If you like pork tenderloin sandwiches, rocky mountain oysters, mouth-watering steak and naturally corn, then Nebraska is the place for you. It’s a foodie state, for positive, however it’s additionally completely beautiful to discover. This all being stated, it may be robust to determine on which of the perfect locations in Nebraska to go to when you arrive.
Whether you’re visiting on a devoted journey, or as a part of a wider highway journey throughout the US, Nebraska is effectively value spending a while exploring. Even if you happen to’re driving via on Highway 80, you’ll be able to nonetheless see fairly a couple of of the highest locations in Nebraska which might be comparatively shut by.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey to Nebraska, I’m sharing our prime locations you don’t need to miss. Have a tremendous time visiting the US.
1.) Scotts Bluff National Monument
Around 800 toes in top, Scotts Bluff is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Nebraska you must go to. In truth, it’s one of many state’s most iconic pure sights and a shocking place to see.
Now, it’s greatest to discover Scotts Bluff National Monument as we enterprise west, over to Wyoming. You see, it’s comparatively near the western border of Nebraska and straightforward to go to while on an extended drive.
The web site is effectively value visiting, particularly because it’s served as a landmark for emigrants heading west throughout the Great Plains of Nebraska.
Once right here, ensure that to comply with the paths to identify Eagle Rock and see a number of the iconic Conestoga Wagons on the prairie itself. It’s a beautiful place to discover and effectively value visiting for an hour or two.
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2.) Alliance
Nestled throughout the Great Plains of Nebraska, Alliance is a comparatively small metropolis that’s good for a day journey.
Now, like I stated, the town of Alliance is small however you’ll be able to simply keep in a single day to discover this eclectic little metropolis and use it as a base to discover the broader Great Plains space of Nebraska.
Once within the metropolis, ensure that to go to the Alliance Knight Museum which shares the historical past of settlers and American Indian histories from across the space. It’s free to enter and a go to will take round half-hour.
For lunch, make sure to seize a desk at Ken and Dale’s. They serve up a tasty brisket and creamy mashed potatoes which might be so yummy.
Also, don’t neglect you’ve received one in every of Nebraska’s most iconic artwork installations intently, entitled ‘Carhenge‘. Think of it as a modern take on Stonehenge in England. It’s a beautiful place to see, simply out of Alliance, positioned within the Sandhills.
Honestly, it’s in the course of a wide-open area, making it very arduous to overlook.
3.) Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail is without doubt one of the longest trails in Nebraska, spanning round 195 miles between Valentine and Norfolk. It’s among the best locations in Nebraska to go to if you wish to hike or ramble on this lovely state.
Now, don’t get too daunted, you don’t must stroll the entire 195 miles! Choose components of the paths and take sections throughout your journey to Nebraska. This method, you’ll be able to see all the pieces you need, with out losing plenty of time on spots you’re not too bothered about.
One factor to notice, there are only a few restrooms alongside the path, particularly in some sections. So plan your pee breaks properly. Now, we love the newer sections between Valentine and Norfolk. However, like I stated, select the sections you want most.
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4.) Omaha
Not too removed from the Iowa state border, Omaha is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Nebraska to go to when driving Highway 80. It’s one of many largest cities in Nebraska and you may simply spend a couple of days exploring the town itself.
After arriving, ensure that to cease by the Old Market neighbourhood. Contrary to its ‘old’ identify, this space is as younger because it will get. The neighbourhood surrounding is crammed with heaps to see and do. Make positive to take a stroll round Gene Leahy Mall or Conagra Lake. It’s a shocking park within the metropolis and effectively value visiting on a sunny day.
Afterwards, head over to Lauritzen Gardens for the beautiful botanic gardens and make a cease on the Durham Museum, too. The latter is constructed inside a former railroad station that has been renovated right into a museum which you’ll go to all 12 months spherical. Once inside, you’ll be capable of discover heaps of exhibitions together with; Pulitzer Prize pictures, the Trans Mississippi Exposition and a lot extra.
For a tasty brew, head over to Upstream Brewing Company which serves native ales and a few correct pub grub, too. Their pork chops are scrumptious. Alternatively, if you happen to favor seafood for dinner, then head over to Plank Seafood Provisions. Their lobster rolls are so good.
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5.) Lincoln
The capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is effectively value visiting as you head additional west past Omaha. You see, it’s completely located on Highway 80 and an excellent spot for an in a single day keep.
