Now, we don’t know about you, but we’re always planning our next Nebraska adventure. Where do you want to go in this beautiful state? These in-state trips are all totally unforgettable, and you’ll be so happy you made the journey! If you got here by searching for “day trips in Nebraska near me”, you’ve officially hit the jackpot.

1. Be a cowboy for a day... or a week.
Big Blue Ranch/Facebook
Nebraska is home to several guest ranches (or "dude ranches") where you can work all day like a cowboy, then eat a hearty home-cooked meal and bed down for the night in a comfy room. It's not everyone's idea of a vacation, but for people who have always wanted to experience ranch life it's a one-of-a-kind experience.

Check out our favorite guest ranches in Nebraska.
2. Hike or bike the Cowboy Trail.
Cowboy Trail, Nebraska, USA
user/TripAdvisor
If you're not up for being an actual cowboy, how about riding the trail that shares the moniker? The Cowboy Trail is the longest rails-to-trails conversion in the country, and its 321-mile run will take you through some of the most scenic and peaceful parts of the state. If you're feeling very adventurous and have a whole lot of vacation time saved up, you could travel the entire trail...but most people just go for a while and then turn back.

Learn more about this unique trail here.
3. Explore the capital city.
Lincoln, NE, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
One of our very favorite things to do in Lincoln is touring the elegant capitol building. But there's so much more to do there. In fact, Lincoln was named one of the best U.S. cities to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet. That's a glowing endorsement if we've ever heard one. From live music to world-class food, there really is something for everyone in this vibrant, growing city.

Get some ideas for your Lincoln visit here.
4. Embark on what might be the most beautiful hike in the state.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, 39983 Refuge Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Flickr
It's pretty bold to say that one hike in Nebraska is the prettiest, right? Well, take an afternoon to hike through Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge near Valentine and you just might agree. The trail that starts off at Fort Falls is less than a mile long, but it's challenging - and it's full of impressive sights.

Read more about the Fort Niobrara hike here.
5. Gain a new appreciation for ancient history at Ashfall.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, 517th Ave, Royal, NE, USA
BunMaster2014/TripAdvisor
Ashfall Fossil Beds, near Royal, is an unforgettable attraction that a lot of people don't really expect to find in Nebraska. About 12 million years ago, a huge volcanic eruption in what is now Idaho killed massive amounts of prehistoric animals in Nebraska. Scientists think that this site was once a watering hole and the animals fossilized here died while taking a drink. You can visit and watch the active, ongoing dig from May 2 to October 9 this year.

See more about this ancient attraction here.
6. Cool off in Nebraska's one and only mine.
Happy Jack Peak, Scotia, NE 68875, USA
pcdoctorjim/TripAdvisor
Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine is unlike anything else in Nebraska. The former mine once supplied soft rock known as diatomite that was used for everything from building material to an ingredient in chicken feed. The mine is no longer active, but you can take a tour and marvel at its prehistoric origins. There's also a campground and gorgeous scenic overlook onsite, so plan to make a day of it.

Find out more, including the mine's origin story, here.
7. Take one of the most scenic drives through southern Nebraska.
US Highway 136, US Hwy 136, Beatrice, NE, USA
Byway 136 - Heritage Highway and Trail of Treasures/Facebook
Although Heritage Highway/Highway 136 is arguably most beautiful in the fall, it's really a lovely drive any time of year. It begins in Brownville and ends in Edison - or the other way around - and winds through prairies and charming little towns. It also offers the potential for many interesting side trips, so although the Heritage Highway route only takes around four hours, you'll want to plan for an entire weekend so you can stop off to explore everything along the way.

Read more about this very scenic drive right here.

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8. Experience true natural beauty in southeastern Nebraska.
Indian Cave State Park, 720 Road, Shubert, NE, USA
Visit Nebraska
At the start or end of your Heritage Highway trip, visit Indian Cave State Park, which is located just a short jaunt from Brownville. This ancient cave was once used as shelter by Native Americans, and in some places you can still see figures they carved in the soft stone. But there's much more to this park; a fantastic trail system, well-kept campsites, and tons of activities are big draws for summer adventurers, and the ghost town of St. Deroin is a fascinating part of the park.

Find out why Indian Cave State Park is worth a visit here.
9. Explore western Nebraska's natural wonders.
Google Maps
From waterfalls to rock formations to breathtaking wildlife, this road trip is epic. There are 10 stops on the trip and the driving time alone is more than 14 hours. We'd recommend going over a long weekend so you have time to enjoy all that there is to see in this exciting part of the state.

Get the full road trip and details here.
10. Explore even more natural wonders in central and eastern Nebraska.
Google Maps
Part 2 of our natural wonders road trip shows you wetlands, wildlife, woods, and even the sandhill crane migration if you time your visit just right. Drive time on this one is about 13.5 hours, so it's another long-weekend trip. Even if you have to take a couple of days off, it's totally worth it.

