Nebraska
11 Amazing Nebraska Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Traveling to Nebraska is a no-brainer when considering how much there is to do and see in the state. Omaha is the biggest city in Nebraska, with a population of roughly 500,000. It is also home to the Eppley Airfield, which is the largest airport in the state and conveniently located three miles northeast of downtown Omaha. For this reason, Omaha makes the most sense as a jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the region. Luckily, there are many exciting day trips to partake in, each less than two to three hours by car from Omaha.
Whether you want to go on a fun adventure with your kids, learn more about Nebraska’s history, or spend a day in nature, there is a trip for you. The following are some of the top Nebraska day trips.
The Durham Museum (Within the city)
There are many reasons to spend your day at the Durham Museum, which is committed to preserving the history of the Western United States. First, it’s conveniently located in downtown Omaha, which means you won’t have to travel far to reach it. Second, it is housed inside Omaha’s former Union Station and features Art Deco architecture that is nothing short of stunning. Third, the museum is home to many fascinating artifacts, including an authentic soda fountain, a restored 1922 Mack flatbed truck, and a recreation of a “Worker’s Cottage” that dates back to the early twentieth century. The museum also houses ancient and colonial coins, political memorabilia, metals, books and documents, and territorial gold.
The Archway (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Located in Kearney, roughly two hours and 30 minutes from Nebraska’s largest city lies The Archway. This is an incredible day trip as not only is the structure, which towers over Interstate 80, a sight to behold, but it also features many fascinating historical exhibits. For those who don’t know, The Archway, which is officially called the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, is a museum that tells the story of the travelers who crossed this land centuries earlier. The museum chronicles local Native American tribes, fur trappers, pioneers, and more who traveled across Nebraska.
It is important to note that The Archway is an interactive museum, which makes it suitable for visitors of all ages. For example, young ones can walk with the pioneers on the Oregon Trail, watch a rider make a stop and change their horse at a Pony Express Station, and listen to Mark Twain’s account of what it’s like to travel in a stagecoach.
Joslyn Art Museum (Within the city)
The Joslyn Art Museum is another Omaha attraction that you won’t have to leave the city to enjoy. This fine arts museum has been open for nearly a century and was opened by Sarah H. Joslyn as a way of honoring her deceased husband’s memory. Her husband was a successful businessman, George A. Joslyn. It boasts one of the most comprehensive permanent collections of art in the entire state of Nebraska, with many of the most famous works dating back to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries from American and European artists.
Admission to the Joslyn Art Museum is free of charge and is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Cowboy Trail (3 hours)
The Cowboy Trail is another incredible day trip from Omaha. While the Cowboy Trail spans a total of 195 miles, you can access part of it by driving just three hours from Omaha. Ideal for people of all ages, the Cowboy Trail is a historic path that follows the original Chicago and Northwestern railway line. Visitors can walk or bike along it. You might even see a few people on horseback! One of the most fun parts of the Cowboy Trail is that it will allow you to explore parts of Nebraska you wouldn’t otherwise see. The trail passes through several small towns and offers impressive 360-degree views of the prairies.
Indian Cave State Park (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Did you know that you can drive an hour and a half from Omaha and be in Indian Cave State Park? It’s true! This scenic state park is home to an expansive sandstone cave, the Missouri River, as well as another 3,000 acres of land. In total, you will find over 22 miles of hiking and biking trails running through the park, which makes it an easy spot to explore.
Beyond hiking and biking, fishing, camping, and picnicking are other popular activities in Indian Cave State Park. The two largest campgrounds are Hackberry Hollow and Ash Grove, which offer a combined 134 RV sites with electrical and water hookups. If you’re a history buff, be sure to take the time to visit the prehistoric Native American petroglyphs that are in the park. Lastly, if you’re visiting at certain times of the year, you might be able to attend one of the many festivals and events held here, such as Haunted Hollow in October.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Within the city)
Enjoy a day of fun and education in the city of Omaha at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Voted the #1 zoo in the United States, the Omaha Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It spans 160 acres and features animals, plants, and fascinating habitats.
Some of the special exhibits you will find here include Owen Sea Lion Shores, Hubbard Orangatang Forest, the Desert Dome, and Gorilla Valley. In addition to seeing these fascinating animals in person, the zoo hosts a number of events and workshops and offers backstage experiences with certain animals.
