Nebraska: an honest-to-goodness outdoors getaway
Fresh air, wide-open spaces and natural sites that make you say “wow.” Some are yearning for trips like this—but in Nebraska, it's just a typical day enjoying the state’s great outdoors.
Retrace the steps of early pioneers at the landmark Scotts Bluff National Monument and touch down on Toadstool Geologic Park, a wonder that resembles a dreamy lunar landscape. Embrace treasured seasonal experiences, like watching the remarkable sandhill crane migration in late winter and early spring; “tanking” down the river in summer; and hiking to find colorful foliage on a fun-filled fall getaway. For a bona fide Nebraska outdoors trip, set up camp at one of the state’s many campgrounds (there's nearly 75 parks with camping options) and sleep under the starry night sky; or opt to stay at a guest ranch. A few nights’ stay on a ranch might include fishing, ranching work, and stunning sunsets viewed on the porch.
Read on for inspiration in planning a trip to get outside in Nebraska.
The must-see geologic sites
Upon arriving in the northeast corner of the Cornhusker State you may think you’ve landed somewhere out of this world—where unique geologic formations are more reminiscent of a "moonscape" than the Midwest. (So much for the assumption that all of Nebraska is fields of corn and wheat.) The fossils at Toadstool Geologic Park (named for some of the toadstool-shaped formations throughout) provide scientists insight into animal behaviors from as far back as 30 million years ago. The park is open year-round and has hiking trails you can follow along carefully to see these delicate remnants up close.
Early pioneers passed through Nebraska as they traveled along the Oregon Trail, and today the state is home to some of the trail's most recognized landmarks. Chimney Rock National Historic Site rises 300 feet above its surroundings near Highway 92 in the west part of the state. The spire-shaped formation is visible for miles—part of the reason why it was such an important marker of progress for emigrants making the trip. Stop by the Chimney Rock Museum to learn more about this trail landmark and follow the walking paths for a better view.
Travel about 30 minutes northwest and you'll find another one of the trail's landmarks, Scotts Bluff National Monument. The monument encompasses over 3,000 acres, including the bluff standing over 800 feet above the North Platte River. Stretch your legs on one of the hiking trails at the monument or take a drive up to the top for scenic, sweeping views of the countryside.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is located in the northeastern Nebraska, about 30 miles south of the state's border with South Dakota. This spectacular natural history site contains fossils of animals that lived nearly 12 million years ago when volcanic ash blanketed the area, according to the University of Nebraska State Museum. Stop by the Visitor Center, where you're invited to ask paleontologists about their work at this active research site. Then head to the park's Hubbard Rhino Barn where you can watch researchers carefully work to excavate the fossils.
Seasonal highlights for a year of adventure
Nebraska makes the most of being an all-seasons state with highlights to look forward to year-round. Experience quintessential fall fun when the foliage starts to turn, and the state is adorned with vibrant autumn colors. Spend a crisp autumn morning hiking one of Nebraska's many trails and partake in a beloved seasonal pastime of the picking fruit right from the farm on a sunny afternoon.
You can enjoy this all in one day Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City—the birthplace of the Arbor Day holiday. The farm is packed with trails of varying difficulty for walkers, runners and bikers. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the Treetop Village—a collection of 11 treehouses connected by bridges and walkways spanning three acres. Explore them all without ever touching your feet on the ground. Their Fall at Arbor Day Farm celebration lasts all of September and October, and includes U-Pick Apples on the farm, copious amounts of apple products available for purchase at their Apple House Market (think jams, pies and apple cider slushies) plus wine and hard cider tastings for those 21 and older.
Winter weather doesn't stop Nebraskans from enjoying snowy outdoor activities. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is located equidistant between Omaha and Lincoln and offers some of the cold-weather classics: cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating outdoors and even ice fishing. In the northeast corner of the state you'll find Ponca State Park, featuring a unique tri-state overlook where you can peer out to see the Missouri River plus Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. In winter, the park has a sledding hill, cross-country skiing trails and an annual snowman building contest.
Beginning in late February through March is one of Nebraska's greatest shows: the sandhill crane migration. Hundreds of thousands of these birds descend upon the state's Platte River Valley to rest and refuel as they head north for their spring migration—a bucket-list worthy event for serious and novice birders alike. You can join a "flock"—guided viewing tours—or fly solo with a self-guided tour. Just be sure to read up on birding etiquette before visiting for this remarkable event.
To most, the term "tanking" is thought of as a bad thing. But in Nebraska, it conjures up an image of a delightful summer afternoon spent on the water. For cornhuskers, "tanking" refers to using a former livestock water tank as a vessel to leisurely float down a river. Trips last a few hours, and if you're wondering where you could possibly find a livestock tank to float in on your visit, you can book with a tanking outfitter to rent the tank and get help with the logistics—just don't forget to pack the cooler with snacks and some sunscreen.
An honest-to-goodness authentic stay
Round out a full outdoors experience in Nebraska with lodging that fits the bill.
Fall asleep under the stars and wake up with the birds at one of the many camp sites across the state. For the ultimate starry night camping experience, head to Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA), less than 30 miles southwest of Valentine in the Sandhills. This SRA was certified as a Dark Sky Place by DarkSky International in 2022. There are a number of campground options to choose from at this stargazing destination, including electric and standard campsites with amenities like picnic tables; modern restrooms; boat access, and for the fishers, a fish cleaning station.
For a stay that's as authentic but comes with perhaps a sturdier roof, consider checking out a guest ranch—a ranch-cation, if you will. Each one will be unique in its offerings—whether you want to put in some work or would rather sit back and relax—but all will be sure to showcase some of Nebraska's natural beauty. About 30 miles south of the Merritt Reservoir SRA is Double R Guest Ranch. There are two vacations properties available to rent, where you'll have access to some incredible stargazing opportunities. Fill your days with activities like fishing, hunting and ranching and enjoy stunning sunsets over the lake in the evening.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch, just a few miles from Toadstool Geological Park, is a family farm established in 1887. You can choose your own adventure here, with activities like fossil hunting, stargazing, stagecoach rides and ranch experiences like fixing fences. The property has cabins and rooms available to book, which include a home-cooked breakfast each morning so you can fuel up before another day on the land.