Seward Sights

The Rivoli Theater is a favorite among many Concordia students

Photos by Garion Consier

By April Bayer

Whether you come from a big city hundreds of miles away or a rural town of 300, arriving in Seward is probably a change for you on some level. No one can deny that Seward has a certain small-town charm, but with a seasonal Dairy Queen, a McDonald’s that closes at midnight, and a population of just over 7,000, it might seem like there isn’t much to do in Seward. Though you could always make the 30-minute drive to Lincoln, make sure you aren’t missing out on all the hidden gems this town has to offer.

On the Square: Local Businesses

The Square is a series of businesses in the center of town which surrounds the Seward County Courthouse. It features an independent bookstore, quirky thrift shops and a few cafes and coffee shops. Here are some of the Square’s most notable landmarks:

Rivoli Theater

Seward’s beloved movie theater, the Rivoli, first opened in 1920 and has been alive and well ever since. The theater shows three to four movies a week and also includes a movie rental store, Movie Place Video, right next door. They offer $5 showings every Tuesday and sometimes host free showings for Concordia students, courtesy of the Student Activities Council. Just make sure you have cash on you when you go to catch a movie, as they don’t accept cards.

Neutral Grounds

Initially a community hangout that was only open on weekends, Neutral Grounds reopened its doors in February 2018 as a full-fledged coffee shop. Many current and former Concordia students were involved in starting the business. A comfortable and relaxing environment perfect for studying, the shop is also meant to be a ministry and outreach to the community. Neutral Grounds often features work from local artists on its walls and occasionally hosts open mic nights.

Café on the Square

A staple of Seward dining, Café on the Square briefly closed in late 2017, much to the dismay of the community. Thankfully, it reopened in March 2018 with a new menu and new ownership. The restaurant’s owners describe the food as “homestyle American.” Though a little pricey for the average college student, it’s a great place for a dinner out with friends or to celebrate a special occasion.

Beyond Downtown: The Hidden and Unexpected

If you decide to venture beyond the Square, you might be surprised by some of Seward’s more unique landmarks. These include:

World’s Largest Time Capsule

It seems like every Midwestern town has to have the World’s Largest Something, and Seward is no exception. While honestly not that interesting to look at on the outside, the time capsule contains some interesting artifacts, including an aquamarine leisure suit with stitched yellow flowers and a 1975 Chevy Vega. The 45-ton capsule was buried in 1975 and is scheduled to be dug up on July 4, 2025.

Tasteful Indulgence, Cake Art of Seward

A by-appointment-only bakery run by Seward local Kitty Vacha, Tasteful Indulgence is the place to go if you want “cake to die for.” The shop boasts these words proudly on the sides of its delivery vehicles, a pair of blue and pink hearses. Dubbed the “cakemobiles,” they’re hard to miss if you catch them passing by. Vacha is a self-taught baker and has made quite a name for herself, competing on Food Network’s “Cake Wars” and on Netflix’s new show “Sugar Rush” within the last three years.

Plum Creek Trail

Walk past David Hall, and you will soon run directly into Plum Creek Trail, home to quiet wooded trails, a dog park, and a series of great stargazing spots. Perfect for jogging, biking or taking a moment to sit by the creek and think about life, Plum Creek is the perfect place to go if you need to get away for an hour or so.

There you have it, the introductory guidebook to Seward. Once you’ve learned your way around campus, I would highly recommend taking a walk around town. The adventures you can have in a small town just might surprise you.