You Can’t Afford To Miss These 11 Free Outdoor Activities In Nebraska
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Delana Lefevers
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Summer is finally here, and it’s high time to get out there and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re saving up for a big family vacation and don’t want to spend a lot on other summer activities, don’t worry – these 11 things will get you outdoors for free.
This community-supported garden features many different species of flowers and shrubs, water features, and sculptures. It's so much more beautiful and peaceful than pictures can convey.
This 321-mile rails-to-trails conversion runs between Norfolk and Chadron, through one of the most scenic areas of Nebraska. You don't have to travel the entire trail; you can hop on and hop off at different points along the way, or simply turn around and go back when you get tired.
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Part of the reason this refuge exists is to provide a home for bison, and it's likely that you'll see some of these magnificent beasts when you visit. If you're feeling up for a hike, park the car and take a moderately difficult one-mile loop trail that leads you to Fort Falls, through some stunning scenery, and back to the parking area. Click here for more information on visiting.
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This beautiful monument to early homesteaders is totally free to visit. You can walk along the lovely trails, admire the restored prairie land, and imagine what it must have been like for early settlers who came here to settle this wild land. Get more information about visiting here.
The Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands has several ranger districts and other areas to explore in northwestern Nebraska. Visit them all to gain a new appreciation for this unique place we call home and the efforts it took to shape it. Click here for more information on visiting.
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While there are lots of great shops and restaurants in the Old Market, you don't have to spend money to have fun. Sit back and watch the people go by, visit one of the several parks within walking distance (including the outdoor slides in Gene Leahy Mall), and enjoy the sounds of street musicians.
Bartlett native Herb Mignery is a talented sculptor and a member of the Cowboy Artists of America. This collection of 15 of his creations is one of the largest collections of bronze statues in the US.
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Mari Sandoz's classic book Old Jules was based on her father, and you can actually visit the places mentioned in the book. You'll want to take a 4X4 vehicle to handle the sometimes-rough terrain.
You can either drive the whole way or get out and explore at some points. Get detailed directions and more information here.
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This big park is full of fun for everyone in the family. A splash pad, walking trails, playgrounds, a pond, and more await visitors. Bring a picnic and spend a whole day here enjoying this beautiful Kearney attraction.
This is easily one of the most unusual parts of Nebraska. The rock formations look like something you would expect to see on another planet. You can take the short loop trail through the park to experience the incredible formations up close.
The bridge itself is a fun destination, and walking over the Missouri River is an unforgettable experience. But there is also a park on the Omaha side of the bridge with a splash pad and plenty of other things to keep you occupied on a summer day.
These are just some of the hundreds of things you could do outdoors in Nebraska without spending a penny this summer – other than the cost of gas, of course. What are your favorites? Add yours to the list in the comments!
For even more great free activities – including some that are indoors – check out this list.
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