heartier fare like roast beef with mashed potatoes or breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches that spill over the plate. The cafe’s Irish flair shines during O’Neill’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, when you might find corned beef and cabbage specials. Big John’s prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients, a nod to the surrounding ranchlands. The vibe is pure community—expect to see regulars at the counter debating Husker football or local gossip. Open daily, it’s a perfect stop for travelers exploring the region’s scenic Highway 20 or visiting nearby Ashfall Fossil Beds. Grab a slice of their legendary homemade cherry pie to cap off your meal.
RV Parks Near Monowi
1. Niobrara State Park (Niobrara, NE, ~20 miles from Monowi)
Nestled where the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers converge, Niobrara State Park is
a scenic 20-mile drive from Monowi, offering stunning views of valleys and woodlands. This park provides 76 RV campsites, including 44 with 30/50-amp electric hookups and 32 basic sites, suitable for tents or smaller RVs. Rates range from $15-$25 per night for electric sites, with an additional $6 daily park entry fee for Nebraska vehicles ($8 for out-of-state). Amenities include modern restrooms, showers, a dump station, water spigots, picnic tables, and fire rings. The park excels for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, and community cookouts in summer. Its equestrian campground, with corrals and hitching posts, is a rare perk for horse owners. Bookings can be made via the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website, and reservations are recommended during peak season (May-September). The park’s proximity to Monowi makes it ideal for visiting Elsie Eiler’s tavern while enjoying nature. Be mindful of firewood restrictions to prevent invasive pests—buy local within 50 miles.
2. Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area (Crofton, NE, ~30 miles from Monowi)
Located about 30 miles southeast of Monowi near Crofton, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area sits along the Missouri River’s Lewis and Clark Lake, offering a serene retreat for RVers. The park features 99 RV campsites, with 76 offering 30/50-amp electric hookups and 23 basic sites. Rates are approximately $15-$20 per night for electric sites, plus a $6-$8 daily park entry fee. Amenities include modern restrooms, showers, a dump station, water access, picnic tables, and fire grills. The park is popular for boating, fishing (walleye and bass are abundant), and swimming at its sandy beach. Trails offer hiking and birdwatching, with bald eagles often spotted. Its location near Yankton, South Dakota, provides access to additional dining and shopping. Reservations are available through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and spring flooding can occasionally affect access, so check road conditions on Highway 12. This park is a great base for exploring Monowi and the broader Missouri River region, with level sites accommodating big rigs.
3. Kountry Korner RV Park (Verdigre, NE, ~25 miles from Monowi)
Roughly 25 miles south of Monowi, Kountry Korner RV Park in Verdigre is a
small, family-friendly campground offering a quiet, rural escape. This private park provides 10-12 full-hookup RV sites with 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer, priced around $25-$35 per night, though rates may vary—call (402) 668-2424 to confirm. The park accommodates big rigs with pull-through sites and offers basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility. Its gravel sites are level, and the surrounding area is lush with greenery, reflecting Verdigre’s Czech heritage, celebrated during Kolach Days. Nearby attractions include hiking at Wildwood Park and fishing in local creeks. The park’s simplicity suits travelers seeking a low-key stop near Monowi, with the added charm of Verdigre’s small-town diners and shops. Reservations are recommended, especially during festival season, and the park operates seasonally (April-October), weather permitting. Check for updates, as small parks may have limited online presence.
A Trip to Monowi…
Jake and Sarah, two old college buddies, rolled into Monowi, Nebraska, on a crisp October afternoon, their pickup crunching along the gravel road. They’d heard about the town with one resident and couldn’t resist seeing it for themselves. At the Monowi Tavern, Elsie Eiler, the 91-year-old mayor and sole citizen, greeted them with a warm smile and cold beers. Over juicy burgers, she shared stories of the town’s 1930s heyday, when 150 folks filled its streets. Jake scribbled his name in the guestbook, joining travelers from Japan and Germany.
The next morning, they wandered Monowi’s quiet lanes, snapping photos of the abandoned schoolhouse and overgrown church, wildflowers poking through cracked pavement. At Rudy’s Library, a shed packed with 5,000 books, Sarah found a dog-eared mystery novel and left a dollar in the honor box. They drove 20 miles to Niobrara State Park for a hike along the Riverfront Trail, spotting a bald eagle over the Missouri River. That evening, back at the tavern, Elsie grilled them ribeyes, and they laughed over her tales of outwitting curious reporters. As they left Monowi, waving to Elsie, Jake said, “One person, but this place feels bigger than most cities.” Sarah nodded, already planning their next road trip.
A Book About Monowi
Book: Nebraska: Off the Beaten Path by Hannah McNally and Diana Lambdin Meyer (12th Edition, 2022)
Summary:
Nebraska: Off the Beaten Path is a comprehensive travel guide that explores lesser-known destinations across Nebraska, including the tiny village of Monowi. Published by Globe Pequot Press, this updated edition highlights unique attractions, historical sites, and local stories, making it an ideal resource for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-grid experiences. The book dedicates a section to Monowi, emphasizing its extraordinary claim as the only incorporated U.S. town with a single resident, Elsie Eiler, who serves as mayor, bartender, librarian, and clerk.
The Monowi section delves into the town’s history, tracing its founding in 1902 as a stop along the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad. It describes Monowi’s peak in the 1930s, when it supported 150 residents, a post office, grocery stores, and a school, before economic shifts and rural depopulation led to its decline. The narrative highlights Elsie Eiler’s role in keeping Monowi alive, detailing her operation of the Monowi Tavern, where she serves burgers and cold beer to locals and tourists, and her maintenance of Rudy’s Library, a 5,000-book collection housed in a shed to honor her late husband, Rudy, who died in 2004. The book paints a vivid picture of Monowi’s abandoned structures—overgrown streets, a crumbling church, and a derelict schoolhouse—contrasting them with Elsie’s resilience and hospitality, which draw visitors from around the world.
Beyond Monowi, the book covers other Nebraska gems, such as quirky museums, scenic parks, and cultural festivals, offering practical travel tips like directions, hours, and nearby accommodations. For Monowi, it suggests visiting the tavern to chat with Elsie and sign her guestbook, a tradition for global travelers. The authors weave historical context with personal anecdotes, capturing the spirit of rural Nebraska and the tenacity of communities like Monowi facing economic challenges. This guide is both informative and engaging, appealing to readers interested in Americana, rural history, and unique travel destinations.
Why This Book?
While not exclusively about Monowi, Nebraska: Off the Beaten Path provides a detailed and accessible account of the town’s history, current state, and cultural significance within a broader exploration of Nebraska’s hidden treasures. It’s the closest match to a book covering Monowi, as no dedicated monograph exists. The book is available through major retailers like Amazon or Globe Pequot’s website, often priced around $15-$20 for paperback or e-book formats. For those seeking a deeper dive into Monowi, this guide offers a compelling starting point, enriched by its broader context of Nebraska’s rural landscape.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Monowi, Nebraska, stands as a testament to resilience, where Elsie Eiler, its sole resident, keeps the spirit of a once-thriving prairie village alive. With its historic tavern, Rudy’s Library, and hauntingly beautiful abandoned structures, this tiny town offers a unique glimpse into rural America’s past and present. A visit to Monowi is more than a stop—it’s a journey into the heart of a community that refuses to fade, anchored by one woman’s enduring legacy.