Tracks' Adventures: A Stop at Glur's Tavern

Tracks' Adventures: 150 Years of Stories at Glur's Tavern

All aboard! Tracks discovers one of Nebraska's oldest gathering places, right here in Columbus.

If walls could talk, imagine the stories they could tell at Glur's Tavern!

For one of his first adventures, Tracks is making a stop at a Columbus landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1876. That's right — 150 years of history, all tucked inside a familiar building at 2301 11th Street.

And while Tracks loves discovering new places, he knows some of the best adventures begin by exploring the places that have been part of our community for generations.

It All Started in 1876

Long before it became known as Glur's Tavern, this historic establishment opened as the Bucher Saloon.

Swiss immigrant brothers William and Joseph Bucher built the saloon in 1876, during a time when Columbus was still a young and growing community.

In 1925, William Bucher sold the business to longtime employee Louis Glur. The name changed, but its role as a community gathering place continued.

Today, Glur's is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating taverns west of the Missouri River, and its remarkable history earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

That's quite a legacy for one little corner of Columbus!

Did Buffalo Bill Really Stop Here?

Now here's a story that caught Tracks' attention!

Legendary showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody is part of Glur's history. According to the Platte County Historical Society, Cody visited the saloon while in Columbus in 1883, when he was rehearsing for the Omaha premiere of his Wild West Show.

Imagine sitting down at a table in the very same establishment where one of the most recognizable figures of the American West once stopped!

And there's more.

One local story tells of Buffalo Bill arriving with a $1,000 bill and buying drinks for everyone in the tavern.

Whether every detail of that tale can be verified or not, it's exactly the kind of colorful history that makes exploring Columbus so much fun.

Surviving Prohibition — With a Sweet Twist!

Tracks discovered something else interesting about Glur's history.

When Prohibition brought an end to legal alcohol sales, the business adapted. Instead of closing its doors, it operated as a soft drink and ice cream parlor, serving treats that included root beer.

That's right — one of Nebraska's oldest taverns has ice cream in its history!

Louis Glur also maintained a European-style outdoor beer garden and brought in traveling German bands to entertain guests.

It was a place to gather, visit, and enjoy time together, a tradition that continues today.

History You Can Still See

One of the most remarkable things about Glur's is that so much of its history remains visible.

The building retains original oak flooring and its limestone foundation, along with architectural details that reflect its early years.

A recent October 2026 feature by 10/11 NOW highlighted original tables that remain inside the tavern and improvements to its outdoor beer garden.

There's even a story about tunnels beneath the building that were reportedly used during Prohibition. The reported entrance is now boarded up, leaving another bit of local mystery for history enthusiasts to ponder.

For Tracks, that's part of the adventure. Sometimes history isn't found in a museum. Sometimes it's beneath your feet, in the walls around you, or in a story shared across a table.

Come for the History, Stay for the Experience

Of course, Tracks knows an adventure is even better when there's something good to eat!

Glur's has developed a reputation for its burgers and casual, welcoming atmosphere. Its menu also includes other tavern favorites, making it a place where locals and visitors can enjoy a meal while surrounded by a little piece of Nebraska history.

Whether you're a longtime Columbus resident who has visited Glur's for years or someone discovering it for the first time, there's something special about a business that has remained part of a community for a century and a half.

Tracks' Takeaway: Our History Is Worth Exploring

As Tracks continues his adventures around Columbus, he hopes to remind everyone that our community is filled with stories worth sharing.

Places like Glur's Tavern connect our past with our present. They remind us of the people who came before us, the businesses that helped shape our community, and the importance of preserving the places that make Columbus unique.

So why not plan your own little adventure?

Visit Glur's Tavern at 2301 11th Street in Columbus, Nebraska. Enjoy a meal, take in the historic surroundings, and imagine the generations of stories that have unfolded there.

And while you're out exploring, take some time to discover the many other places that make our community special.

Because with Tracks as your guide, there's always another story waiting around the corner!

Historic Roots. Creative Future. Stronger Together.

Follow Tracks' Adventures as he discovers the people, places, history, and experiences that make Columbus, Nebraska, a great place to visit, explore, and call home.