Nebraska has friendly people, fun outdoor activities, and charming cities, but it is often overlooked as a place to go on vacation. The state capital, Lincoln, and the largest city, Omaha, are both located in Nebraska. There are interesting historic districts to explore and thriving cultural scenes to take pleasure in at each of these locations.
In central Nebraska, the tallgrass prairies and scattered woods keep the state’s homesteading history alive. In northeastern Nebraska, the bluffs along the Missouri River have miles of thickly wooded areas and beautiful waterfalls. The Henry Doorly Zoo, which is in Omaha, is widely considered to be one of the best zoos in the United States.
Take some time off from your drive across the country on Highway 80 and check out some of the best things Nebraska has to offer. Thus, we provide you with a list of places to visit in Nebraska.
Things to Do in Nebraska
Nebraska may be known as the “Cornhusker State,” but it has much more to offer than simply corn. Nebraska is a state in the Great Plains. It has large grasslands, impressive sand dunes, interesting rock formations, and busy cities. Lincoln, the state capital, is only one of several must-see destinations in Nebraska.
Take in the state of Nebraska in its entirety by learning about its cowboy history and culture as well. There’s something on our list of the finest places to visit in Nebraska for everyone, from ranches to cities to unique roadside sights.
1. Omaha
Omaha is a vibrant metropolis that is always developing and changing. There is always something to do in San Francisco, from strolling the futuristic s-curve of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to exploring the historic Old Market district with its small shops and weekly farmers market. Omaha is home to the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, both of which welcome visitors. Go back in time with the kids to either the Mormon Trail Center or the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center, and then take in 100 acres of beautiful botanical art at Lauritzen Gardens.
The things to do in Omaha are:
(a) Joslyn Art Museum
Since its opening in 1931, the Joslyn Art Museum has been a hit among Omaha’s art crowd. The museum currently houses about 11,000 works of artifacts and art from across history. Pieces span a wide range of historical periods and cultural traditions and are the work of artists from everywhere. Some of the most popular displays have works by artists like Auguste Renoir, Claude Lorrain, Jules Breton, and Veronese.
The museum also has displays of ancient art from other parts of the world, as well as American art from the 18th and 19th centuries and the 20th century. Just a small taste of the many eras you’ll explore at the museum. Make it a point to visit the museum any day from Tuesday to Sunday when special exhibits are open to the public.
(b) River City Star
Since 2009, visitors to Omaha have been able to ride the River City Star, the city’s sole riverboat, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour of the city from the water. Both public and private river cruises are available.
This riverboat has two levels. On the lower level, there is a bar with all the modern conveniences and large windows where people can watch the scenery go by. The upper deck has plenty of space for large gatherings and a cool breeze. The docked Kon-Tiki-O boat, which serves a wide variety of exotic drinks, is another exciting option.
(c) Henry Aquarium And Doorly Zoo
The place in Omaha is home to over 5,000 creatures from all corners of the globe throughout its massive 130 outdoor acres and seven indoor acres. Actually, it contains the largest indoor rainforest in the United States, where playful gibbons (a type of ape) swing from tree to tree.
Visit the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, where the primates swing from tree-like plants called banyans, or explore the greatest artificial desert on the planet, home to some incredible species. Those who make it through the freezing wastes and the “shark tunnel” to the aquarium will be rewarded with up-close encounters with some of the ocean’s most fascinating inhabitants. It’s worth noting that the zoo is open seven days a week and that this is just a small sample of the many attractions it has.
(d) Old Market
Those looking to satisfy every one in their party should head to the Old Market district. There are boutiques selling every type of clothing imaginable, as well as booksellers, art galleries, furniture stores, jewelry stores, and more in this area. There are three museums available, one of which is geared toward kids, so museum-goers can choose their preferred format.
If you want to get some fresh air and educate yourself on Omaha’s past at the same time, a walking tour will show you the sights. A visit to the Orpheum Theater or the Opera House, should a performance be taking place, is also recommended. In the Old Market district, you may find a wide variety of services and entertainment options.
2. Lincoln
Lincoln is in northeastern Nebraska. It is a growing tourist destination with a lot of fun things to do. Antelope Park is great for families because it has the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, a playground, a golf course, a network of trails, and more.
In this park, the Sunken Gardens is a beautiful terraced garden with paved paths, a waterfall, a pond for reflection, and an ornate gazebo. The Branched Oak State Recreation Park is a great place to go swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, or camping with your horse, among other outdoor activities. It’s also worth checking out the Roca Berry Farm, the Aardvark Antique Mall, and the Abbott Motocross Park while in town.
3. Strategic Air And Space Museum, Ashland
Ashland, halfway between Omaha and Lincoln, is home to an aviation museum that is sure to impress any aviation fan. The museum was first opened in 1959 as the Strategic Air Command. In 1998, it moved to its current complex, which is very modern. In a few years, it was rebranded as the Strategic Air and Space Museum.
Around 300,000 square feet are used for permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as rotating displays of planes and spacecraft. Some of the most notable planes are the MIG-21F “Fishbed-C,” the enormous B-17G “Flying Fortress,” and the B-25N “Mitchell.” A number of intercontinental ballistic missiles sit outside the main structure. These rockets may have carried nuclear weapons, but thankfully that never happened.
There is also a planetarium with exhibits about the night sky that change with the seasons and motion coasters that, for an extra cost, let you experience what it’s like to fly in a helicopter or go on a roller coaster.
4. Chimney Rock National History Site
The 480-foot-tall Chimney Rock was formed between 25 and 24 million years ago and towers above the surrounding landscape. In the early and middle of the 19th century, this tall granite spire pointed the way west for pioneers.