Get the whole trip, including a map and directions, here.
11. Find out what's so great about the Panhandle.
Samir Luther/Flickr
National Geographic rated Nebraska's panhandle #3 out of the 10 that exist in the US. That seems like a pretty big honor, and if you've never visited the western portion of the state it's time to see just how great it really is. Amazing scenery, tons of museums, and one of Nebraska's most recognizable man-made attractions all await you in the Panhandle.

If you need more convincing, check out 15 reasons you should visit right here.
12. Don't forget to explore the exact opposite side of the state.
Omaha, NE, USA
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107, USA
The Old Market, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
KCZooFan/Wikimedia
The Omaha metro area might be the most populous region in the state, but plenty of Nebraskans have never made the trek to the city. Plan to spend at least a few days - a week is even better - exploring all that Omaha has to offer, like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (pictured), the Old Market, world-class dining and shopping, beautiful parks, and the first pedestrian bridge to connect two states.

To get you started, here are 15 things you may not have known about Omaha's incredible zoo.
13. See some massive planes up close in Ashland.
Strategic Air Command Memorial Highway, Strategic Air Command Memorial Hwy, Papillion, NE, USA
Kandykornhead/Wikimedia
As long as you're making the trip to Omaha, stop in nearby Ashland to visit the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. It's hard to put into words exactly how awesome this place is. It's filled with military aircraft, space vehicles, and tons of educational displays. Even people who aren't into military history have a great time here...it's hard not to feel like a kid when you can get this close to huge planes and then ride a flight simulator. Also, the gift shop has astronaut ice cream, which is probably worth the trip on its own.

Visit the museum's website for visiting information.
14. Take a leisurely two-day getaway in Nebraska's Heart City.
Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Danell_11/TripAdvisor
Valentine, in north central Nebraska, is sometimes overlooked in favor of the big cities in the east and big nature in the west. And honestly, it doesn't seem like they mind too much - central Nebraska is kind of a laid-back place. Take a weekend to visit this beautiful, fun-filled city and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Find our handy two-day itinerary here.
15. Watch one of nature's most glorious spectacles.
Carol Carter/Facebook
Taking a trip to watch the sandhill crane migration is truly life-changing, and that's not an overstatement. You will never forget the sound of hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes calling to each other when they stop over in Nebraska on their annual spring migration. When hundreds of them take off all at once, the powerful whoosh sound of their flapping wings just about knocks you backward. This is a must for anyone who loves nature - and luckily you can experience it every year. It's happening in the next few weeks, so get ready to head to south central Nebraska.

Read more about the migration here, and watch a video of a previous year's show here.

Whether this is your first time experiencing these trips or you’re a seasoned Nebraska traveler, you’ll no doubt be blown away by Nebraska’s beauty and diversity. What’s your favorite Nebraska trip? Add your favorite to the list in the comments!

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More to Explore

Day Trips in Nebraska Near Me

Tori Jane | September 05, 2021

What are some of the best day trips in Nebraska to do?  

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that Nebraska is a “boring” place; we’re pretty sure anyone who feels that way has clearly never been here or, even worse, they just don’t know where to look. Nebraska is a great place for folks who enjoy road trips, for example. If you can daydream it, you can probably come up with some different ideas for fun day trips. Some of our ideas include trips to cities like Omaha, Kearney, and North Platte, or maybe a drive out to Nebraska’s world-famous Chimney Rock is in order. And, speaking of natural wonders, a day trip to Scotts Bluff National Monument would also be a lot of fun, don’t you think? For more of our favorite ideas for Nebraska day trips, take a look at this list!  

Where are the best places to visit in Nebraska? 

Nebraska is home to several notable places that we think are definitely worth a visit or two. Some of the best (and most highly rated) attractions in Nebraska include the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, in Omaha, and while you’re there, you’ll also want to check out the Old Market, where you’ll be charmed by old cobblestone streets, local shops, eateries, and more. Nebraska is also home to eight state parks and five national parks, like Indian Cave State Park, where you can find petroglyphs and all sorts of historical intrigue.  

What should I add to my Nebraska bucket list? 

One of the best parts about Nebraska is that there’s plenty here to enjoy, no matter what your bucket list entails. Folks who like strange, offbeat attractions might enjoy adding a place like Carhenge to their lists, while a nature lover won’t be able to die happy without having been to Chimney Rock at least once. There are plenty of scenic drives to be taken around the Cornhusker State, too, like a jaunt through the Sandhills, for example. We also suggest adding attractions like Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Platte River State Park, and Indian Cave State Park to the list, too. We could go on for days, but those are great places to begin from, at least. 

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