Mural in Worms, Nebraska

Day 5: Rolling Through the Legendary Town of Worms

On Day 5 of BRAN 43 (June 5th), riders will pass through Worms, Nebraska, a small but fascinating unincorporated community with a big history and even bigger legends. While it won’t be a stopover town, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the unique character of this place—named after Worms, Germany and pronounced “Verms” in German.

Zion Lutheran Church in Worms, Nebraska

A Place with Deep Roots

Founded in the 1870s, Worms has been home to the Zion Lutheran Church, which just celebrated 150 years as a cornerstone of the community. While the Zion Lutheran School closed years ago, it was once a hub for sports, hosting popular track meets and basketball tournaments throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. The gym still stands today and is available for rent—an echo of the lively gatherings that once filled its walls.

Hometown Legends

Worms has produced some notable Nebraskans, including Fred Bosselman, a businessman who built a statewide empire with Bosselman Travel Centers, Pump & Pantry gas stations, Bosselman Energy, and Grandma Max’s restaurants. His roots trace back to this small but mighty town.

Another local figure, Edwin Schipman, was a pioneer in Nebraska’s farmers market scene. Back in the ‘70s, he started selling fresh vegetables straight from his truck in parking lots, helping to establish several farmers markets in the area—long before “farm-to-table” was a trend.

The Stories That Made Worms Famous

While there are no longer active businesses in town—The Nightcrawler bar closed last year—Worms still carries a few quirky tales in its past.

Back in the ‘80s, radio DJs across the country were abuzz about a so-called “Hiney Winery”, supposedly located behind the Worms’ Library. The mythical winery became a nationwide sensation, with people searching for it—only to find out it was all a joke. While there was no real Hiney Winery, the town of Worms was real, and that was enough to keep the legend alive.

What to Look For While Passing Through

Even though BRAN riders won’t be stopping for long, keep an eye out for the giant mural artwork on one of the town’s buildings. It’s a unique piece of art that stands out in the small community—a nod to the creative spirit that still lingers in Worms.

So, as you pedal through on June 5th, take a moment to soak in the history, the legends, and the spirit of this one-of-a-kind Nebraska town. You may not find a hidden winery, but you’ll ride away with a great story to tell!