When travelers talk about quirky roadside stops, the list often includes Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas, and yes, Monowi, Nebraska.
With a population of just one, this town has become something of a legend. If you’ve ever searched for things to do in Monowi, you probably wondered—how can a place with only one resident offer anything at all? That curiosity alone makes it one of the most fascinating detours on a Great Plains road trip.
I first passed through Monowi while tracing old U.S. Highway 12, chasing grain elevators and forgotten railroad towns. What drew me in wasn’t just its Guinness World Record status as “America’s Smallest Town,” but the stories wrapped into that single population sign.
Travelers from across the world make their way here, not just to check off a roadside oddity, but to meet Elsie Eiler—the woman who wears every hat in town, from mayor to bartender.
Monowi isn’t just a gimmick stop; it’s a living reminder of rural resilience. As I sat in the Monowi Tavern nursing a cold beer, I realized that this wasn’t about size at all. It was about spirit. In the pages ahead, I’ll share 12 quirky, surprisingly meaningful things to do in Monowi—from ordering Elsie’s famous burgers to paging through Rudy’s Library—that prove even a one-person town can leave you with a story worth telling.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether a place like this belongs on your Midwest itinerary, the answer is simple: yes, it does. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly why Monowi deserves a spot on your next road trip, and why I keep finding reasons to return.
What Makes Monowi Special? (Setting the Scene)
To understand Monowi today, you need to picture its past. This tiny dot in Boyd County was once a bustling stop along the Elkhorn Railroad in the early 1900s.
Families settled here, businesses thrived on Main Street, and at its peak, more than 100 residents called Monowi home. But like so many Great Plains towns, it faced the slow decline of rural depopulation. Young people moved to cities, farms consolidated, and little by little, neighbors left until only one person remained—Elsie Eiler.
Elsie kept Monowi alive, not just legally by paying taxes to herself as mayor, clerk, and treasurer, but culturally, by welcoming the steady flow of travelers who stop here out of sheer curiosity. Her tavern isn’t just the only bar in town—it’s the heartbeat of Monowi. When you sit down at one of the worn tables, surrounded by beer signs and photos of past visitors, you’re part of a story that stretches far beyond Nebraska’s borders.
Culturally, Monowi has come to symbolize resilience and the quieter side of America’s small-town story. National Geographic, newspapers, and television crews have all made their way here, but the real magic is seeing it firsthand.
On a road trip across rural Nebraska, the town stands out as a symbol of both loss and survival. For travelers like me, that’s what makes Monowi more than just a photo stop—it’s a living lesson in how one person’s commitment can keep a place on the map.
12 Quirky Things to Do in Monowi
1. Have a Beer at Monowi Tavern
Every great Monowi visit starts at the Monowi Tavern, run entirely by Elsie Eiler herself. Order a cold beer, sit back, and take in the fact that you’re in the only tavern in a one-person town.
The walls are lined with mementos from travelers who passed through—from Kansas City bikers to curious road trippers from Europe. On my first visit, I spent nearly an hour just listening to Elsie’s stories of Monowi’s past, and it felt like time slowed down.
Traveler Tip: Bring cash. The tavern keeps it old school, and your purchase helps sustain the heart of Monowi.
2. Sign the Guestbook at the Tavern
Before you leave the tavern, don’t miss the oversized guestbook. Thousands of visitors from across the U.S. and beyond have left notes—some heartfelt, others humorous.
Flipping through the pages is like skimming a global diary of curiosity, from families on cross-country adventures to solo travelers exploring quirky roadside stops Nebraska is famous for.
Traveler Tip: Add a personal touch. Share where you’re from, why you stopped, or even a travel tip for the next person. It’s one of the simplest but most meaningful things to do in Monowi.
3. Order a Burger from Elsie
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect much from a burger cooked in a one-person town. But Elsie’s home-style burgers are the stuff of road trip legend.
Perfectly simple, juicy, and cooked right behind the bar, they’ve been praised by everyone from truckers to food writers. There’s something surreal about biting into a burger while chatting with the mayor, bartender, and cook—all rolled into one person.
Traveler Tip: Pair it with a cold beer and ask Elsie about her late husband Rudy—his memory is woven into the tavern’s story.
4. Take a Photo with the Population Sign
Just outside of town, you’ll spot the famous green sign: “Monowi – Population 1.” It’s one of the most iconic roadside photo ops in the Midwest.
Standing beside it, you realize the scale of rural America’s changes in a single image. I’ve seen travelers laugh at the absurdity, but I’ve also seen people go quiet, reflecting on how entire communities can shrink to one.
Traveler Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The empty highway, the backdrop of brome grass fields, and the quiet hum of the Great Plains make it one of those rare places where a photo feels both funny and profound.
5. Visit Monowi’s Tiny Library
Monowi might be famous for its one resident, but what really touched me was Rudy’s Library. Built in memory of Elsie’s late husband, Rudy Eiler, this modest building is stocked with more than 5,000 donated books. Step inside, and you’ll find titles ranging from local history to old National Geographic magazines—a surprisingly rich collection for such a small place.