These areas seem remarkably similar to how they were when wagon trains traveled through them on their journey west during the Great Western Migration. Visitors can experience what it was like for the early settlers to arrive in this area.
There is a visitor’s center with displays about the geology of the formation and the Overland Trail.
5. Nebraska Attraction: Norfolk
Norfolk’s small-town atmosphere belies the city’s abundance of entertainment options. Do things at your own pace, such as go antiquing, check out the 200 fossils at the Ashfall Fossil Beds, or take a stroll along the famous Cowboy Trail.
Geocaching, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, and riding the Maskenthine Lake Bike Trails are just a few of the outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy while taking in the beautiful scenery. Visitors can experience the history of the region at the Elkhorn Valley Museum or the Madison County Historical Museum, or they can take in the beauty of the Norfolk Arts Center. The Memorial Aquaventure Waterpark and the mini golf course at Willow Creek Recreation Park are both great places for children to spend a day.
6. Carhenge
Stonehenge parody Carhenge can be found just outside of Alliance, Nebraska. It was built as a memorial to a father by his son, but now more people come to see it than anything else in town. On the western edge of the Sandhills, a facsimile of Stonehenge was constructed out of antique automobiles painted grey to mimic stone.
At Carhenge, you won’t just find a circle of automobiles but also a Car Art Preserve full of odd sculptures made out of automobiles and automobile components. Thirty years after it was first opened on the summer solstice in 1987, the building still gives visitors something to remember when there is a solar eclipse. The cost-free site is accessible on a daily basis. Fundraising is encouraged.
Most Beautiful Places in Nebraska
Above, you saw the list regarding the cities and man-made attractions in and around Nebraska, but now you will get to know about the natural scenery of the state.
1. Lake McConaughy
Nebraska’s largest reservoir is Lake McConaughy. Huge fish may be found in this body of water, which also boasts a massive dam that sizes up favorably to the world’s largest. The size of this lake, in acres, is approximately 30 000. earns the moniker “Big Mac” by consistently being a top contender in the “largest” category.
Several people visit the State Park of Lake McConaughy to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, hundreds of people from around the world visit the area yearly to enjoy the region’s famous white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Recreational opportunities include windsurfing, boating, picnicking, water-skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Vendors positioned all across the lake offer both rental boats and gas services. With a total of 349 campsites and a wide range of facilities, Lake McConaughy is a popular camping destination. A number of trails perfect for contemplative hikes and spotting eagles may be found in the region as well.
2. Glacial Till Vineyard And Winery
Glacial Till Winery and Vineyard, in Palmyra’s historic district, is a breathtaking site. With only six different kinds of grapes, this picturesque winery creates wines of unparalleled character and excellence. Enjoy a sampling of the wine after a pleasant stroll around the vineyard and a look around the property.
One of the first tasting rooms to move away from the source in Nebraska was the Cider House & Tasting Room at Glacial Till Vineyards. The gorgeous tasting room skillfully merges modern and old aesthetics. Exposed brick walls and wooden floorboards add character.
The inside is filled with modern black furniture, high-tech electronics, and a stylish, one-of-a-kind bar made from leftover wine barrel wood.
Here, you’ll be able to sample some of the winery’s finest vintages. Building for Glacial Till Events is a beautiful place for any kind of party or event.
3. Scotts Bluff National Monument
The monument in western Nebraska protects almost 3,000 acres of mixed grass, tall boulders, harsh badlands, and the remains of old trails along the North Platte River.
Several pioneers traveled the California, Pony Express, Oregon, and Mormon Pioneer. Trails used this large bluff and important attraction as a landmark along their journeys. At Scotts Bluff National Monument, you can learn about the history of the Oregon Trail and walk in the steps of the first people who lived there.
Historically, the park has been significant in many Native American communities and has had a lasting impact on America’s rich cultural heritage and the lives of those who came before. This spectacular bluff is so rich in history that it has been designated as a national monument.
4. Indian Cave State Park
The park known as Indian Cave is a dense hardwood forest perched on the Missouri River’s bluffs. For those who want to get away from it all in the great outdoors, this wilderness area is ideal. There are many Adirondack shelters on the 22 miles of hiking trails in the park, which makes it a great place for backpacking.
Campgrounds for RVs, tents and even people who bring their own horses are all available at this site. Seasonal horseback trail riding is offered in addition to hiking and biking. Moreover, there is a river access boat ramp, a group picnic shelter, and a renovated schoolhouse and general store.
5. Sunken Gardens
In 1930, during the Great Depression, a community dumpsite was transformed into Sunken Gardens, a beautiful botanical paradise.
As the economy deteriorated, the project was created to give unemployed men a chance to earn money to help their families.
The original concept for what is now known as Lincoln’s Rock Garden was inspired by the English mountain scenery, hence the name.
City horticulturists have, throughout the years, shifted their attention away from Rocky Mountain, Alpine, and Himalayan plants and toward those that will thrive in the city’s climate. In the middle is a statue of a woman named “Rebecca at the Well,” who is surrounded by a waterfall.
A geyser fountain in one of the garden’s two reflecting ponds forms a translucent sheet that may be utilized as a projection screen at night.
Some of the garden’s original features have been preserved, while new ponds, trees, walkways, and other amenities have been added for the benefit of garden visitors.
National Geographic has included this beautiful garden as one of the 300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada.
Conclusion
If Nebraska is your next tourist destination, we hope that we were able to get you hyped up. This place has a lot to offer, from natural beauty to history and culture. Moreover the people here are very hospitable and welcoming. We honestly hope that this writing will help you when you are making plans to visit Nebraska.
