Places to vacation in nebraska

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Dating from 25 to 24 million years ago, the Chimney Rock formation rises 480 feet above the surrounding countryside. This dramatic rock spire was a noted landmark for pioneers heading westward in the early to mid-19th century.

The landscape today looks much as it did when wagon trains crossed this way during the great western migration. Visitors can get a sense of what it must have felt like for the pioneers when they arrived here.

A visitor center on site provides information on the geology of the formation and the history of the Overland Trail.

Haymarket District in Lincoln

A lively atmosphere, great restaurants, and restored historical buildings all combine to make the Haymarket area a fun place to visit at any time of year. Visitors can wander the inlaid brick streets and peer in windows of eclectic shops, or stop in for coffee and snacks at any of the numerous cafés and restaurants. The restored water tower and town clock are a couple of the sightseeing attractions in this area.

While there is always something going on in the Haymarket District, it can be particularly busy on days when the local university sports teams have games scheduled.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

This imposing natural structure can be seen from far and wide across the Nebraska prairies. It was used as a landmark by Native Americans who inhabited the area, and later by travelers who passed by here in the mid-19th century, including pioneers making their way west on the California, Oregon, and Mormon Trails. On the weekends, rangers dress in period costume and roam various areas of the park providing insights and stories from the past.

This 3,000-acre national monument was first founded in 1919, and many improvements to the area have been made over the years. A winding road leads up to the higher elevations and features three tunnels.

Hiking trails lead to great viewpoints out over the surrounding countryside. A popular option is to take the summit shuttle to the top and then hike back down.

Golden Spike Tower in North Platte

The Golden Spike Tower offers a bird’s-eye view out over the Bailey Yard, officially certified as the world’s largest railroad yard. More than 150 trains and 10,000 rail cars a day enter this yard.

The tower rises eight stories and is fully enclosed in glass. Beyond the Bailey Yard, the full expanse of the Platte river valley unfolds as visitors look out from the viewing area.

At the base of the tower is the visitor center where all manner of Union Pacific memorabilia is showcased. The Golden Spike Tower is just on the outer edge of North Platte.

Indian Cave State Park

Beautiful and intriguing petroglyphs showing nature scenes and wildlife line the walls of the cave at this state park. The picturesque setting of the park on the banks of the Missouri River also makes it a popular destination for camping and hiking.

Twenty-two miles of diverse and interesting hiking trails wind their way around the park and take in some of the highlights, including a ridge and the Lincoln Bend Wetlands. Indian Cave State Park is just a short drive southeast of Brownville.

Within the park, two campgrounds, Hackberry Hollow and Ash Grove, have 134 RV sites with electrical service (most are 30 amp; 22 sites are 50 amp) and water. Sites can be reserved online.

Carhenge

Certainly one of Nebraska’s quirkier attractions, Carhenge duplicates the more familiar Stonehenge, but is constructed with automobiles. Thirty-nine cars arranged in all different positions jut out of the prairie grasslands and so perfectly replicate the real Stonehenge that the summer solstice event happens here in the same manner as it does in England.

Although Carhenge is the main attraction, there are also a number of other unique works on-site. In one area, a metal fish is shown emerging from the ground. Carhenge is a free attraction. Should you wish to take home a souvenir, a gift shop called the Pit Stop sells all manner of unique items.

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.

The Old Market is right downtown and is within easy walking distance to many of Omaha’s other tourist attractions and top things to do, including the Durham Museum and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Strategic Air and Space Museum, Ashland

Fans of aircraft and aviation technology will be impressed by the extensive collections on display at this museum in Ashland, midway between Omaha and Lincoln. First opened in 1959 as the Strategic Air Command, the museum grew over the years and in 1998 moved to its current location in a modern facility. A few years later, the name was changed to the Strategic Air and Space Museum.

The museum is spread over 300,000 square feet and showcases all manner of airplanes, spacecraft, and special exhibits that change on a regular basis. Some of the aircraft highlights include the massive B-17G “Flying Fortress,” the B-25N “Mitchell,” and the MIG-21F “Fishbed-C.” Outside the main building are several ICBMs (Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles). These missiles were designed to deliver nuclear warheads and fortunately for mankind were never used.

Also on-site is a planetarium that features seasonal astronomy shows and motion rides (for an additional fee) that simulate the feeling of being in a helicopter and riding a roller coaster.

A visit here can be combined with a trip to see the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari.

A Scenic Driving Tour of the Sandhills

The Sandhills region of Nebraska is a paradise for nature lovers. Covering one quarter of the state, it consists of dunes, some reaching 300 feet high, along with grasslands and shallow lakes.

A driving tour through the Sandhills, often described as one of the most scenic in the USA, is a great way to explore the area. Highway 2 winds its way through the landscape, taking visitors on a 272-mile route past an array of interesting natural and man-made sights, including the quirky Carhenge. Most visitors start the drive in Grand Island and end in Alliance.

Outdoor enthusiasts, especially bird lovers, will want to make sure they plan a visit to Valentine National Wildlife Preserve. This spectacular refuge located within the Sandhills region is home to thousands of waterfowl who make their homes in the shallow lakes spread across the area.