The Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area offers miles of beautiful yet rugged trails to hike with spectacular views of the North Platte River Valley. For more advanced hikers, there are some very challenging and steep trails here.
This is Scotts Bluff’s most famous trail. At 1.6 miles-long in one direction, Saddle Rock Trail is considered to be strenuous and has an elevation change of 435 feet.
It may not seem like this trail is a huge challenge at 1.34 miles, it can be a rather strenuous trek. Corps of Discovery Trail is named after the Lewis and Clark Expedition who passed through this area in August 1804. This hike is not recommended for novices. The views at the top are outstanding.
This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. In 2006, a fire burned the area and according to its website, numerous snags still remain so it’s best to proceed with caution. On windy days, this roughly six-mile loop trail can cause falling hazards. Despite this, the area is magnificently beautiful and makes for an excellent hike.
Located approximately 30 miles from Lincoln, the Platte River State Park offers plenty of moderate hiking trails. Our recommendation is to head to the one that leads directly to a picturesque waterfall. While you're making your way to the refreshing falls, don’t let the scenic views distract you. On the western side of the park, there are plenty of twists and turns on this trail to keep you on your toes.
]]>Western Nebraska is dotted with historic sites nestled in some of the Midwest’s most beautiful state parks. From 1873 until after World War II, Fort Robinson served as a military camp and many of its original buildings are still in use at the Fort Robinson State Park today. The area has a long history and currently offers a wide range of activities and places to stay and explore the rich history of the land.
All of the trails at Fort Robinson State Park are open to hikers, and most are open to mountain bikers and equestrians. The trails wind through forests, meadows, streams, and rugged hills and there’s no shortage of plants and wildlife to enjoy along the way. Head to the Soldier Creek Loop for a quiet hike in the wilderness that crosses approximately 11 miles from the parking area at the North and Middle Fork trailheads and connects to the Trooper Trail.
The Smiley Canyon scenic drive will take you from the Fort Robinson Camping Area through a beautiful canyon where you’ll see bison and pronghorn roaming freely. This majestic drive does not see a lot of traffic, so you’ll have some of the best views in all of the park to yourself.
Fort Robinson State Park offers plenty of shady camping spaces with electrical hookups, picnic tables, modern restrooms and showers, and shelters. The park is also very accommodating to horses, offering horse barns to put your horse up for the night. With many trails to hike and to ride, Fort Robinson campgrounds are the perfect place to camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
Find out just how tough life was for early settlers at the Museum of the Fur Trade in nearby Chadron. The museum stands on the site of an old trading post established for the American Fur Company in 1837. It houses an outstanding collection of trade goods, cutlery, textiles, costumes, and much more.
After a long day outdoors, unwind with a visit to the Post Playhouse, Northwestern Nebraska’s best live theatre company located in Crawford. With several productions rotating at a time, this small but delightful theater brings together some of the best professionals from across the country and nearby.
For an exciting ride through the buttes of Fort Robinson, you can book a ride on an open-air Jeep and learn about the history and geology of the area while the wind flows through your hair. For a more relaxed option, book a spot on the horse-drawn tour of the park and surrounding buttes.
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Sprawling across more than 90,000 acres, the Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District) near Halsey is one of the most welcoming spots in the state for serious ATV and all other motorsport riders. Make your way into the park and enjoy 300 miles of roads and trails perfect for ATVs. The Nebraska National Forest is open year-round for both riding and camping.
After a long day of riding, there’s nothing like a hearty meal. Make your way to the nearby Cowpoke Cafe, a local hot spot in Thedford. The Cowpoke Cafe is famous for its delicious home cooking and with cold Nebraska-brewed beers, excellent burgers, and friendly service, what more could you ask for?
After a day out enjoying the Nebraska National Forest, rest up at the Halsey Frontier Inn in downtown Halsey. This comfortable, friendly inn hosts many of the forest’s riders all year round, so they know exactly what you need after a long day out on the trails.
While you’re in the Nebraska National Forest, a visit to the Scott Lookout Tower is a must. Renovated in 2011, the tower offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and grasslands. Watch your step as the climb up to the tower is narrow, however, the 360-degree scenic views are a must-see!