Lincoln (1 hour)
When in Nebraska, why not visit the state capital? Lincoln is the second largest city in Nebraska, home to approximately 300,000 people. It is only one hour away from Omaha, making it an easy city to visit on a day trip.
A few of Lincoln’s top attractions include the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the Sheldon Museum of Art, Sunken Gardens, the Museum of American Speed, the Nebraska State Capitol, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum. The University of Nebraska is also located in Lincoln, and it has its own museum called Morrill Hall, as well as Memorial Stadium, where the university’s college football team plays.
Platte River State Park (30 minutes)
Platte River State Park is another park that is worthy of a day trip. Located 30 minutes by car from Omaha, you can easily spend a day exploring the 453 acres that make up this green space. The park is situated on the southern bluffs of the Platte River in the town of Louisville, Nebraska. Platte River State Park is known for its namesake river and its steep, rolling hills and dense forests. This makes for a great spot to enjoy paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, camping, cycling, swimming, and horseback riding.
There is also a restaurant on-site, The Scott Lodge Restaurant, which offers delicious food and unparalleled views of the river.
Fun-plex Waterpark and Rides (Within the city)
Since 1979, Fun-plex Waterpark and Rides has been serving up the best summer fun that Omaha offers. Located within the city, this is the largest water park in the entire state. You will find everything from Rockin’ Rapids, one of the tallest and longest slides in the country, standing five stories tall and spanning 1,200 feet, to the Motion Ocean Wave Pool and the Lazy River. There is also a lagoon for young children in addition to a number of family-friendly food and drink stands on-site.
Plus, the Fun-plex Waterpark also has a wide selection of rides for guests of all ages, including Bumper Boats, the Tilt-A-Whirl, Go-Karts, the Carousel, and more.
Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Situated near the Nebraska-South Dakota border, roughly two and a half hours from Omaha lies the Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area. This lake is Nebraska’s second-largest reservoir and gets its name from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which stopped nearby during the famous expedition.
The Missouri River runs through this park, and visitors can enjoy fishing in it or even going horseback riding along it. Other activities include boating, disc golf, bird watching, and hunting. There are also cabins that can be rented along the lake if you wish to stay the night. In addition, if you feel like venturing across state lines, cross into Yankton, South Dakota, to explore even more of Lewis and Clark Lake.
Wildlife Safari Park (30 minutes)
Wildlife Safari Park is just 30 minutes outside of Omaha, which makes it an ideal spot for a quick and easy day trip. Visitors are invited to drive through parts of the park, where they will be able to see deer, elk, bison, and more, all from their car windows. Meanwhile, as you make your way further into the park, you can exit your car and follow a short path to see wolves and bears, as well as the petting corral and eagle aviary.
Once you’re done exploring the Wildlife Safari Park, you can head to a couple of other nearby attractions, like Mahoney State Park, which has hiking and biking trails, an aquatic center, and ice skating, or the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.
Now that you know what exciting attractions lie just two to three hours from Omaha or less, it’s time to start planning your Nebraska day trip. Opt for a family-friendly adventure by visiting the Wildlife Safari Park or Fun-plex Waterpark and Rides, get outdoors and explore Indian Cave State Park, Platte River State Park, or the Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area, or enjoy a cultured experience at The Archway, the Joslyn Art Museum, or the Durham Museum. No matter which outing you choose, you are bound to have an excellent day trip!
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KOLN) – A Nebraska woman faces 41 charges after dozens of dogs were rescued June 5 from her home in Scotts Bluff County.
The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office was called to a home east of Scottsbluff around 2 p.m. for a report of possible animal abuse. According to court records, a dog from the home had been seen on Highway 26.
When deputies arrived, they contacted the owner of the dogs, 75-year-old Jody Staman. While speaking with Staman outside the home, a deputy saw numerous small dogs in wire cages. Further investigation found some of the dogs did not have food or water, and several were breathing heavily and appeared stressed. Dogs that did have water had bowls filled with algae, vegetation and mud. The dirt floors were covered in dog feces.
Staman told deputies she used to sell the dogs but stopped around 2020. She said she originally had 30 dogs and one puppy.