I remember thumbing through a book on Nebraska’s navy (yes, it’s a tongue-in-cheek honorary title in the state), thinking how Rudy’s passion for reading created something lasting in America’s smallest town. It’s not just a library—it’s a love story and a reminder of how people leave legacies even in the most unlikely corners.
Traveler Tip: If you’re a reader, bring along a paperback to donate. Adding to Rudy’s Library is one of the most meaningful things to do in Monowi Nebraska.
6. Walk the Remains of Main Street
Monowi’s Main Street tells its own story. Once lined with businesses that served farmers, railroad workers, and families, today it’s a stretch of empty storefronts, weathered walls, and an old grain elevator standing guard in the distance. The decline of towns like this is tied closely to the fading of the Elkhorn Railroad and the broader shifts in rural America.
For photographers, this walk is a goldmine. Rusting signs, faded paint, and prairie grass pushing through the cracks capture a sense of time that no museum can replicate. I’ve walked that street in both summer heat and winter chill, and each season frames it differently—sunlit brome grass in August, snow-dusted quiet in January.
Traveler Tip: Be mindful and respectful. These structures are fragile, and while it’s tempting to step inside for a closer look, they’re best appreciated from the outside.
7. Chat with Elsie About Life as Mayor, Clerk & Treasurer
Elsie Eiler is more than Monowi’s resident—she is its government. She pays taxes to herself, keeps the town incorporated, and even issues her own liquor license as both applicant and approver. Sitting down with her for a conversation is like stepping into a living history book.
During my visit, Elsie shared stories of Monowi’s school days, when the population wasn’t “1” but dozens of families. She laughed as she recounted issuing herself paperwork, and she spoke with quiet pride about keeping Monowi alive for curious travelers.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do in a small town with friends, start by talking to the people who carry its history—here, that person is Elsie.
Traveler Tip: Don’t rush the conversation. Ask her about Rudy’s Library, about Boyd County’s past, or even about the Guinness World Record attention Monowi has received. She’s generous with her stories if you’re willing to listen.
8. Drop a Dollar Toward the “Town’s Expenses”
One of the quirkiest traditions in Monowi is contributing to its symbolic tax revenue. Visitors often leave a dollar or two with Elsie to help cover the town’s “expenses”—a ritual that keeps the paperwork side of Monowi alive. It’s a small gesture, but it makes you part of the ongoing story of a one-person municipality.
I remember sliding a dollar across the bar and realizing that, technically, I was helping fund the population of 1. Few places let you say that. It’s as if you’re participating in a civic act that’s both tongue-in-cheek and deeply meaningful.
Traveler Tip: Bring a crisp bill, sign your name if you’d like, and snap a photo with Elsie holding the ledger. It’s not every day you can say you helped keep America’s Smallest Town afloat.
9. Collect a Souvenir (T-shirt, Hat, or Mug)
Few road trip souvenirs carry the bragging rights of Monowi gear. Inside the Monowi Tavern, Elsie sells T-shirts, hats, and mugs stamped with the words America’s Smallest Town.
I picked up a mug on my second visit, and every time I drink from it, friends inevitably ask, “Wait, how big is Monowi?” When I tell them the answer—population 1—it sparks an entire conversation about quirky Americana.
These keepsakes are more than novelties; they’re proof you made it to a place so rare it shows up in the U.S. Census with a single digit. For anyone who loves collecting mementos from offbeat road trip stops, this is a must.
Traveler Tip: Stock changes, so grab your favorite design while you can. Items often sell out after big waves of summer travelers cruising Highway 12.
10. Explore the Nearby Countryside
Monowi itself is tiny, but the countryside around it is worth a slow drive. Rolling Great Plains fields stretch toward the horizon, dotted with grain silos and wind-worn barns. On one trip, I pulled over to watch the sun set across waves of brome grass—it painted the land in gold and reminded me why Nebraska road trips shouldn’t be rushed.
If you enjoy solitude, this is your reward. The air is crisp, the roads empty, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a forgotten corner of America where time moves at half speed. Even though many come for the novelty of things to do in Monowi, they often leave remembering the stillness of its countryside.
Traveler Tip: Bring a camera with a wide lens. The landscape photography opportunities here rival more famous spots, even if they remain unsung.
11. Meet Other Road Trippers Who Stopped Out of Curiosity
One of the best surprises in Monowi is how often you bump into fellow wanderers. The tavern has a way of pulling together people who share a love of unusual stops. On one visit, I met a retired couple from Wisconsin (they’d driven down after visiting Monona, Iowa—funny how those names overlap), and we swapped stories about quirky Midwest towns.
