The whole of Nebraska is something of a hidden gem. There are lots of people who don’t realize what a special place we have here in the middle of the country. There are even a lot of Nebraskans who have no idea how many great attractions are scattered around the state. If you haven’t visited these attractions we highlighted in 2017, make 2018 your year to explore them all.

1. This town that will make you feel like you're in a different country.
By Rockford1963 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stromsburg is like a little pocket of Sweden right here in Nebraska. From European architecture to the popular Swedish Midsommar Festival, this place is truly special.

Read more here.
2. This epic cheesemaking tour.
UNL Dairy Store
The Dairy Store on the UNL campus is known for its incredible ice cream, but did you know they also make cheese on site? You can even take a tour with advance notice and watch the cheesemaking process.

Read more here.
3. This magical garden hiding right in the city.
Facebook/Garden of the Zodiac
The Garden of the Zodiac is tucked away in the Passageway in Omaha's Old Market. Plenty of lifelong Omahans have never visited this enchanting little secret space. Make it one of your new year's resolutions to get out to see it!

Read more here.
4. The largest train classification yard in the world.
TripAdvisor/JayDay2001
Bailey Yard and the Golden Spike Tower in North Platte aren't nearly as well known as they should be. You can watch the trains coming and going from high up in the observation tower - it's an experience no train lover should miss.

Read more here.
5. This underrated town right in the middle of Nebraska.
Nebraska Tourism
You may have dismissed Broken Bow in the past, but it's time to take another look. The residents are completely dedicated to the continued improvement of their community, and it shows. This town is absolutely worth a visit.

Read more here.
6. This almost-unknown defunct park.
flickr/Justin Waits (used with permission)
The story of the Prairie Peace Park is heartbreaking, and the decaying remains of the buildings and art there are even more so. You can still drive by and see what's left of the park - a trip we highly recommend taking.

Read more here.
7. This surprising park on the Missouri River.
TripAdvisor/KT412
Drive out from Omaha toward Eppley Airfield and you'll pass by a sign that's easy to miss. It will direct you to Freedom Park, a unique spot right next to the river where retired naval craft and other military objects rest. It's a seriously unexpected place to find in triple-landlocked Nebraska.

Read more here.

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8. This town that's one of the most charming in the state.
Facebook/Aurora Area Chamber and Development
Not a lot of people consider Aurora a destination; rather, it's often just a place to pass through. Take the time to stop by, though, and you'll find a vibrant yet cozy community.

Read more here.
9. The only glass-bottom boat ride in the state.
Facebook/Fort Kearney Museum
Stop by Kearney between Memorial Day and Labor Day to visit this one-of-a-kind attraction. Enjoy a ride around a small lake and be mesmerized by the enormous catfish swimming along under the glass-bottom boat. It's an experience you can't find anywhere else in the state!

Read more here.
10. This impossibly beautiful shrine.
TripAdvisor/Previa1994
If you ever drive down I-80 past Gretna you'll likely see this mysterious building off on the horizon. Take some time to visit it and you'll be amazed at just how beautiful and unique it really is.

Read more here.
11. This historic poor farm-turned-animal sanctuary.
The Old Poor Farm
This beautiful farm near Fremont once housed destitute people, but now it hosts homeless animals. The residents are treated with unparalleled love and care, and you can even visit at certain times with advance arrangements.

Read more here.
12. This delightful general store that's one of the last of its kind.
Facebook/R.F. Goeke Variety
R.F. Goeke in Atkinson is one of a small number of general stores left in Nebraska. It's even got a genuine vintage soda fountain inside which will take you back several decades.

Read more here.
13. This little-known camping spot.
Nebraska Tourism
Lake McConaughy is anything but a hidden gem - it's a bright, shining, well-known gem that everyone seems to love. But not many people know that you can camp right on the beach, either in an RV or a tent.

Read more here.
14. The riverboat cruise you never knew existed.
River Inn Resort & The Spirit of Brownville
There's a pretty well known riverboat cruise in Omaha, but did you know that there's another great cruise in Brownville? The Spirit of Brownville is a magical ride that'll transport you back to early Nebraska when river travel was the norm.

Read more here.
15. This perpetually underrated hike.
AllTrails/LuAnn Brightweiser
This hike in the Gretna area is lush, green, and absolutely breathtaking in the summer. It certainly doesn't get as much attention as it deserves!

Read more here.

These are some of the best hidden gems we brought to you in 2017, compiled here so you can easily make plans to visit them all. What other places have you read about here that you plan to visit in the new year? Share with us in the comments!

For even more terrific places to visit in 2018, check out another recent compilation full of suggestions.

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