608 Norris Ave. - Moved from its original location at 609 West B Street, this is the boyhood home of former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. Born May 17, 1941, in McCook to Benjamin and Birdella Nelson, he built a successful career in law and business before becoming Governor of Nebraska in 1991 and re-elected in 1994. He was elected to represent Nebraska in the U.S. Senate in 2000 and served two terms. 

As governor, he helped make ethanol production a national priority by founding the Governors Ethanol Coalition to promote the production of the alternative fuel. He also worked for tax and welfare reform while helping to promote international trade for Nebraska products.  

'One Nebraska’ was a pervasive theme of his governorship and was an effort to bridge the gap between rural and urban Nebraska. While U.S. Senator, Nelson served as a member of the Armed Services, Agricultural, Appropriations, and Rules committees. He was the Chairman of the Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee. Nelson consistently promoted the development of renewable energy, including ethanol, biofuels, and wind energy while in office.  

Senator Nelson, who visits McCook as often as practical, has said about his hometown, ‘I was raised by a loving community that cared about me whether I was successful or not.’  

The Nelson Family Sculpture, "On My Honor" was created by sculptor Martha Pettigrew of Kearney, Nebraska and dedicated on July 3, 2010.