Welcome to the Bigroads ultimate travel guide to Nebraska! Hopefully this page and its information helps provide some inspiration and tips to help you plan your next trip to Nebraska.
Take note that I build and maintain this website as both a hobby and public service. I take joy in performing travel research and sharing my experiences and adventures. I currently do not make a profit from this website, and you will see no invasive or annoying ads on it. Your constructive feedback about this site and its content is encouraged. Please email me if you have any suggestions or ideas for improvement.
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Nebraska is unfairly labeled by many travelers as a "drive-through state". Like all 50 U.S. states, Nebraska actually has a lot to offer. Omaha and Lincoln are both fine cities, and each has enough attractions to keep you interested for at least a few days.
Western Nebraska has great scenery, including some famous Oregon Trail landmarks. Some of the best bird-watching locations in the country are found in Nebraska too.
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TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN NEBRASKA
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Are you short on time or struggling to choose something to do or see in Nebraska? Here are my selections for the top 10 attractions or experiences in Nebraska, in no particular order:
✮ Wander the badlands and geologic features of Toadstool Geologic Park in the northwestern corner of the state
✮ Smile at the absurdity of Carhenge in Alliance
✮ Spend a few days exploring the fine museums and other attractions of Omaha and Lincoln
✮ Watch the famous sandhill crane migration on the Platte River (late February through early April)
✮ Take a canoe trip down the Niobrara River
✮ Visit the excellent Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, a top 5 zoo in the country
✮ See two of the famous Oregon Trail sites at Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Scotts Bluff National Monument
✮ Take a guided Jeep or stagecoach tour in Fort Robinston State Park
✮ Cycle the Cowboy Trail, the state's most famous rail trail
✮ See one of the best waterfalls in the Great Plains region at Smith Falls State Park
If I could select only one place to visit in Nebraska, I would choose Omaha. There are many attractions in the city and you can also take day trips to nearby Lincoln as well (it is only a 1-hour drive between the two cities).
Interested in discovering great attractions in other U.S. states? My 10 Great Attractions in Each U.S. State guide covers the best attractions from coast-to-coast. And here is a guide to the best One-Week Vacations in the U.S..
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5-STAR ATTRACTIONS IN NEBRASKA
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There are a surprising number of 5-star attractions in Nebraska. I believe each of these attractions should be on your Nebraska state bucket list since they are all noteworthy from a national perspective:
Western Nebraska
✮ Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Harrison - grass-covered plains of the Niobrara River valley; well-preserved fossils; short hikes
✮ Carhenge, Alliance - replica of Stonehenge; constructed out of old cars painted gray; arguably the top roadside attractions in the state
✮ Chimney Rock National Historic Site, West Bayard - famous Oregon Trail geologic formation
✮ Courthouse & Jail Rocks, Bridgeport - Nebraska's "little Monument Valley" feature two impressive rock formations; famous Oregon Trail spot
✮ Farmers Elevator, Chappell - features a giant painted flag that is 52ft tall by 100 feet wide
✮ Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford - historic buildings; scenic views of bluffs and badlands; stagecoach and jeep tours; tons of hiking trails
✮ Lake McConaughy ("Big Mac") - largest reservoir in Nebraska; great beaches and camping (including beach camping); excellent fishing
✮ Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron - museum that focuses on the historical fur trade industry
✮ Panorama Point, Pine Bluffs - highpoint of Nebraska; there's a small monument to mark the spot
✮ Old West Balloon Fest, Mitchell - annual hot air ballooning event held in August; 80+ balloons usually take the skies
✮ Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering - Oregon trail history, scenic views & impressive geology/rock formations
✮ Toadstool Geological Park, Harrison - Badlands National Park-level eroded rock scenery, but free and without the crowds; good camping spot
Central Nebraska
✮ Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon - famous for its massive sandhill crane migration
✮ Cowboy Trail - 195-mile rail trail; the most famous rail trail in the state
✮ Fort Cody Trading Post, North Platte - famous gift shop that offers several photo-ops; a classic roadside attraction
✮ Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, North Platte - the world's largest railroad yard
✮ Great Platte River Road Archway, Kearney - huge walkway over I-80 with a good history museum
✮ Nebraska Star Party - annual star-gazing event held at the Merritt Reservoir's Snake Campground
✮ Niobrara National Scenic River - one of the best rivers for canoeing in the U.S.
