Nebraska is a beautiful place to get away from the stresses of everyday life and experience the American Frontier. With dozens of state parks, museums, and natural attractions, it’s hard to run out of places to explore. If you’re ready to get out there, here are 14 of the most perfect Nebraska getaways.
For lovers of golf and the great outdoors, this eastern area of the state includes five great golf courses to choose from, along with vineyards, and a nice selection of winding trails nearby. Country Drive Golf Course, Quarry Oaks Golf Course, Iron Horse Golf Club, and the Ashland Country Club are all excellent choices!
This unique small town is home to many day spas, such as the Guilty Pleasures Salon & Spa and the Curl Up & Dye Salon and Spa. After a refreshing spa visit, you can also visit the beautiful Arbor Day Farm, the Wildwood Historic Home & Art Gallery, and stay the night at the stunning Lied Lodge and Conference Center.
The award-winning Henry Doorly Zoo is like no other zoo in the nation. It features incredible exhibits, such as a 520-foot long tunnel to observe gorillas, an indoor jungle, giant aquarium, and more.
There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska. Visit The Sheldon Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, which features more than 12,000 works of art from the 18th century to present day. Stop for chocolates at Chocolatier Blue, or visit one of the many nearby wineries and sip away the afternoon!
History buffs will love spending a day at Fort Robinson State Park. The 22,000-acre area includes forested hills, sandstone bluffs, and wide-open plains that are home to herds of buffalo and longhorn sheep. You can set out exploring on foot, horseback, bike or even stagecoach.
Chimney Rock was a famous landmark for pioneers traveling along the Mormon, California, and Oregon trails. Today, the historical site is a great place to hike and learn about the historical significance of the region.
The small town of Crofton, Nebraska may only have 800 residents but it receives thousands of visitors each year at the Lewis and Clark Lake. The lake is the perfect summer getaway for sailing, boating, and soaking up the sun on the beach. Crofton’s Lakeview Golf Course also offers panoramic views of the lake to enjoy.
For a getaway that is out of this world, a visit to the Toadstool Geological Park is a must. Millions of years of dusty earth have created stunning rock formations that can be seen along the park’s trail.
This getaway is for the outdoor enthusiasts. Indian Cave State Park offers exceptional hiking, biking, and camping in a historic setting. Some of the carvings within the park’s cave are believed to be several thousand years old.
The Westview home is a historic landmark dating back to 1871. Today, it is a bed and breakfast where guests can enjoy the wildlife in a lovely, cozy setting just minutes from Lincoln.
The Niobrara River offers many activities for a special escape from the daily routine. Enjoy a day on the water canoeing, kayaking, or fishing, or visit the nearby Smith Falls—the highest waterfall in the state. The Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge is also home to elk, wild bison, and prairie dogs.
It may be small, but Ashland is thriving with modern shops, art galleries, and cafes to enjoy. Visitors can tour the Israel Beetison House, a stunning mansion built in 1875 by an Englishman who called the area home. Or spend the day at the nearby Strategic Air and Space Museum, an incredible museum dedicated to aircraft and artifacts.
Transport yourself to a simpler time in Brownville – home to The Meriwether Lewis Dredge Museum, The Bailey House Museum, and the Whiskey Run Creek winery located in a 100-year-old barn. Bibliophiles will fall in love with the two-story Antiquarium Bookstore, and foodies can enjoy a dinner cruise on the Missouri River aboard The Spirit of Brownville riverboat.
Named one of the top 10 natural wonders in America, there’s no better getaway than stepping into this stunning natural part of the country and exploring its famous fossil sites. Many prehistoric mammals and dinosaur remains have been discovered here and their stories are fascinating.
