Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen Gardens offers a wide variety of different gardens. Stop by the railroad garden to see a small train. See the Mt. Fuji replica in the Japanese Park. Make sure to grab a ticket before arriving to help get you through the gates a little easier, they do sell them onsite, as well, if you are making a last-minute trip.
See MorePlatte River State Park
Located between Omaha and Lincoln, this state park is easy to get to if you are in either city. You can even enjoy a night in one of their cabins in the park. They also offer camping sites to stay at, as well. Hike, kayak, and more!
See MoreEugene T. Mahoney State Park
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is also located between Omaha and Lincoln. Bring a tent and enjoy the campsites or there is lodging at the Peter Kiewit Lodge. Enjoy the fresh air on some of their trails or play on the ropes course. They also have an area for disc golf and mini golf. There are areas for swimming and kayaking, as well.
See MoreSunken Gardens
Take a stroll through Lincoln’s Sunken Garden. Each year, it has a different theme, meaning they change the gardens with different annuals. 2023 was the year of the “Magical Mystery Tour” based on the Beatles album covers and 2024 was the year of “Golden Hours.”
See MoreIndian Cave State Park
3,052 acres along the Missouri River is Indian Cave State Park. The park is named for its sandstone caves. Enjoy some of their trails, picnicking, and camping spots. The park also offers equestrian trails, disc golf, and boating areas.
See MoreAshfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
Explore the many fossils discovered in Nebraska! Stop and see the preparation lab and ask paleontologists about their work. Take a short walk across the grounds to the rhino barn to see the fossils that were discovered there. There are even a few full skeletons! These species date back to 10-12 million years ago.
See MoreScotts Bluff National Monument
Explore the 3,000 acres offered to the public inside Scotts Bluff National Monument. The Bluff stands over 800 feet tall and runs along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trials. You can also see Scotts Spring, Sentinel Rock, The Orella Badlands, and more in the park.
See MoreSand Hills
Sand Hills is located along the Niobrara River and is a prairie on grass-stabilized dunes. Sand Hills covers over a quarter of the state and was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1984. The World Wide Fund for Nature also designated this area as an ecoregion.
See MoreChimney Rock National Historic Site
Along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails is Chimney Rock, which was designated as a National Historic Site in 1959. This rock formation stands over 300 feet tall.
See MoreFort Robinson State Park
Stop at the old military base Fort Robinson and enjoy all the park has to offer. Pitch your tent at one of their campsites, learn about the history of the park, and keep your eyes open for buffalo and longhorn herds. If you don’t have a tent, no worries, as they also have a lodge and cabins for guests to stay in.
See MoreToadstool Geological Park and Campground
Toadstool Geologic Park offers different things to explore. There are geological formations in the shape of toadstools, and you can see fossil deposits in different areas of the park. Some of these fossils can be dated as far back as 30 million years ago. They offer campsites for visitors to use during their stay in the park. If you are just in for the day, explore the trails that wind through the park.
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