On your way out, you can also stop at America’s 20th Century Veterans Memorial in North Platte. This ambitious monument honors military veterans and heroes who served their country and is made up of many larger-than-life bronze statues and plaques. The memorial is open year-round and self-guided tours are available.
]]>As the largest lake in Omaha that allows jet skis, you can get a lot of time out on the water at Levi Carter Park. The 500-acre Carter Lake offers several amenities, such as a marina, to enjoy a weekend of jet skiing fun.
Lake Manawa is located just outside of Omaha in Council Bluffs, however it is enjoyed by thousands of Nebraskans every year. Lake Manawa allows all kinds of water-based activities, including jet skiing. With 772 acres of lake to enjoy, jet skiers will have no problem carving out their own space.
Lake McConaughy, situated just outside of Ogallala, is a spectacular location to jet ski on a reservoir on the North Platte River. As Nebraska’s largest lake, there are miles and miles of water to enjoy with friends and family.
Open year-round, Lake Maloney is just six miles south of North Platte and offers camping, fishing, and allows for plenty of water activities for hours of fun. Grab your jet ski and head out on this 1,000-acre lake to catch some waves and watch some wildlife.
Located in central Nebraska, Calamus Reservoir is a 5,123-acre lake that allows water activities of all kinds—from water skiing to jet skiing.
]]>Smith Falls is the highest waterfall in the state of Nebraska and you can reach it by hiking the Smith Falls trail. This scenic route takes you across a historic truss bridge spanning the Niobrara River until you reach the falls. Nearby, you can also hop on the Jim McAllister Nature Trail, a one-mile trail that weaves through the stunning Niobrara River Valley. Six distinct biological systems are combined in this area, which makes for some incredible wildlife watching.
The Toadstool Geological Park is made up of enormous sandstone creations and still bears the tracks of animals and remnants from a river that flowed through the site nearly 30 million years ago. Hiking the one-mile or three-mile trails through this incredible site feels like you’re walking on the rocky white surface of the moon while you discover unusual yet stunning geological formations.
Indian Cave State Park is located on over 3,000 acres of land and is Nebraska’s second-largest state park. For hikers that wish to leave all modern amenities behind, this is your place. This untouched park offers 22 miles of hiking trails with plenty of amazing spots to stop and see birds, animals, and spectacular views of the forest. The best time to visit is in the autumn for spectacular views of the forest’s fall foliage.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland sits along the Platte River and attracts more than one million visitors every year. The 690-acre park offers year-round, family-friendly hiking trails with fantastic views of the river. There is also a two-mile trail that takes you to an observation tower for even more great views.
Located just outside of Lincoln, Platte River State Park offers hikers scenic routes through the tranquil Stone Creek Falls. The park also features two observation towers with stunning views of the Platte River. Keep in mind, these trails are for hikers who like a bit of a challenge! A significant portion of the trails is uphill.
]]>This wetland sanctuary includes some excellent trails around the marsh and family-friendly events such as 2nd Saturdays which offer educational programs geared toward families with children. On the Heron Haven trails, you’ll spot many types of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife creatures and critters.
For a day trip from Omaha or Lincoln, take your family exploring at the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. In addition to well-maintained walking and bike trails, the park also has an aquatic center, indoor playground, observation tower, and sledding and ice skating activities during the winter months for families to enjoy. Mahoney State Park also offers family-friend facilities for camping near the lake if you want to stay out exploring the trails all weekend.
The Fontanelle Forest has lots of children’s play areas as well as special activities for children planned throughout the year. For example, on Family Sundays the park invites families to come out and discover the forest. There are hiking trails for all ages and abilities so everyone can enjoy the fantastic sights and sounds.
The trails at the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland cover roughly two miles in a serene setting. Families can hike through the Wolf Woods, or head over to Frog Lake, and witness some incredible wildlife and nature up close and personal. The park is home to elk, deer, bison, and many more animals native to the state.
For a family picnic with incredible views, visit Schramm Park in Louisville and explore the bluffs along the river. Take your family exploring around the trout ponds, aquarium, or the geologic display. The 1.3-mile trail at Schramm Park welcomes hikers of all skill levels so you can enjoy the pleasant sounds and wildlife with the whole family.
