Fun Travels Across the United States
NEBRASKA
Note: Nebraska is full of fun things to do and places to visit. For details, contact the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509-4666
NEWS
Latest Events and Things to do in Nebraska:
STUHR MUSEUM OF THE PRAIRIE PIONEER
Uncover the state’s rich frontier history with a stop at one of America’s favorite historical museums. Start your visit at the
re-created railroad town!
Grand Island
BROKEN ARROW WILDERNESS
Canoe, kayak, tank, or tube down the Cedar River; then hit the trail for hiking and horseback riding along beautiful oak-lined paths.
Fullerton
HISTORIC HAYMARKET DISTRICT
Play, shop, and relax in Lincoln’s downtown area—a hub of unique restaurants, brewpubs, antique malls, booksellers, nightspots, galleries, and gift shops.
Lincoln
PAPIO FUN PARK
Family fun is always in season at one of the Metro Region’s most popular attractions! Enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, an arcade, and more.
Papillion
VALENTINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
A collection of shallow lakes and marshes makes this Sandhills prairie a top spot for viewing waterfowl and wildlife.
Valentine
CALAMUS RESERVOIR STATE RECREATION AREA
Water fun abounds at this 5,000-acre oasis with windsurfing, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Also visit the nearby fish hatchery.
Burwell
INDIAN CAVE STATE PARK
Experience a vast array of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, camping, and horseback riding along the wooded banks of the Missouri River.
Shubert
COWBOY TRAIL
Hike and bike to your hearts content along this scenic 143-mile section constructed on a former Chicago and North Western Railway line.
Norfolk to Ainsworth
FORT MCPHERSON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Built to protect travelers on the Oregon Trail, this fort is now the final resting place for thousands of our nation’s soldiers.
Maxwell
BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Encounter a wide array of wildlife via nature trails and a six-mile hiking loop. The 4,000-acre wonderland is a perfect place for bird-watching, picnicking, and fishing.
Fort Calhoun
Golf in Nebraska.
Nebraska’s diverse landscape is an ideal canvas for golf course designers to create their materpieces, and golfers will find challenging courses scattered across the state. From east to west, well-manicured greens and rolling fairways welcome you. With nearly 200 courses available for public play, you’re never too far from a memorable round.
Take some time to veer just a bit off the main thoroughfare and travel along one of Nebraska’s nine scenic byways. Plenty of unique attractions, outdoor activities, and breathtaking views are waiting to be discovered. As you go, be sure to stop for coffee and homemade pie at one of several local cafés.
Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway
Stretching 82 miles along U.S. Highway 75 from north Omaha to South Sioux City, this byway is a history lover’s paradise. Retrace the path of Lewis and Clark’s 1804 expedition and journey through the Winnebago and Omaha reservations. www.visitnebraska.org is now available! Request yours today and discover more than 175 pages brimming with striking photography, top attractions, outdoor activities, helpful maps, and splendidly useful information. In this year’s issue, you'll find new feature stories on arts and culture, scenic byways, nature-based excursions, frontier history, family-friendly adventures, plus more. It’s everything you need to plan the perfect Nebraska getaway. Go to web site www.visitnebraska.org to order
ASHLAND
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Nestled on nearly 700 acres along the picturesque Platte River, the popular winter retreat offers a restaurant, a lodge, sledding hills, and an ice-skating rink.
BEATRICE
Homestead National Monument of America
A tribute to the Homestead Act of 1862, the historical hot spot features a state-of-the-art Heritage Center, a one-room schoolhouse, and a hiking trail through the tallgrass prairie.
BLAIR
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
In addition to spectacular wildlife viewing, discover fishing, hiking, and a remarkable display of century-old artifacts from the sunken steamboat Bertrand.
Blair
www.visitnebraska.org
BRIDGEPORT
Bridgeport State Recreation Area
A welcome water retreat near historic Chimney Rock; experience picnicking, swimming, camping, and fishing.
Bridgeport
COLUMBUS
Discovery Island Water Playland
Experience year-round fun at this recently opened indoor water playground. Climb aboard historic ships, plunge down two slides, shoot water canons, and laze about the lagoon.