✮ Platte River - famous for its 600,000+ sandhill crane migration (late February through early April)
✮ Rowse's 1+1 Ranch, Burwell - awesome working ranch; horseback riding and overnight lodging; probably the best ranch vacation in the state
✮ Smith Falls State Park, Valentine - Smith Falls is the tallest & best waterfall in Nebraska
✮ World's Largest Overalls, Grand Island - roadside attraction of the world's largest overalls; a quick photo-op
Eastern Nebraska (including Lincoln and Omaha)
✮ Arbor Day Farm / Tree Adventure, Nebraska City - hiking trails, interconnected treehouses to explore, interactive exhibits, and other family fun
✮ Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Omaha - beautiful pedestrian bridge that connects Nebraska with Iowa
✮ Durham Museum, Omaha - part history museum, part railroad museum
✮ First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park, Omaha - impressive pioneer sculptures/statues
✮ Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, Ashland - some of the best zip-lining in the state
✮ Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha - one of the top 5 zoos in the U.S.; more than 900 different species
✮ Holy Family Shrine, Gretna - beautifully designed church in a peaceful setting
✮ International Quilt Museum, Lincoln - if you like quilts, this is your place
✮ Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha - best art museum in Nebraska
✮ Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha - excellent botanical gardens and arboretum
✮ Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, Ashland - one of the best drive-through zoos in the U.S.
✮ Louisville State Recreation Area - Floating Playground, Louisville - kids love this floating obstacle course on the south bank of the Platte River
✮ Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska, Lincoln - home of the Cornhuskers college football team; this is a huge stadium (90,000 capacity)
✮ Museum of American Speed, Lincoln - dozens of show, race, and production cars on display
✮ Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln - a "jaw-dropping" state capitol building
✮ Old Market, Omaha - tourist center of Omaha
✮ Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha - one of the best children's museums in the Midwest
✮ Robber's Cave Tours, Lincoln - go underground in the city of Lincoln on guided tours
✮ Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, Ashland - extensive collection of military aircraft
✮ Sunken Gardens, Lincoln - beautiful gardens; currently free!
✮ TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue - fun high-ropes course / aerial adventure park
✮ World's Largest Ball of Stamps, Omaha - one of Nebraska's best roadside attractions
Are you aware of any other 5-star attractions in Nebraska? If so, please email me at gparsons66@hotmail.com.
Discover 5-star attractions in neighboring states using these state guides:
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WY
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BEST TOWNS & CITIES TO VISIT IN NEBRASKA
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While Nebraska has many fine small towns and a few cities, overall there just aren't many towns/cities that attract tourists. And so to me the only towns/cities in Nebraska that I think are particularly interesting to travelers are Lincoln and Omaha.
Please let me know if you think there are any small towns that are noteworthy in Nebraska. I just haven't found one myself yet. Maybe Grand Island and/or Valentine?
Read my Favorite Places in the U.S. Guide to find new and interesting towns and cities across the country.
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WHAT IS NEBRASKA FAMOUS FOR?
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Here are some things that Nebraska is famous or well known for:
✮ college football
✮ corn
✮ farms / farmlands
✮ Lewis & Clark history
✮ Oregon Trail history
✮ prairies
✮ rivers & streams
✮ sandhill cranes
✮ zoos
Visit my What is Each U.S. State Famous For? guide to explore the unique characteristics of other states.
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NATIONAL PARKS IN NEBRASKA
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While there are no official national parks in Nebraska, there are many other federally-managed parks and properties in the state, including:
National Monuments
✮ Agate Fossil Beds National Monument - grass-covered plains of the Niobrara River valley; well-preserved fossils; short hikes
✮ Scotts Bluff National Monument - Oregon trail history; impressive geology/rock formations and scenic views
National Forests
✮ Nebraska National Forest
✮ Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
National Recreation Areas
✮ Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
National Historical Parks / Other National Parks
✮ Buffalo Gap National Grassland
✮ California National Historic Trail
✮ Homestead National Historical Park
✮ Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
✮ Missouri National Recreational River
✮ Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
✮ Niobrara National Scenic River
✮ Oglala National Grassland
✮ Oregon National Historic Trail
✮ Pony Express National Historic Trail
For more information on Nebraska's national parks, visit the Nebraska page of the National Park Service. For an overview of all of America's national parks, explore my U.S. National Parks Guide.
