A man from Nebraska is dedicated to sharing the stories of every small town.
Seth Varner, a 25-year-old historian, travels across the Midwest for his publishing company, Wandermore, which he founded in 2020 shortly after graduating high school. He captures information on landmarks, activities, and dining spots, then shares his discoveries on Wandermore’s Facebook pages and sells his self-published travel guides.
“It doesn’t matter if there are 10 people, a hundred, or a thousand… every town has a story to tell,” he shared with “CBS Mornings.”
Inspiration from Childhood
Varner’s adventure began with a childhood idea. He once told his dad about his ambition to visit every town in Nebraska.
“His response was a laugh, like, ‘Sure, maybe someday, Seth,'” Varner remembered.
As time went on, Varner rediscovered this dream when he found his third-grade scrapbook during the COVID-19 pandemic while home from college.
“As I flipped through it, I realized, ‘I can make that childhood dream a reality,'” he recounted. “So I asked one of my best friends, ‘Are you in for visiting every town in the state?'”
Over the past five years, hundreds of thousands have followed Varner online as he showcases the historic, quirky, and unique sides of small towns.
“There’s a town in Nebraska with just one resident, a 90-year-old woman named Elsie who serves as the mayor, bartender, librarian, and even an honorary sheriff,” Varner shared.
He has visited every incorporated town in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, North Dakota, and Minnesota – a journey he just completed recently.
Each state Varner explores culminates in a Wandermore book, with sales funding his subsequent adventures.
He’s now traveling alongside his wife, Eliese Varner, who noted that it took witnessing her husband’s dedication for her to recognize his commitment to visiting every town.
“I was really in awe because it truly is a lot of work. I couldn’t be prouder of him as his wife and constant supporter. People really have no idea,” she expressed.
Varner mentioned that proceeds from the Minnesota book will support his next mission: visiting every town in Colorado.
Impact on Communities
Varner’s journeys focusing on small towns have significantly affected the local residents.
“Many of us lack the budget for extensive advertising,” noted Sarah Ferguson, the Chamber of Commerce executive director for Blue Earth, Minnesota. “So when Seth volunteered to showcase what we offer, I was delighted.”
Blue Earth is known for the Jolly Green Giant, a 55-foot-tall, 8,000-lb tribute to the renowned Minnesota vegetable brand.
In nearby Frost, Minnesota, Varner discovered that the town recently welcomed two new births, raising its population from 198 to 200.
“You can’t beat small-town living,” said fire chief Nick Olson. “Everyone can stop and chat at any time, and if someone needs a hand, the community steps up.”
Varner believes he is making a meaningful contribution.
“I can take a small town and immortalize it in a book, allowing future generations to see what their grandparents’ town was like,” he shared.
