If you’re looking for a fun day trip in Nebraska, then a trip to Platte River State Park should be at the top of your list! Located smack dab between the two largest cities in the state, it’s a wonderful way to break away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life and soak in some of the most beautiful scenes that Nebraska has to offer.

Head on over to Platte River State Park for a day of fun. It's got something for every age and every interest.
Austin Wiese / Google Maps
This park is centrally located between Nebraska’s two biggest cities. Whether you’re traveling in from Lincoln or Omaha, it’s an easy 40-minute drive.
The area offers a ton of wonderful things to see and do.
Sheila Burchess / Google Maps
Hike through the wonderful trails that will lead you over beautiful wooden bridges and out to waterfalls. The trails are also good for mountain bikers.
Some of the most popular areas to go are the Platte River State Park’s Lincoln Journal Star Observation Tower and the Daugherty Tower.
Kim Zweiter REALTOR / Google Maps
These towers give you a great vantage point up and above the forest to check out the surrounding landscape. This is a wonderful way to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery in the Platte River area.

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If you want to get out and explore on horseback, you can do that, too!
Quico Reed / Google Maps
The park offers guided horseback rides, along with guided fishing and paddle boating tours on Jenny Newman Lake. You’ll love adventuring through the area in new and fun ways.
There are so many family-friendly ways to enjoy the park, including the fun and educational Crawdad Creek or the spray park.
Boogs Rocks / Google Maps
The kids will love the two-tiered spray park on hot days. If you find you can’t leave and want to spend the night, there are plenty of accommodations for rent, including glamping cabins, modern cabins, and even teepees!
This state park is wonderful to visit year-round.
Bethany Hyatt / Google Maps
Winter brings its own kind of beauty to explore. Check out the frozen waterfalls, and rent one of the modern cabins if you want to extend your day trips. These cabins are open all year long.
Bring your loved ones and get out and experience this amazing area.
Matt Bills via iStock / Getty Images Plus
The fun to be had at the waterfall, on the hiking and biking trails, and even on the archery range are worth the quick drive for this amazing day trip. Put this on your to-do list when you want to explore eastern Nebraska further!

Have you ever taken this day trip in Nebraska? What did you think? Was it awesome? Let us know in the comments!

If you want to explore the area further, make sure to read more about why Your Kids Will Love This Easy Short Waterfall Hike Right Here In Nebraska.

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Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St, Louisville, NE 68037, USA