Nestled in the heart of the Great Plains, Nebraska offers an assortment of experiences for all kinds of travelers. Cities such as Omaha and Lincoln provide the state’s greatest adventures, coupled with local cultures, entertainment, and much more. Nebraska is also full of natural treasures, including the breathtaking Sandhills and rock formations like Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock. So, let us look at the best places to visit in Nebraska, US.
Omaha, Nebraska, offers a fascinating blend of local culture, history, and a contemporary flair. Visit the Old Market District; Walk through the cobblestone lanes dotted with boutique stores and art galleries, and explore downtown Omaha with a horse carriage ride! The Joslyn Art Museum is one of the top places to visit in Omaha Nebraska if you admire European and American artwork. Other places to visit include the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Durham Museum, and the Lauritzen Gardens. Evenings are equally lively, with bars, musical events, and speakeasies such as Wicked Rabbit!
Lincoln, Nebraska’s thriving capital city, is not to be missed. The Nebraska State Capitol is Lincoln’s iconic attraction, with its spectacular Art Deco architecture and domed edifice. You can book a guided tour of the Nebraska State Capitol and even visit the observation deck on the 14th floor to see panoramic views. Other attractions include the Historic Haymarket District, the Sheldon Museum of Art, the University of Nebraska State Museum, and Sunken Gardens – a wonderfully designed garden where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Chimney Rock
The Chimney Rock, which stands roughly 300 feet above the surrounding North Platte River Valley was an important navigational marker for all the pioneers traveling west along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails in the nineteenth century. You can only imagine how it must have felt, with it as a guiding point in their difficult trip over the Great Plains. Even now, it remains one of the best places to visit in Nebraska. You will not be able to climb Chimney Rock due to preservation efforts; nevertheless, you can admire its grandeur from the approved viewpoints and then visit the Visitor Centre to learn more about it.
Visiting Carhenge is one of the best things to do in Nebraska. Carhenge is a one-of-a-kind and unique roadside attraction that highlights creativity in American automobile culture. If the name seems familiar, that’s because Carhenge is a replica of Stonehenge, but instead of gigantic stones, it’s made out of 39 vintage cars painted grey. You can also check out the Car Art Reserve on-site, which has various automobile-themed sculptures, and get something to take home from the souvenir shop!
Cowboy Trail
Cowboy Trail is a rail-to-trail project covering 200 miles from Norfolk to Valentine. And if you enjoy the outdoors, it is one of the best places to visit in Nebraska. Why? Because you can go horseback riding, hiking, cycling, or camping there. It is also home to many animals, including rabbits, ground squirrels, pheasants, songbirds, and quail. There are more than 200 bridges along the trail, however, the Valentine Bridge is the most impressive because it’s a great photography location.
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff, like Chimney Rock, stands about 800 feet above the surrounding North Platte River Valley and served as an essential navigational marker for people traveling the Oregon and Mormon trails. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Nebraska since there is so much to do and see, such as driving the 1.6-mile scenic Scotts Bluff Summit Road, hiking the Saddle Rock Trail, and visiting the William Henry Jackson Collection at the monument visitor center.
The Archway
The Archway, formally known as the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, is located near Exit 275 on Interstate 80 in Kearney, Nebraska. This is where you can learn about the history of pioneers who helped shape the entire nation during the Oregon Trail era. Apart from the Archway Historical Exhibit, there is a gift shop with something for everyone to take home, such as local specialties, jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, artwork, and much more.
Golden Spike Tower
The Golden Spike Tower is one of the best places to visit in Nebraska if you want to see unparalleled views over Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, the world’s largest railyard. Standing at 104 feet, the tower features two observation decks: an open-air platform on the seventh floor and an enclosed 360-degree viewing area on the eighth floor, providing panoramic views of the rail operations below. You can also visit the gift shop to buy railroad-themed souvenirs to take back home.
Toadstool Geologic Park
Toadstool Geologic Park, located in Oglala National Grassland, is well-known for its distinctive landscapes and rock formations resembling toadstools. Speaking of activities to do, Bison Trail (3 miles) is an absolute must for those who enjoy hiking. You can also see fossils dating back 30 million years, however, collecting them is prohibited due to conservation efforts. If you want to try something different, there are camping sites with limited amenities. Remember that there is no water in the Toadstool Geologic Park. It can be visited throughout the year and charges $3 per vehicle for day use, and $15 per vehicle for overnight camping.
The Sandhills
If you love nature and wildlife, the Sandhills are one of the best places to visit in Nebraska. It is a unique place because of the expansive dunes, lush grasslands, stunning lakes, and wetlands. To truly appreciate the Sandhills, you can go hiking, bird watching, or driving along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, commonly known as Nebraska Highway 2. You can also see the “Sandhill Crane Migration” if you visit Nebraska between mid-February and early April. During this time, approximately one million cranes migrate through the Platte River Valley in Nebraska before heading north to their breeding grounds.