Deputies later returned with assistance from Nebraska Game and Parks and members of the Panhandle Humane Society. Court records state 40 live dogs and one dead puppy were collected from the property. Another puppy, which was in poor health, was taken to the Wildflower Animal Cottage.
Deputies and PHS staff described the conditions as “deplorable,” with the residence covered in dog and rodent feces. In some areas, animal feces were more than one foot deep. In most areas, it was impossible to take a step without stepping in feces.
Staman was charged with 40 counts of cruel neglect of an animal and one count of cruel neglect of an animal resulting in death.
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Emma Bullerman is spending her summer riding around in fields with her dad, and she’s thrilled about it. It’s not just for fun, either — she’s interning for the Prairie Plains Resource Institute and working alongside her father to conserve Nebraska grasslands.
“Prairie Plains has literally been in my life since I was born. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a grasslands nepo baby,” Bullerman said. “My dad is the restoration director, so even as a kid I would be out helping him in the field.”
Today, Emma is taking a more active role in aiding her dad’s work to restore native prairies.
“A lot of my summer will be in the truck with him driving across Nebraska to collect the native grassland seeds that we put into our restoration sites,” she said. “Basically, I’m just learning the ropes of everything that goes into grassland restoration.”
As a teen, Bullerman thought she wanted to do anything but follow her dad’s footsteps. Eventually, a few stalled paths helped her rediscover her love for her hometown.
“In high school and coming into college, I really thought I wanted to leave Nebraska and do something totally different from my dad,” she said. “I tried a few other directions, but pretty quickly could tell that I wasn’t passionate about them. I took a semester off, and then my boss at Prairie Plains reached out about helping with social media.”
It didn’t take long for Bullerman to catch the bug for conservation work and switch her major to fisheries and wildlife, the same degree program her father graduated from in 1995. In fact, she is a fourth-generation Husker with strong ties to ag and food science. Her grandfather is Dr. Lloyd Bullerman, a former a professor of food science, microbiology and food safety at the university, and her aunt studied food science at NU as well.
Getting back to Prairie Plains in her early college years helped Bullerman realize that she, too, had a calling toward this field.
“Being out in the field with my dad one day, I had a moment where I was like, ‘Oh, this is what I’ve been looking for. This is what I want to do.’ Finding my way back has been really, really beautiful.”
Working with her dad, she’s is feeling better than ever about her direction, her hometown and her future in Nebraska.
“Doing this work and studying at UNL has given me a whole new perspective on the state,” she said. “I used to be someone who was like, ‘I want to get out of here after I graduate.’ Restoring prairies and traveling all over Nebraska has helped me see that it’s so beautiful here, I just didn’t take the time to see it before.”
The future of data centers in Nebraska took center stage at a North Omaha town hall Thursday evening.
The event was hosted by State Sens. Terrell McKinney and Ashlei Spivey, who alongside Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh sponsored a bill in the Nebraska Legislature that looked to help regulate data centers.
Parts of their bill were adopted and passed in LB1010, which requires reports on annual power usage, water usage and ownership.
“Having this passed in a package showed a lot of bipartisan work,” Spivey told a crowd of attendees at Nelson Mandela Elementary School.
The proposed regulations were shaped in part by Bold Nebraska, an advocacy group focused on eminent domain and clean energy. Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party and founder of Bold Nebraska, said before the bill passed there were “zero laws on the books” to address a boom in data centers.
“If one is coming into the community, we wanted to make sure that there were some basic transparency things in place,” Kleeb said.
Political discussions around data centers heated up in recent months following reporting by the Flatwater Free Press that showed Google is considering a data center in Nebraska that could require more than three times the amount of power the entire city of Lincoln uses at peak demand in the summer.
The Nebraska Legislature recently passed another bill, LB1261, that allows private developers to build and own power plants to serve a large industrial customer, including data centers. That bill was proposed by the governor’s office and celebrated by Gov. Jim Pillen.
“Our state is once again taking a bold and strategic step – one that will create an environment that attracts business and multibillion dollar investment, while legally preserving Nebraska’s unique and consumer-friendly public power model,” Pillen said at the time.
At Thursday’s town hall, McKinney called LB1261 “the bogeyman bill.”
“It’s a bill that the governor pushed through the legislature to allow for data centers to create their own power,” McKinney said. “It’s a bill that I stood on the floor and said this is going to harm our communities.”
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