11 Incredible Hidden Gems In Nebraska You’ll Want To Discover This Year

Are you looking for cool places to visit in Nebraska? Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska, is a playful American spin on England's Stonehenge - it's a circle of 39 vintage cars sprayed in gray paint, mimicking Stonehenge's look.

Built by Jim Reinders in 1987 as a tribute to his dad, Carhenge became a local gem, and in 2023, it got a moment in the spotlight on Disney Plus' "Cars on The Road Series." Super quirky, right?

The Old Lincoln Highway in Omaha, Nebraska, is a well-preserved slice of history that runs from North 183rd Street to North 192nd Street outside Elkhorn. This 20-mile brick-paved segment has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time.

The Lincoln Highway was first established in 1913 and was the first coast-to-coast road in the U.S., connecting Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. This transcontinental highway spanned 3300 miles through various states and continues to be a major roadway today, though many sections have undergone alterations and modernization over the years.

Recent efforts to preserve this section of the highway's heritage include markers, plaques, and seasonal closures. Driving on the road is a truly fun experience that offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Boys Town is home to the World's Largest Ball of Stamps, initiated in 1953 as a stamp-collecting project by Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club members.

Displayed at the Boys Town Visitors Center since the 1950s, this 600-pound, 32-inch diameter ball contains around 4,655,000 canceled stamps, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Nebraska and a must-visit roadside attraction.

Panorama Point in Nebraska is the highest natural point at 5,429 feet. It's not a mountain, just a little rise on the High Plains near where Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado meet.

You'll find a marker and a guest register at the top, offering awesome views of the plains, the state corner marker, and even the Rocky Mountains in the distance. It's on the High Point Bison Ranch, and you can drive there - just watch out for the bison and pay the entrance fee. Cool spot and an off-the-beaten-path in Nebraska worth a visit!

Have you ever heard of Fort Robinson State Park in Nebraska? It's a hidden gem with a lot of history and natural beauty. The park is home to the remains of an old military fort that was used during the Indian Wars, and you can still explore some of the original buildings and barracks.

Plus, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking, biking, fishing, and even horseback riding. If you're looking for a fun and educational trip, check out Fort Robinson State Park!

If you're looking for non-touristy things to do in Nebraska, consider visiting Monowi, a small town with a population of just one resident - Elsie Eiler. Despite being a ghost town, Monowi still has a functioning tavern (run by Elsie) and a small library named after Elsie's late husband.

As the town's sole resident and mayor, Elsie takes on unique responsibilities such as paying taxes to herself, renewing her liquor license, and creating a yearly road plan for the town's four stoplights. It's a fascinating place to visit if you're looking for a quirky and offbeat experience in Nebraska.

Listed among the "300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada" by National Geographic's "Guide to Public Gardens," the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, Nebraska, has a special place in many hearts.

Once a dumpsite, this 1.5-acre gem was transformed in 1930 and was renovated in 2005 with improvements like accessible entrances and a garden pavilion. From tulip-filled springs to vibrant summer blooms and serene art installations in winter, the Sunken Gardens offers a relaxed and charming escape.

The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln is a beautiful building with an equally stunning interior. The 14-story high rotunda features intricate details on its marble floors and walls. The rotunda is adorned with murals, mosaics, and sculptures depicting the state's history and achievements.

Visitors can also take a trip to the top of the tower for a bird's eye view of the city. It's one of the best-kept secrets in Nebraska for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply appreciating beautiful buildings.

Toadstool Geologic Park is renowned for its unique toadstool-shaped geological formations and valuable fossil deposits. The interpretive kiosk educates visitors about local geology and the grasslands' history, emphasizing the importance of preserving fossils by prohibiting collection.

The campground provides access to three hiking trails of varying difficulty, featuring eroded clay and sandstone formations. The Bison Trail leads to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, and a five-mile loop explores badlands and grasslands on the Great Plains Trail. The campground includes six sites with amenities and a sod house built in 1984, offering a historical glimpse into homesteading on the grasslands.

On the hunt for non-touristy things to do in Nebraska? Check out Pioneers Park in Lincoln for a range of attractions, including the Pinewood Bowl Theater, multi-use trails, playfields, playgrounds, public art, and the Pioneers Park Nature Center. Don't miss the park's striking, weathered sandstone columns, originally part of the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a beautiful park in Nebraska with well-preserved Miocene fossils from 20 to 16.3 million years ago, along with Native American artifacts.

Visitors can explore scenic trails, visit fossil quarries, and learn about natural and cultural history at the visitor center. It's a must-visit place for those interested in paleontology, archaeology, or nature.