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The Nebraska state park system has more than 70 parks and other recreational areas. Many would agree that these represent Nebraska's finest state parks:
Flagship / Premier State Parks:
✮ Chadron State Park - some of the best hiking and mountain biking in Nebraska; camping and cabin rentals
✮ Fort Robinson State Park - surviving and reconstructed buildings from the Old West; excellent hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; stagecoach rides, horse-drawn tours, and jeep tours; lodging and camping; scenic views; this is Nebraska's best state park
✮ Indian Cave State Park - 22 miles of hiking and biking trails bordering the Missouri River; horseback riding; interesting geology; campground
Other Notable State Parks:
✮ Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
✮ Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
✮ Niobrara State Park
✮ Platte River State Park
✮ Ponca State Park
✮ Smith Falls State Park
My favorite state park in Nebraska is Fort Robinson State Park. It has a great mix of historical attractions and outdoor activities. There are more than 60 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of mountain biking trails, and 20 miles of horseback riding trails.
Find the best state parks across the country using my Top 100 State Parks in the U.S. guide.
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BEST WATERFALLS IN NEBRASKA
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Nebraska only has a few natural waterfalls. The best waterfalls in Nebraska include:
✮ Berry Falls - visible from the Niobrara National Scenic River
✮ Fort Falls in Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
✮ Smith Falls in Smith Falls State Park, Valentine
✮ Snake River Falls near Valentine
✮ Stair Step Falls in Niobrara Valley Preserve, Johnstown
✮ Waterfall in Platte River State Park, Louisville
The tallest and best waterfall in Nebraska is Smith Falls, located in Smith Falls State Park.
Chase more waterfalls across the country with my Best Waterfalls in the U.S. guide.
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BEST SCENIC DRIVES IN NEBRASKA
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Here is a list of the best scenic drives in Nebraska:
✮ Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway/NE-2 - a 272-mile paved route from Grand Island to Alliance
✮ Summit Road, Scotts Bluff National Monument - a 1.6-mile paved route to a scenic overlook at the top of the national monument
Discover great scenic drives across the country with my Best Scenic Drives in the U.S. guide.
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BEST RAIL TRAILS IN NEBRASKA
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There are only a few notable rail trails (or similar cycling paths) in Nebraska. They include:
✮ Chief Standing Bear Trail - 23 unpaved miles from Beatric to the Nebraska/Kansas line in southeastern Nebraska
✮ MoPac Trail East - 21.7 unpaved miles from Lincoln to Wabash in southeastern Nebraska
For detailed information on all known rail trails in Nebraska, visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website.
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BEST AMUSEMENT PARKS IN NEBRASKA
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Nebraska only has a few amusement parks, and none of them are particularly noteworthy on a national scale. The best amusement parks in Nebraska include:
✮ Fun Plex, Omaha
✮ Island Oasis Water Park, Grand Island
✮ Pawnee Plunge Water Park, Columbus
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Nebraska has a surprising number of excellent museums. The best museums in Nebraska include:
Western Nebraska
✮ Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering
✮ Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron
Central Nebraska
✮ Classic Car Collection, Kearney
✮ Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Kearney
✮ Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Hastings
✮ Pioneer Village, Minden
✮ Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Grand Island
Eastern Nebraska (including Lincoln and Omaha)
✮ Dunham Museum, Omaha
✮ International Quilt Museum, Lincoln
✮ Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha
✮ Museum of American Speed, Lincoln
✮ National Museum of Roller Skating, Lincoln
✮ Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha
✮ University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln
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BEST DAY HIKES IN NEBRASKA
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Nebraska isn't particularly well known for its hiking trails, but there are a few good hiking areas in the state. Here are some of the best day hikes in Nebraska:
Western Nebraska
✮ Chadron State Park trails
✮ Fort Robinson State Park trails (e.g. Turtle Rock, Lover's Leap, etc.)
✮ Saddle Rock Trail, Scotts Bluff National Monument
✮ Toadstool Geological Park Trail - 0.8 mile loop trail with Badlands National Park-like scenery; arguably the best hiking trail in the state
Central Nebraska
✮ Smith Falls Trail, Smith Falls State Park, Valentine - short walk to Nebraska's best waterfall
Eastern Nebraska (including Lincoln and Omaha)
✮ Indian Cave State Park trails
The highpoint of Nebraska is Panorama Point (5,429'). The highpoint is surrounded by private property, and the owners request that you drive all the way to the highpoint due to free-range buffalo. No hiking allowed!
