The Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in McCook, Nebraska, is a Great Home Base for Seeing the Prairie Chickens

When one thinks of a springtime vacation spot, Nebraska usually isn’t at the top of the list. But for birders, this Midwest flyover state is a bucket-list destination. The area’s biggest draw is the spring migration of sandhill cranes that takes place along the Platte River. But just a short drive south is another must-see birding spectacle: the annual prairie chicken mating season. One popular viewing spot is in the fields outside of McCook. And a great place to stay — in order to make that early-morning tour — is the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites.

Located on the western edge of town, just minutes from the prairie chicken tour meeting site and adjacent to the public Heritage Hills Golf Course, the Cobblestone looks like a typical roadside chain hotel. It’s blocky and beige, with a central porte cochere and a large, open parking lot. But inside, it’s exceptionally clean, comfortable, and welcoming.

Front entrance of the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites features a beige color palette and large porte cochere

Rooms at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

The Cobblestone offers 54 rooms and suites spread over three floors. Rooms range from traditional guestrooms to studios with additional sleeper sofas and suites with separate bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchenettes. Choose from two queens or a single king bed.

I stayed in a two queen guestroom. Like the hotel’s exterior, the rooms aren’t fancy. The decor is minimal, with a brown, beige, and avocado-green palette. Each bed features an extra-tall headboard. The floors showcase wall-to-wall carpet. And furnishings are polished dark wood.

But what they may lack in trendy style, they make up for in comfort. The pillowtop bed is covered with luxurious plush linens and a pile of fluffy pillows. A small desk offers enough space to set up your laptop if you need to work, or you can simply chill out and watch TV. All rooms include a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker with Wolfgang Puck coffee, and iron and ironing board.

Accessible rooms are also available. For guests who are hearing or visually impaired, there are rooms that include visual and alarm notification devices for the doorbell and phone, as well as an audible/visual emergency alert system. For those with physical disabilities, some rooms feature roll-in showers, while others offer tub benches.

A hot breakfast is included with all stays.

A two queen room at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites features a brown, beige and avocado green color palette.

More Than Just a Place to Sleep

Oftentimes, when you stay at a highway hotel, the staff can be a bit … sullen. Not at the Cobblestone. The employees are friendly and eager to help, and the front desk is staffed 24 hours. And unlike many hotels that offer nothing more than rooms, the Cobblestone features a number of amenities designed to make your stay more enjoyable and productive.

If you don’t want to work in your room, the business center offers internet, copying, and printing services. Or, you can work out in the fitness room or go for a dip in the indoor pool — this is great for wearing out the little ones after a day of traveling. If you need to do laundry, there’s an onsite laundry room. And a small convenience store offers snacks and drinks to curb the midnight munchies.

The breakfast dining room is bright and spacious, with a mix of standard and high-top seating, as well as comfy couches. (Note: I did not eat breakfast at the hotel as I was up and out extremely early to watch the prairie chickens.) At night, the dining room transforms into a beer and wine bar. The lobby features a cozy lounge with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and plush seating.

In addition to offering accessible rooms, Cobblestone ensures that its guests who have additional needs are taken care of throughout the property. There is plenty of accessible parking, and wheelchair access is offered for all public spaces in the hotel. There are even brailed elevators for those with vision impairments.  

Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.
A floor to ceiling fireplace is fronted by plush seating and greenery. Rust and brown art hangs on the beige walls.

Taking a Prairie Chicken Tour

Prairie chickens are small game birds, similar to grouse. Although they tend to live sight unseen in the brushy areas of Nebraska’s plains, during the breeding season, they return to their ancestral spots to find a mate. In the early morning hours, the males will appear on the open grounds, calling to the females. The males display puffed-up bright orange sacks and erect head plumes as they transform from brownish camouflaged birds into colorful performers, dancing, fighting, and producing booming songs.

I recommend booking a tour with Prairie Chicken Dance Tours. Each tour includes a naturalist-led evening educational workshop, followed by a sunrise trip to the lek or mating grounds, where you’ll watch the animated birds try to impress the females.

Two male prairie chickens display their orange throats and head plumes as they get ready to fight.

If You Go, Stay at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

The Cobblestone Hotel & Suites is pet-friendly. Pets up to 40 pounds are welcome, although an additional fee is required. Room rates start at about $80 per night. During peak seasons, they can reach upward of $140 per night. As anyone who travels frequently can attest, that’s a bargain!

Check rates online for the Cobblestone Hotel at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

After your visit to McCook to view the prairie chickens, head north to Kearney or Grand Island for some more birding and taking in the hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes that take up residence along the river between mid-February and early April. For a one-of-a-kind overnight birding experience, check out the Crane Trust.

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