]]>Located in Wilderness Park, the 6.5-mile Jamaica North Trail winds through the park all the way to Beatrice, Nebraska. As one of the area’s most popular trails, work is underway to expand access to the trail, making it much easier to get to and from other Lincoln area trails. This expansion is a major winner for runners of central Nebraska!
The Chalco Hills Trails make up a series of mulched trails that run through a beautiful forested area perfect for a weekend run. Hop on the trail at any point and along the way you’ll find scenic views of prairie grasses and stunning foliage in the fall.
While a large portion of the Dannebrog Trail is paved, there is also a very nice wood chipped trail that winds through the historic Hannibal Woods and around the abandoned Union Pacific rail line.
This 20-mile trail spans from the southeast town of Beatrice to the Nebraska/Kansas state line. Named after a Ponca chief, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska owns and maintains this trail for visitors to enjoy. If you’re looking for a killer workout combined with stunning scenery, then Chief Standing Bear Trail is the place to go.
The Niobrara State Park encompasses 14 miles of trails that wind through the dunes and along the Niobrara River. The beautiful park is perfect for a run through the forest and to enjoy the many birds and wildlife native to the area. The trails vary in length, difficulty, and surface—ranging from grasslands to chipped limestone to suit all types of runners.
]]>ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, Jeeps, dune buggies, and more, are all permitted in the Bessey Ranger District. This spot is open year-round, and boasts 90,000 acres and 300 miles of roads, sand rails, ATV trails and more. This is an off-roading lover’s paradise.
Fiddler Creek is a great motocross park that offers two awesome tracks, one main track and one for beginners. It’s a well-maintained track with friendly members. Membership gets you a key to the track, but you can also check their Facebook page for open rides days.
Cedar Run offers a great combination of a 470-acre trail and also a nearby campground. The trail is open year-round and recent improvements include marking for your convenience.
Off Road Ranch in Norfolk is an incredible place to get your fix of off-roading. Motocross bikes, ATVs, and quads are permitted to ride on the various courses. One great feature is the 300-foot sand drag strip to test your skills!
Another popular spot for off-roading, this area allows ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, sand trails, trucks, and more. This area is open year-round, barring inclement weather conditions during certain seasons. There are dirt roads and trails throughout Pine Ridge. There is also camping, auto tours, and hunting in the area.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>During the spring months, a hike around the Platte River Valley is a must. Especially during March, when an astonishing half a million sandhill cranes make their way across the Platte Valley. To prepare for your hike, be sure to check the weather first as it can vary greatly depending on the time of year. You’ll want to dress comfortably to maximize your stay.
The Elkhorn Valley Trail features a scenic route across the rolling hills and prairies of Nebraska. It’s also a hotbed for birdwatching. Some of the best birdwatching sites along the trail are near the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area as well as the Dead Timber State Recreation Area.
The Missouri Valley Trail is right in the path for many migratory birds. As you make your way through the trail, you’ll encounter a number of great birdwatching spots. Some of the birds you might see along the trail include the American woodcock, the ruby-throated hummingbird, northern cardinals, barred owls, and some incredible snow geese.
Located alongside the Niobrara River, the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is a 19,000-acre paradise for a variety of Great Plains birds. If you make the trek, then get ready to spot a variety of plants, animals, and of course, birds. Birds native to the area include the grasshopper sparrow, the sharp-tailed grouse, and more than 230 other species.
The Central Sandhills Trail winds through the heart of Nebraska’s largest natural ecosystem. The 19,000-acre grassland region makes up almost a quarter of the entire state and the Nebraska Sandhills is the largest grassland ecosystem in the whole country. As a result, the trail is one of the best in the Midwest for spotting nesting and feeding birds of all kinds. Species of birds you’re bound to encounter on this trail include the black-crowned night heron, Wilson’s phalarope, eastern screech owl, white-breasted nuthatch, American avocet, Canada goose, trumpeter swan, and many others.
]]>Fiddler Creek is a seriously fun track which features a main and beginners track. This means fun for everyone. Great members make Fiddler Creek one of the top motorcycle trails in the area.
The Dismal River is over 11 miles of windy and fast sandy trails for all day riding. The wide-open areas makes for long and beautiful rides like no other place.
