Boys Town, Nebraska

(CNS photo/Susan Szalewski, Catholic Voice)

Destination: People have been touring Boys Town for nearly 100 years — since Father Edward Flanagan purchased land for the campus in what is now west Omaha and welcomed visitors. But now tourists have a whole new way of exploring the famed home for at-risk children — an interactive, smartphone guided tour. The electronic assistance makes a trip easier than ever.
Masses are offered in Dowd Chapel at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday, and at 7 and 11:40 a.m. Monday-Saturday.
Why to go:  If all you know about Boys Town comes from the 1938 movie starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, then you’re ready for an update. Boys Town has about 100,000 visitors each year, including people attending Mass or classes, but it also draws visitors who are curious to learn about Boys Town’s founder, Father Edward Flanagan. (Tracy won an Oscar for portraying him, and the golden statuette is at Boys Town.) And Father Flanagan wanted visitors. “He always had big signs welcoming visitors. He wanted transparency. He had no large walls keeping kids in and visitors out,” says  Tom Lynch, director of community programs at Boys Town.
Smartphone users touring the campus can scan quick response (QRC) codes found on maps and signs at the village to read about famous sites there. Among those sites are Father Flanagan’s house, the Garden of the Bible, the Hall of History, a 22-bed rose garden tended by residents, and the Leon Myers Stamp Center, home to the world’s biggest ball of stamps.
A drive or stroll along the Village Drive offers lots of photo opportunities, no matter the season. No smartphone? No problem. There are CDs to rent or buy with tour information.
Amenities: For those who prefer a guide, they are available seven days a week, and student-led tours are an option. Ask about them at the gift shop.
Special events: In November and December, Boys Town celebrates Christmas. Check the website for details.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course. It’s Boys Town.
Info: Address: Boys Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010. Phone: 402/498-1300. Web: www.boystown.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org