Conversations like these make Monowi feel bigger than its census count. Whether it’s bikers heading to Sturgis, backpackers tracing the Great Plains, or families on a detour from Kansas City, the tavern becomes a crossroads. If you’ve ever wondered what to do in a small town with friends, well—sometimes the answer is making new ones on the spot.
Traveler Tip: Be open to chatting. The shared sense of curiosity bonds travelers instantly, and you might even pick up tips about other hidden gems in Boyd County or along Highway 12.
12. Reflect on Rural America’s Past and Future
Beyond the quirks, Monowi carries a deeper story. Walking its empty Main Street or listening to Elsie talk about the town’s past, you can’t help but think about the fate of so many rural communities across the U.S. Some call Monowi a novelty; I see it as a symbol of resilience in the face of decline.
On my last visit, I stood by the old grain elevator, imagining the families who once filled these streets, and I felt both melancholy and admiration. Monowi isn’t just about burgers, beers, or souvenirs—it’s about remembering that every dot on the map once held dreams. For travelers searching things to do in Monowi population 1, this reflection might be the most powerful experience of all.
Traveler Tip: Take a moment before leaving. Don’t just snap a photo and rush off—let the quiet of Monowi remind you why road trips matter. They connect us not just to places, but to stories.
Planning Your Stop in Monowi
Monowi sits in northeastern Nebraska, tucked close to the South Dakota border, along U.S. Highway 12. It’s about a three-hour drive from Omaha, and roughly the same distance from Sioux Falls, making it an easy detour if you’re crossing the region. The town itself is just a cluster of buildings, but its surrounding countryside—flat horizons, grain elevators in the distance, and the solitude of the Great Plains—sets the mood.
If you’re planning to check off things to do in Monowi Nebraska, know that there are no hotels in town. The nearest lodging options are in O’Neill or Niobrara, small communities with motels and B&Bs. Summer is the most popular season to stop, especially for road trippers heading toward the Black Hills, but there’s something striking about visiting in winter too. The silence, the frost on the empty streets—it makes Monowi feel even more surreal.
Traveler Tip: Don’t expect amenities beyond the tavern. Fuel up before arriving, and treat Monowi as a cultural stop rather than a practical one. It’s a detour you plan for the story, not convenience.
Conclusion
After exploring all the quirky, heartfelt, and downright surprising things to do in Monowi, it’s clear why this tiny town draws visitors from all over the world. From sipping a beer in the Monowi Tavern to leaving your mark in the guestbook, paging through Rudy’s Library, or snapping a photo with the Population 1 sign, Monowi offers more than novelty—it offers perspective.
Travelers come curious, sometimes amused, but most leave thoughtful. For me, Monowi is both a lighthearted roadside stop and a sobering reminder of how rural America has changed. Elsie Eiler’s commitment to keeping Monowi alive is inspiring, and each encounter with her feels like you’re stepping into a living piece of Americana.
So if you’re tracing Highway 12, chasing quirky attractions in Nebraska, or just wondering what to do in a small town with friends during your road trip—add Monowi to the list. You won’t just check off another stop; you’ll carry home a story that connects you to the heart of the Great Plains, one beer, one burger, and one unforgettable conversation at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you get to Monowi, Nebraska?
Monowi is located in Boyd County, northeastern Nebraska, near the South Dakota border. The easiest approach is via U.S. Highway 12, often called the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway. It’s about three hours from Omaha and a similar distance from Sioux Falls.
2. Is the tavern always open?
The Monowi Tavern is typically open for lunch through evening hours, but since Elsie runs it alone, hours can vary. Always plan some flexibility into your schedule.
3. Can you really meet the “only resident”?
Yes, Elsie Eiler is both the tavern owner and the sole resident. She’s known for warmly welcoming travelers, whether you’re ordering a burger or asking about the history of the Elkhorn Railroad.
4. What’s the best time to visit Monowi?
Summer and fall are ideal for road trips, with the countryside lit up in greens or harvest gold. Winter brings solitude and stark beauty, but check road conditions if snow is in the forecast.
5. Why do so many people stop in such a small place?
Curiosity. Monowi holds a Guinness World Record as America’s Smallest Town with a population of one. It’s a quirky attraction, but also a living story of resilience and rural change.
6. Do people visit Monowi often?
Yes—thousands of travelers from across the U.S. and abroad stop each year. The tavern’s guestbook has entries from as far away as Europe and Asia.
7. What is the smallest town in the USA?
By official U.S. Census count, Monowi, Nebraska, holds the title with a population of one.
8. What is the most friendly small town in the US?
That depends who you ask, but Monowi is often described as one of the friendliest—largely thanks to Elsie herself. Other contenders include towns in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Montana that thrive on community spirit.
9. How do you pronounce Monowi?
It’s pronounced MON-oh-wye. Don’t worry if you get it wrong—locals and travelers alike have fun with it.
10. What is the population of Monowi?
According to the latest U.S. Census, the official population is one. That single resident is Elsie Eiler, who manages everything from taxes to tavern duty.