The Abbott Sports Complex in Lincoln features three awesome motocross tracks. A main track, vet track, and mini track, as well as trail riding. The main track is a massive over 30-foot wide national style track which provides serious fun for riders.
If you are ready for the best place to “get your off road fix,” then head to Off Road Ranch in Norfolk. They have a drag strip, motocross/four-wheeler course, and monthly events such as freestyle jumps. This is one of the top places around to ride with friends.
The Harlan County Lake in Alma offers over nine miles of trails that wind through hills, sand, and grass. The trail is open year-round and well equipped which ensures everyone has a blast riding.
]]>When you think of Nebraska’s Sandhills you might think of arid dunes. However, there are also thousands of lakes scattered throughout the area. And while the majority of the lakes are quite shallow, it’s a great spot to find big yellow bellies and more. The public access area can get busy so make your way South where there is less traffic and deeper water to enjoy. The deepest Sandhill lake is the Blue Lake in Garden County.
This reservoir on the North Platte River offers excellent boating and fishing with cool, clear, and deep waters. The fish you can find in Lake McConaughy include rainbow trout and catfish, but the prized fish is the walleye. In fact, the lake hosts several walleye tournaments each year. If you need to stock up on supplies before you go, check out Vogl’s Lodge & Lure in Lemoyne. Anglers will find gas, bait, tackle, permits, fishing licenses, and more.
Nebraska’s Box Butte Reservoir boasts a 1,600-acre lake and another great fishing spot loaded with pike. In recent years, there have been efforts to reduce the overpopulation of pike in the lake, so make your way here for some fantastic catches any time of the year.
As one of the best spots to catch catfish in the state, the Merritt Reservoir offers fishing enthusiasts a great chance to hook a big fish from the shore or from a boat. Because of the booming catfish population, this spot is picking up popularity so get out there and catch some before everyone else does! Stop at the Merritt Trading Post Resort in Valentine for bait and tackle, convenience store snacks, beer, fuel, and much more.
The Wagon Train Lake is a smaller lake but with excellent fishing. From catfish to angler, this 315-acre lake is the perfect spot to catch a top-notch fish. Some fishermen have reported catching fish up to 12 to 15 pounds. Many locals also report catching largemouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and much more at the Wagon Train Lake.
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SILO Extreme Outdoor Adventures is a very unique climbing experience. Constructed with artificial rocks on abandoned grain silos, you can choose from routes 30 to 100 feet. They will also be adding high ropes courses in the future for a one-of-a-kind climbing experience.
Approach is a full-service indoor climbing gym that offers a great experience for beginners and families to the most hardcore climbers. With over 6,000 square-feet of climbing area and over 150 routes, there is endless practice opportunities here to sharpen up your skills.
Located inside the University of Nebraska Omaha, the OVC climbing wall is over 2,500 square-feet of climbing heaven. Another cool feature is their 14-foot-tall boulder located in the middle of the climbing area. Students are free and non-members can purchase day passes.
The FunRock Wall at Family Fun Center XL is a super cool way to rock climb. The wall moves on a conveyer belt so it is never ending! Choose from over 16 different difficulty levels and the wall will lean and move according to difficulty.
The climbing wall located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a great place for beginners and experts to rock climb. They also offer classes to help you build your climbing fitness and it’s a great way to practice your skills!
]]>Ponca State Park covers over 2,400 acres where families can camp out among the forest-covered hills. With well-maintained trails, horseback riding, and stunning scenes overlooking the river bluffs, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. The camping facilities at Ponca State Park feature water and electrical hookups, shower facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and much more. If you can’t fit the whole family in a tent, then Ponca State Park also offers modern cabins with air conditioning and all of the amenities to rent.
As one of the most historic parks in the Nebraska parks system, Fort Robinson covers over 20,000 acres in the panhandle of the state and features stunning views of the Pine Ridge lands, historic sites, and lots of wildlife. Families can get a dose of history at the onsite museum, and learn about the natural history and geology of the area. For families, a restaurant on the premises makes it easy to organize meals and the camping facilities are second to none. Electric hookups, modern showers, picnic areas, shelters, and much more make Fort Robinson the perfect family getaway.
