Our recent family vacation to Dismal River was nothing short of magical--truly the most memorable…read moretrip we've taken in years. Tucked away in the scenic serenity of Mullen, Nebraska, this resort offered everything we could have hoped for and more. We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights in a beautifully appointed home with 4 king beds and 4 bathrooms--plenty of space for everyone to spread out and relax in comfort and privacy.
My family are avid golfers, often playing upwards of 30 holes a day, and they couldn't get enough of the immaculate courses. As someone who doesn't golf, I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this trip, but I was pleasantly surprised. I'd ride along for the first 9 holes or so in the morning, soaking in the breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere, then head back to the clubhouse to unwind by the pool.
The pool area was pristine and inviting, with ample chairs and fresh towels always available. Kelsie, one of the standout clubhouse servers, made my time there even more enjoyable. She regularly checked in on me, bringing food and drinks with a warm smile and genuine hospitality that made me feel truly cared for.
Dining at Dismal was a highlight in itself. Each night we were looked after by an amazing team--Vyktorya, Sabrina, and Kelsie--who not only provided exceptional service but also took the time to learn about us and where we were from. Their knowledge of the food and drink menu was impressive, and their personal recommendations never missed the mark. They even stepped outside with us during sunset to help capture beautiful family photos with the stunning backdrop--something they did gladly and without hesitation.
And then there was "Chef"--the heart behind the incredible meals we enjoyed. Though we never caught his real name, his presence was unforgettable. He made a point to visit our table every evening, checking in personally to hear our thoughts on dinner. His passion for his craft came through in every dish, from the perfectly cooked steaks to the decadent cheesecake. It's rare to find that level of connection between a chef and guests, and it made our dining experiences feel all the more special.
Sarah, the Food and Beverage lead, also left a lasting impression. Her enthusiasm and warmth made us feel right at home. She went above and beyond, even sharing recipes for the signature drinks we loved so much so we could try recreating them at home. Each night she spent time at our table, making sure we had everything we needed--and often more.
Another stand out staff member was the General Manager, John. He came by to check on us every night at dinner and wanted our honest feedback from the day of the course. He is always looking for great ways to improve the Club.
As a non-golfer, I still found plenty to enjoy, whether it was relaxing in a rocking chair on the clubhouse porch, soaking up the views, or hopping in a "room cart" to meet up with my family on the course or at Jack's Shack for lunch. The entire property is a haven of hospitality, peace, and natural beauty.
And speaking of food--Dismal River's culinary offerings are on another level. Every bite feels intentional and crafted with care, from the milkshakes at Jack's Shack to the flavorful chicken Caesar wraps at Buffalo Bills, to that flawless ribeye and rich cheesecake at dinner. The consistency and quality across the board set Dismal apart from any other golf resort we've visited.
Traveling from Chicago to Denver to North Platte and then driving to Mullen was a journey--but absolutely worth every mile. This trip brought our family closer together, gave us lasting memories, and left us already counting down the days until we return next year.
Thank you, Dismal River Club, for an unforgettable experience. You've set a new standard for what a family vacation can be.