Once right here, ensure that to take a look at the State Capitol that’s nearly 100 years previous. Best of all, you’ll be able to be a part of free guided excursions that begin on the North Entrance of the State Capitol (on the second ground). There are excursions, on the hour on most days.
Afterwards, head over to the Museum of American Speed which is on the fringes of Lincoln. It’s an unbelievable museum to go to if you happen to’re a fan of automotive historical past. Visits will take round 90 minutes and it’s so unbelievable.
If you like American Football, head over to the Memorial Stadium that’s been round for over 100 years. The vitality is unbelievable and it’s effectively value getting tickets if you happen to’re staying in Lincoln for a couple of days.
Getting hungry? Head over to Yia Yia’s for one in every of their yummy pizza slices. Their buffalo pizza is all the pieces.
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6.) Court and Jail home Rock
Not too removed from the city of Bridgeport, Court and Jailhouse Rock is a stunning space to go to as you need to stretch your legs and head out mountain climbing in Nebraska.
You see, for lots of of years, these rocks acted as a landmark for pioneers who would cross the Great Plains. Nowadays, the realm has a heap of various trails
However, one factor to recollect; take loads of water, sunblock and snacks with you. There may be very little by way of services when you arrive.
7.) Ashland
Ashland is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Nebraska to go to when driving between Omaha and Lincoln. You see, you’ll be capable of cease off on the Holy Family Shrine (simply exterior Ashland) to see some of the distinctive church buildings within the state. It’s lovely and effectively value visiting for a peaceable stroll.
Afterwards, head on over to the Strategic Air and Space Museum. It is dwelling to a number of the most in depth collections of Cold War plane and artefacts. It was first opened in 1959 and was only a strategic air command. Nowadays, the museum has flourished in measurement and you may see so many unbelievable items of historical past right here.
Just ensure that to present your self at the least two hours to see all of it.
8.) McConaughy Lake
Just off Highway 80, McConaughy Lake is a good stopping place for a day journey in Nebraska.
Now, McConaughy Lake is ideal if you happen to fancy a little bit chilled time whereas visiting Nebraska. After arriving, you’ll be capable of head out boating or on jet skis (from Big Mac Marina) which might be a lot enjoyable. Not solely that, it’s the proper place to camp or park your RV if you happen to’re planning on spending extra time within the wider space.
Just ensure that to reach with a picnic and snacks; there’s not an excessive amount of by way of eating places when you arrive.
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9.) Smith Falls State Park
Home to the tallest waterfall in Nebraska, Smith Falls is one beautiful spot you must go to when exploring the northerly fringes of Nebraska.
You can simply spend a couple of hours strolling round, and the views of Smith Falls are simply lovely. Best of all, plenty of the paths are accessible. This makes it simpler to go to, even you probably have diminished mobility.
It’s so value visiting; although ensure that to pack some bug spray in the summertime months. You will get bitten.
10.) Nebraska National Forest
Not too removed from the city of Chadron, Nebraska National Forest is unbelievable to go to if you happen to love the good outdoor. You see, it encompasses effectively over 200 sq. miles of forest, with heaps of trails to hike.
Not solely that, you’ll be able to simply go to Chadron State Park that’s proper subsequent door to the Nebraska National Forest space.
Just make sure to give your self at the least a couple of days to actually decelerate and discover this unspoilt pure area of Nebraska. The landscapes are beautiful.
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11.) Fort Kearny State Historical Park
If you’re all in favour of pioneer historical past, then you definately’ll need to go to Fort Kearny State Historical Park. Once right here, you’ll get to study all concerning the Oregon Trail and what number of settlers handed via this space on their journey west.
Visits will take round 50 minutes and it’s really easy to cease as you drive alongside Highway 80.
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12.) North Platte
For an excellent day journey in Nebraska, head over to the town of North Platte. Although comparatively small, you’ll get to discover the Buffalo Bill Ranch. This was the very ranch the place Buffalo Bill owned. Nowadays, you’ll be able to head inside and discover which is effectively value doing if you happen to’re within the lifetime of Buffalo Bill.
Afterwards, head over to the historic Canteen District. From right here, you’ll be capable of hop into a number of the native cafes, bars and impartial shops that line the streets. We liked Good Life on the Bricks, which is one thing of an establishment in Nebraska.
It’s a very unfussy spot for lunch and so they serve up the tastiest brisket and mac and cheese round.
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