CRAWFORD
Trailside Museum of Natural History
View the Clash of the Titans exhibit featuring two huge mammoth fossils fatally and forever joined in battle.
Fort Robinson State Park
Toadstool Geologic Park
Large sandstone slabs perch atop eroding clay pedestals, resembling mushroomlike toadstools. An interpretive walking trail puts you in the midst of the wonder.
ELLSWORTH
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Discover your wilder side amongst 45,000 acres of refuge and lakes. Hunting, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities are plentiful.
FREMONT
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
Twenty sandpit lakes beckon you to apply sunscreen and hit the water. The area is a favorite for boating, swimming, water and jet skiing, camping, and picnicking.
GERING
Scotts Bluff National Monument
The imposing landmark blocked the pathway of American Indians, fur traders, and Oregon Trail travelers. Today visitors can drive to the top, take a shuttle, or hike a variety of trails.
GRETNA
Aksarben Aquarium Outdoor Education Center
Experience this aquarium with native Nebraska fish, a fish management museum and nearby geologic display, along with a picnic area and hiking trails. Open Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day, daily, 10am-4:30pm. Labor Day-Memorial Day weekend, closed Tue and holidays. Admission: $1 adults, $.50 ages 6-15, children age 5 and under free. Group tours are available and the museum is handicapped accessible.
Located at 21502 W. Highway 31 in Gretna in the Metro Region. For more information call 402-332-3901 or E-mail: tony.korth@ngpc.ne.gov
HARRISON
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Eroding tablelands of agate provide a natural stage for fossil displays and American Indian artifacts. www.visitnebraska.org Harrison
HASTINGS
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History
From prehistoric inhabitants to the early pioneers, experience life on the Plains. View several species of animals, including the world’s largest display of whooping cranes. www.visitnebraska.org
KEARNEY
Museum of Nebraska Art
The museum—housed in an elegant old post office—presents a dozen exhibition galleries featuring paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
LINCOLN
State Capitol
Experience architectural splendor as a wonderland of mosaics, murals, and symbolic works recount the story of Nebraska. Daily tours are offered.
Historic Haymarket District
Check out the capital city’s downtown area and discover a popular hub of unique restaurants, brewpubs, antique malls, booksellers, nightspots, galleries, and gift shops.
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
Discover a kaleidoscope of color, craftsmanship, and history! The facility features exhibits and a virtual gallery of quilts from around
the globe.
Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden
Enjoy 20th-century American art. One of the most comprehensive collections on a university campus. Tue-Thu, 10am-5pm; Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Closed major holidays. Group tours by appt. Free, donations encouraged. Open for group tours and handicapped accessible.
Located in the Metro Region at 12th & R Streets. For more information call 402-472-2461 or e-mail sheldon@unl.edu.
Sheldon Museum of Art
Located on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, Sheldon houses one of the nation’s more comprehensive collections of contemporary American art.
McCOOK
Red Willow State Recreation Area
A top spot for water fun, the 1,600-acre lake is also popular with fishing fanatics. So grab your towel and tackle box and bring your tent or camper too.
McCook
MINDEN
Harold Warp Pioneer Village
Considered the largest private collection of Americana anywhere, this museum offers more than 50,000 historical items—including automobiles, airplanes, toys, and more.
www.visitnebraska.org
NEBRASKA CITY
Arbor Day Celebration
Celebrate Arbor Day where it all began—in Nebraska City, home of founder J. Sterling Morton. Tour the family mansion and experience the Nature Explore Classroom and 50-foot Canopy Tree House on Arbor Day Farm. Enjoy live entertainment, great food, games, crafts, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Festivities take place each April on a different date..
AppleJack Festival
Celebrate the area’s apple harvest by taking part in this annual weekend event ranked one of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in North America by the Society of American Travel Writers. Enjoy a parade, car show, fun run/walk, craft show, and great food! It’s fun for the entire family Held during September.
NELIGH
Starlite Drive-In
Providing nostalgic family entertainment since 1952. Only a few hundred drive-in theaters remain in the entire United States, 3 of which still operate in Nebraska. Open Apr-Labor Day. Shows begin at dusk, 7 days a week. 402-887-5584 or 402-887-5021. Located in the Lewis and Clark Region 1 mi. E. on US Hwy 275, Neligh, NE, 68756
For more information call (402) 887-5584
NORTH PLATTE
20th Century Veterans’ Memorial www.visitnebraska.org
Make a stop at this one-of-a-kind U.S. military display and pay homage to the men and women who have bravely served their country.