Johnson Lake is one of the best areas in Nebraska to set up camp. This Elwood campsite has a long list of amenities including a boat launch area for boaters, a fish cleaning station for the anglers, and picnic areas. Activities include sail boating and boarding, excellent stargazing, swimming, water skiing, birdwatching and a playground for the little ones.
With an emphasis on family fun, the Camp A Way campsite near Lincoln offers lots of great activities, such as themed weekends and pancake breakfasts, for families to enjoy. Children can splash around in the pool and families of all ages can play at the nostalgic arcade or with giant family games like chess and Connect Four. The campgrounds at Camp A Way are modern and offer families both relaxing options and more social options for the weekend.
Located in Southeast Nebraska, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is another excellent option for nice campgrounds in the heart of the wilderness. Families with younger children can enjoy a variety of activities onsite, including a swimming pool, wave pool, water slides, mini golf, and much more. Outdoor activities include beautiful nature trails, fishing, observation areas, playgrounds, ice skating in the winter, and lots of activities for all ages. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park features over 50 modern cabins with shower and laundry facilities for a hotel atmosphere right in the heart of the wilderness.
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Cunningham Lake in Omaha is a paddleboarder’s paradise. If you’re a beginner, stop into the Neighborhood Offshore to take paddleboarding classes or try paddleboard yoga for a relaxing afternoon on the water.
If you’re looking to cool off and enjoy the sunshine, head out to Standing Bear Lake for some paddleboarding fun. This lake is smaller than many of the other paddleboarding spots in Nebraska so it stays calmer, even with high winds. There are also plenty of coves and backwaters to explore.
Zorinsky Lake is another favorite spot for paddleboarders because of its awesome backwater channel for exploring the forest. It’s not uncommon to spot deer and birds while paddleboarding on Zorinsky and even though it can be windy at times, it’s still a top choice for paddleboarders in the state.
One of the closest lakes to Omaha, Lake Manawa is another great spot with no-wake areas for paddleboarders to enjoy. Start your day early out on the water and paddle your way around this beautiful lake that attracts visitors year-round from both Nebraska and Iowa.
As the largest boating lake in the Eastern half of Nebraska, Branched Oak Marina offers plenty of options for recreational activities, including paddleboarding and rentals if needed. Covering nearly 1,800 acres, there are plenty of no-wake spots to get up on your board, catch some rays, and enjoy the summertime.
]]>If you’re looking for a high-energy and entertaining campsite for a weekend getaway, then make your way to RiverWest Park in Elkhorn. With RV and tent camping available, you can also reserve fire pits to enjoy during the evenings. Recreational activities at RiverWest Park are geared toward adult guests and include movie nights on a giant screen, tubing, kayaking, tanking float trips, and more.
There is plenty to do at West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA campgrounds in Gretna. Just a short drive from downtown Omaha and Lincoln, there is plenty of spaces for RV vehicles, with 80-foot full hook-up and 50-amp service available, as well as family-friendly activities to enjoy. From a large playground and swimming pool to sand volleyball courts and movie nights, this KOA is the perfect summertime escape. When evenings roll around, cable television is also available for all cabins and RV sites.
For a relaxing camping experience, head to Victorian Acres RV Park in Nebraska City. Located on 26 acres of land, there are over 90 RV sites complete with full hookups, Wi-Fi access, restroom and shower facilities, and incredibly welcoming owners. Victorian Acres is known for its clean and comfortable grounds so you can feel like you’re right at home.
This family-friendly RV campground located in Waco has everything you need for a relaxing, fun getaway. With plenty of spacious sites for even the largest RVs and all of the amenities you’d expect at home, there’s no doubt guests will feel comfortable at this campground resort. Double Nickel also offers a swimming pool, off-leash dog park, mini golf, an arcade, and free high speed Internet to enjoy throughout the park.
For the best way to enjoy Nebraska’s sandhills, make your way to Fishberry Campground in Valentine. This RV site is located right near some of the most stunning natural attractions in Nebraska—including the Niobrara River, sandstone cliffs, and the Smith Falls waterfall. Fishberry offers travelers picnic tables, 30-amp hookups, restroom and shower facilities, and Wi-Fi throughout the site.
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