To find more hikes in Nebraska or to learn more about the hikes I've listed above, I recommend purchasing hiking guidebooks on Amazon (or from your local retailer). Another option is using AllTrails, but you have to be very careful when using that website as its information is sometimes wrong or incomplete. Published hiking guidebooks will likely always be significantly better than the information you find online.
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BEST BACKPACKING TRIPS IN NEBRASKA
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Nebraska is fairly limited in its offering of backpacking opportunities. I am only currently aware of these backpacking trails/areas in Nebraska:
✮ Indian Cave State Park - several Adirondack-style shelters are available for use
✮ Niobrara State Park
✮ Pine Ridge Trail, Nebraska National Forest
✮ Ponca State Park
✮ Soldier Creek Wilderness
If you know of any other areas where you can backpack in Nebraska, please email me at gparsons66@hotmail.com.
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CLASSIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN NEBRASKA
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Nebraska offers a solid amount of excellent outdoor adventures, including:
✮ Air-boat tours on the Platte River (e.g. Bryson's Air-boat Tours)
✮ Backpacking the Pine Ridge Trail in Nebraska National Forest
✮ Canoeing/kayaking the Dismal River
✮ Canoeing/kayaking the Niobrara River
✮ Canoeing/kayaking the Platte River
✮ Cycling the Chief Standing Bear Trail
✮ Cycling the Cowboy Recreation & Nature Trail
✮ Cycling the MoPac Trail East
✮ Exploring Toadstool Geological Park
✮ Horseback riding in one of Nebraska's state parks (e.g. Buffalo Bill, Chadron, Fort Robinson, Indian Cave, Niobrara, Platte River, Ponca, etc.)
✮ Mountain biking Chadron State Park
✮ Mountain biking Indian Cave State Park
✮ Mountain biking Platte River State Park
✮ Mountain biking Potter's Pasture
✮ Skydiving in Crete (near Lincoln)
✮ Tubing the Elkhorn River
✮ Tubing the Niobrara River
✮ Tubing the Platte River
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UNIQUE / SPECIALTY FOODS TO TRY IN NEBRASKA
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Here are some unique / specialty foods to try while you are in Nebraska:
✮ chili with cinnamon rolls
✮ meat pies
✮ pork tenderloin
✮ reuben sandwich
✮ runza sandwich / bierock
✮ tin roof sundae
For a list of unique foods and mom-and-pop type eateries and restaurants in Nebraska (or any other U.S. state), visit the Roadfood.com website.
For a list of unique foods to try in each U.S. state, explore my Road Trip Food guide.
For a list of the top-rated beers to try in Nebraska (or any other U.S. state), visit the Beer Advocate website.
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OTHER KEY NEBRASKA INFORMATION
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Here is some helpful key information about Nebraska:
State Capital:
Lincoln
Major Airports:
Omaha Airport (OMA) aka "Eppley Airfield"
Largest Cities:
Omaha (501,469), Lincoln (297,622), Bellevue (66,984), Grand Island (54,053), Kearney (34,390), Fremont (27,289), Papillion (25,211)
Primary U.S. Interstates:
I-76, I-80
State Highpoint:
Panorama Point (5,429') in Bushnell in southwestern Nebraska; you can drive to it on dirt roads; hiking is prohibited by landowner (due to free-range bison)
Professional Sports Teams:
None
Funny or Unique Town/City Names:
Funk and Wahoo
Take note that in general this travel guide intentionally excluded restaurants, lodging/hotels, breweries, wineries/vineyards, and certain other types of attractions (like arcades, ax-throwing, bowling alleys, and escape rooms). These types of places tend to come and go, and keeping up with that would be too challenging. I encourage you to use Google Maps, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and other travel sites that have reader reviews to find the latest and greatest places that I haven't covered here.
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Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska
Nebraska sign
Toadstool Geological Park, northwestern Nebraska
Toadstool Geological Park, northwestern Nebraska
Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska
Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Nebraska
MORE U.S. STATE TRAVEL GUIDES
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Did you enjoy this state travel guide? If so, here are links to more of my comprehensive U.S. state travel guides:
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