North Platte Area Children’s Museum
Head inside for hands-on entertainment and educational fun. Explore the wonders of science, technology, art, and culture.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
The home of Buffalo Bill Cody, this ranch features a three-story Victorian house, barn, and outbuildings replete with Wild West memorabilia and artifacts.
OMAHA
River City Star Riverboat
Sit back and enjoy the sunshine as you ply the waters of the Missouri River near Omaha. Tours, meals, and charter cruises are available.
Florence Mill
Constructed during winter in the mid-1800s as Mormon pioneers made their way west, the mill today is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Discover your wild side at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, home to some of the biggest and best exhibits, including the world’s largest indoor rain forest, the world’s largest indoor desert, and Hubbard Orangutan Forest and Gorilla Valley. Named the best zoo in America by Reader’s Digest, the zoo also features a must-see aquarium and walk-through shark tank, a butterfly pavilion, and an overhead tram.
Coco Key Water Resort
A great place to take the plunge, this indoor water haven features waterslides, a dip-in theatre, cabanas, whirlpools, and tons of activities.
Durham Western Heritage Museum
Uncover the history of Omaha via high-tech and hands-on exhibits that retell the city’s story as it grew from cow town to boomtown. Omaha www.visitnebraska.org
Strategic Air & Space Museum
Check out 3,000 square feet of planes, missiles, and artifacts from
the Cold War and WWII eras. A great stop for hands-on fun.
PAWNEE CITY
SchillingBridge Winery & Microbrewery
This unique winery/microbrewery combination offers 14 wines (including one international award winner) and five microbrews.
Pawnee County Old McDonald Roads Tour
Take a weekend and lose yourself in the unique history and natural wonders of Pawnee County. This two-day getaway is a great opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in the small-town charm and wide-open spaces of southeastern Nebraska.
This package includes:
• One night’s stay and full breakfast at My Blue Heaven Bed & Breakfast or Convent House Bed & Breakfast
• Vouchers for 2 farm tours
• Vouchers for 3 museums
• $50 in Pawnee City Bucks for meals
Start the day out with a guided tour of sustainable farms in the area. The tours are your chance to learn more about crop production and the art of raising chickens, cattle, and even bison. If you’re looking for an afternoon snack, try some locally produced bison jerky. And you’ll want to bring the camera for this outdoor adventure because the wildlife is abundant.
After enjoying a delicious meal at one of our local restaurants, you can settle in for the night at My Blue Heaven Bed & Breakfast. This 1920s home is a cozy retreat complete with antique furnishings and handmade quilts.
In the morning, a complete breakfast awaits as you prepare for a day of historic buildings, pedal cars, and silent cinema. Tour the Pawnee City Historical Society Museum, home to 19 buildings filled with pioneer memorabilia, an experimental tailwind airplane, an extensive salt and pepper shaker collection, and 800 different types of barbwire. More than 400 pedal toys will take you back to yesteryear at The Pedal Clinic. And take some time to learn more about Harold Lloyd, 1920s silent movie star, at his childhood home.
In addition to the historical places and outdoor spaces, Pawnee City also offers excellent shopping including Heavenly Treasures quilt shop, Memory Magic Scrapbook Store, Home Comforts, Creative Thoughts gift shop, and so much more.
The cost for this two-day package is $150 for two adults. For one child under 12, the cost is an additional $88. For two children under 12, the cost is an additional $119. For reservations and more information, please contact Yvonne Dalluge at 402-852-3131 or at my.blue.heaven@alltel.net . One week advanced notice is necessary.
VALENTINE
Smith Falls State Park
Reconnect with nature at Nebraska’s newest state park. The area offers spectacular views of the state’s highest waterfall and the Niobrara National Scenic River.
VENICE
More soon!
WINNEBAGO
Woodland Trails
Enjoy a colorful display of American Indian crafts and artwork. Three large studios house pottery, painting and drawing, and quilting and beading workshops and exhibits.