The Good Life

Planning a Nebraska Vacation

Explore and Discover

By Angella A. Arndt

Summer is just around the corner, and you may be thinking about planning a vacation.

A road trip means no long airport lines, travel delays, or time constraints…but where will you go? Have you considered exploring Nebraska? Historical sites, natural attractions, camping, sports, and entertainment options abound, and you can explore at your leisure throughout the summer without even leaving the state.

Bring history to life by visiting one of Nebraska’s fascinating historical sites. Chimney Rock, a natural geologic spire in Bayard, soars 325 feet from its base and was a famous landmark for pioneers traveling along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. One of the largest military installations of the northern plains, Fort Robinson, operated until after World War II in Crawford. In the summer months, the Fort Robinson park offers horse-drawn tours and stagecoach rides by reservation.

The Thomas P. Kennard State Historic Site is Lincoln’s oldest remaining building on the original plat. Since Nebraska’s centennial in 1967, it has served as the Nebraska Statehood Memorial, restored and furnished to represent life in Nebraska in 1867. The National Willa Cather Center, in Red Cloud, honors the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, who spent her formative years in Nebraska and brought the state to life in many of her novels.

The Nebraska Sandhills comprise the largest sand dune formation in the western hemisphere and one of the largest grass-stabilized dune areas in the world. The dunes were formed after the last ice age by sand and silt carried through melting glacial waters from the Rocky Mountains to central Nebraska. Experience the beauty of this region by traveling along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, spanning 272 miles from Grand Island to Alliance.

In the Sandhills each spring, one of earth’s greatest migrations occurs when about 80 percent of the world’s crane population migrates to the Platte River Valley as they make their way north. Something to consider for next year: You can view this migration in person outside of Kearney, by guided tour or from a public viewing location. Check out visitkearney.org.

Nebraska’s diverse landscape encompasses prairies, pine forests, grasslands, wetlands, and more than 23,000 miles of rivers and streams. Eight state parks provide opportunities to camp, enjoy wildlife, and pursue outdoor activities. Indian Cave State Park, in Shubert, is known for its sandstone cave containing prehistoric petroglyphs. Ponca State Park, in northeastern Nebraska, is one of the state’s most popular parks, known for its scenic views, forested hills, and wildlife viewing. Smith Falls State Park, in Valentine, boasts Nebraska’s highest waterfall.

If you’re looking for a water vacation, visit one of Nebraska’s more than two dozen natural and man-made lakes. Most lakes are open for boating, water sports, and fishing. Lake McConaughy, the state’s biggest lake (at 30,500 acres), is located a just few miles northeast of Ogallala.

Although Nebraska isn’t known as wine country, grapes have been grown here since the 1800s. Nebraska has approximately 30 wineries and tasting rooms where visitors can enjoy beautiful views and sample distinctive wines. The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association offers a Wine Passport program that provides information on wineries to visit.

Those looking for a golf outing can choose from over 200 golf courses across the state. The Prairie Club Dunes Course, in Valentine, is ranked among GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the United States. Sand Hills Golf Club, in Mullen, is ranked as one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World.

Nebraskans love Cornhusker football, but it’s not the only game in town. Omaha draws tens of thousands of visitors each for several significant sporting events, including the College World Series, NAIA National Basketball Tourney, NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Final Four, U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming, and U.S. Olympic Curling Trials. Omaha’s entertainment districts gear up for sports fans every year!

Nebraska offers excellent entertainment options. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best. According to National Geographic, Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens is ranked among the “300 Best Gardens to visit in the United States and Canada.”

Nebraska City boasts the most museums per capita in the nation, with 7,200 residents and 10 museums, including the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum and the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting. Five Rocks Amphitheater, in Gering, hosts a summer concert series featuring jazz, blues, and rock music. These are just samples of the kind of entertainment you’ll find in your travels across Nebraska.

Hop in the car and immerse yourself in the great outdoors, arts and culture, and adventures across the state. You’ll discover a whole new side of Nebraska and make memories along the way.

Sources for this article included: golf.com, history.nebraska.gov, nebraskawines.com, outdoornebraska.gov, sandhillsjourney.com, visitnebraska.com, and westnebraska.com.