Discover Nebraska Things to do
Almost in the middle of the country you’ll find Nebraska. A state which has been right in the middle of many of America’s great movements. Nebraska filled with historical landmarks like Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock.
Nebraska might have a reputation for being the land of corn and cattle. Spend a few days in the state and your visions of cornfields and cowboys will be out the window.
As you tour exciting sites like vintage cars artfully arranged to mimic the stars. One of the world’s leading zoos. An old market filled with cobblestone streets, or a stunning botanical garden.
Carhenge
This one-of-a-kind structure modeled after England’s Stonehenge. Draws tourists interested in wacky roadside attractions to the town of Alliance, Nebraska. Carhenge formed out of vintage American cars, painted gray and arranged in a circle in varying positions.
Some of the cars welded to form arches and three cars are even buried underground and marked with gravestones. The site also includes sculptures made of old cars and or car parts. Open year-round, daily, during daylight hours. Gift shop Visitor center, gift shop and information kiosk open during summer.
Old Market in Omaha
The Old Market is a terrific spot to shop, dine, and experience a glimpse of what Omaha would have looked like in its early days. Cobblestone streets and renovated old buildings from the early part of the 19th century give the area a quaint and historical feel.
Housed in these interesting buildings are a diverse set of retail establishments ranging from galleries to coffee shops and fine dining establishments. Horse drawn carriages available also. Check out The Passageway – really pretty alley.
Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum is a learning and exploration space for young people. The exhibits include the Arts Smart Center, which features face painting. The Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center houses the Super Gravitron a massive ball machine. Science Showplace with live science presentations. Children of all ages love the engaging daily shows.
Other features include the Imagination Playground designed for young children. Sandy’s Splish-Splash Garden which is an interactive fountain area outside where kids can cool off.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
The Chimney Rock National Historic Site is a popular attraction. Rising almost 300 feet into the air, in western Nebraska is the unique Chimney Rock geological formation. The rock, which has been well-known throughout history as a landmark on the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail during the mid-19th century.
Approximately 500,000 pioneers passed by Chimney Rock on their way west. The rock remains a visible landmark for travelers along U.S. Route 26 and Nebraska Highway 921. Formed of clay, volcanic ash, and sandstone forming a sharp pillar that has been well-preserved since breaking away from the cliff line.
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium known for its leadership in animal conservation and research. Some of the zoo’s most famous exhibits is the world’s largest indoor desert, the Desert Dome, located under the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome. The Desert Dome features plant and animal life from three deserts around the world.
Begin your wild adventure at the Zoo in Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion. The Exploration Station includes hands-on activities along with previews of the other major attraction such as the Scott Aquarium, Lied Jungle and Desert Dome. As Nebraska’s number one attraction, a stop at the zoo should be at the top of your list.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a public recreation area located on the Platte River east of Ashland, Nebraska. This state park is the perfect year-round destination for a family vacation. Families can visit the aquatic center and indoor playground.
Explore the park’s hiking and biking trails. Adventure through the treetop ropes course, climb the observation tower a 70-foot observation tower overlooks the Platte River Valley. Athletic facilities include an aquatic center, 18-hole disc golf course. Tennis and basketball courts, softball fields and sand volleyball.
Joslyn Art Museum
Joslyn Art Museum collection has grown to include over 11,000 works representing artists and cultures. Highlights include a highly regarded collection of Greek pottery; Renaissance and Baroque masterworks by Titian, El Greco, Veronese, Jacob Van Ruisdael, and Claude Lorrain; noteworthy nineteenth-century French paintings by Jules Breton and William Adolphe Bouguereau.
Aside from the galleries, there is also an onsite cafe and a stunning concert hall, which often holds entertaining shows for your enjoyment. There is also a beautiful garden where you can view outdoor exhibits.
Lauritzen Gardens Omaha’s Botanical Center
Lauritzen Gardens Omaha’s Botanical Center is a botanical garden and an arboretum. The garden blooms with roses, herbs and peonies, among other flowers and greenery. And there are 3 miles of trails on which to enjoy. The festival garden, with colorful annual plantings and open lawn expanses.
Victorian garden combines characteristics of both English and Victorian gardens. The arboretum and bird sanctuary contains seven regional plant communities. Demonstrates how to attract and identify Midwestern birds.
Scotts Bluff National Monument
One of the most important landmarks relating to both the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail is Scotts Bluff National Monument. A steep hilly rock formation which has played a significant role in several historical westward movements.
In the past, the bluffs marked a point along routes for fur traders, missionaries, military expeditions, and emigrants. Today the bluffs are a popular destination for hiking and learning about the history of the Oregon Trail.
The Durham Museum
The historic Durham Museum opened in 1931. Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country.
The Durham Museum offers hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region. Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents.
Things to Do in Nebraska
Nebraska’s known for its rolling prairie lands that have given the state a reputation for being a flat expanse of farms and grasslands. But hidden in between those endless prairies. Tourist can find majestic scenery and secret spots that have played an essential role in American history waiting to be discovered.