Auburn Honeybee Mural Lands on Cover of State Report

Auburn’s “The Good of the Hive” honeybee mural is featured on the cover of the Nebraska Arts Council’s 2026 Creative Districts Report, a statewide publication highlighting how communities use the arts to support economic growth.
The recognition comes as a separate state report shows travel spending in Nemaha County slipped in 2025, even as it grew statewide.
“Auburn has a great story to tell, and it’s exciting to see that story reaching far beyond our community,” said Leslie Clark, executive director of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and director of the Auburn Creative District.
The mural, painted by Matt Willey in 2025, is along U.S. Highway 75 across from Auburn City Hall.
The Nebraska Creative District Program was created by the Legislature in 2020 to use the arts as an economic driver. In March, the Nebraska Arts Council awarded more than $1 million to 13 creative districts, including $100,000 to Auburn.
The Nebraska Tourism Commission’s Economic Impact of Travel in Nebraska report, released Sept. 18, shows direct travel spending statewide rose 2.6% in 2025 to $4.72 billion.
In Nemaha County, travelers spent $5 million, down 2.4% from 2024. Travel supported 52 jobs, down 8.8%, though direct tax receipts rose 5.4% to $380,700. In neighboring Johnson County, travel spending rose 14.5% to $3.9 million.
Clark said tourism is Nebraska’s third-largest industry, behind agriculture and manufacturing.
“When we invest in making Auburn a beautiful, vibrant community for the people who call it home, we also create a place where others want to visit, shop, explore and spend time,” she said.
The travel report is available at visitnebraska.com.