The Old Poor Farm is a no-kill sanctuary for rescued senior and special-needs animals on the historic Dodge County Poor Farm, at 1777 County Road 23 near Nickerson in the Elkhorn River valley, close to Fremont. About 250 birds and animals live there for good, many of them older or with disabilities from birth defects, past abuse or accidents.
Dodge County bought the land in 1872 as its poor farm, and more than 400 people found shelter there before the county sold it in 1955. The sanctuary began in 2001. Some of the barns and sheds date to 1872, and the 4-acre homestead has an indoor museum about the poor farm’s history and a gift shop. The sanctuary runs on volunteers and donations.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Call 402-721-8087 or visit theoldpoorfarm.com.