13 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Nebraska That You Must See Before You Die
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Delana Lefevers
Author
Some of the most beautiful places in Nebraska are both natural wonders and human-made. From state parks to stunning waterfalls, Nebraska is truly an exceptionally beautiful place.
The following list contains just some of the prettiest places in Nebraska that everyone should see at least once when they visit the Cornhusker State. Are you curious to know more? If so, read on to learn about some of the many beautiful places in Nebraska. (Take note that these destinations are in random order and not ranked in any specific way).
Smith Falls State Park, 90159 Smith Falls Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Nebraska's newest state park contains the state's highest waterfall, Smith Falls. You'll walk through a field and over a historic bridge to get to the waterfall, which has been called one of the most romantic and beautiful places in Nebraska.
Indian Cave State Park, 720 Road, Shubert, NE, USA
The untamed beauty of the Missouri River Valley is on full display in this sprawling park. Miles and miles of hiking trails wind through the wooded hills, and an overlook provides an enchanting view of the river from what's considered one of the prettiest places in Nebraska.
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Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
This rocky, otherworldly landscape is the last thing most people expect to see here on the plains. Located in western Nebraska, Toadstool Geologic Park is one of the biggest surprises the Cornhusker State has to offer in regard to
Nebraska scenery.
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Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
This massive botanical gardens complex and arboretum will take you several hours to walk through if you want to see it all. It's at its most breathtaking in the spring and summer, but there's still plenty to see at what's considered to be one of the
prettiest places in Nebraska during the rest of the year.
Oglala National Grassland, Bowen, NE 69346, USA
Technically #3 is part of this protected area, but it deserves its own mention. The grassland is spectacularly preserved and looks a lot like what early pioneers would have seen on their journey west. It's hard to describe just how beautiful this vast, undeveloped prairie is... you've got to see the Nebraska scenery for yourself.
Sunken Gardens, 2600 D St, Lincoln, NE 68502, USA
You'll want to visit this gorgeous urban garden in the summer when everything is in full bloom. In addition to loads of flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants, you'll also find water features and sculptures. It's a surprising find right in the city, and you'll want to visit one of the most beautiful places in Nebraska over and over.
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Homestead National Historical Park, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310, USA
This national monument commemorates the Homestead Act of 1862, which gave homesteaders 160 acres if they committed to staying and working the land. There are restored prairies, historic buildings, and a thoroughly informative visitors center, all of simply some of the most breathtaking Nebraska scenery.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, USA
These large rock formations marked the end of the plains and the beginning of rockier terrain for westward-traveling pioneers. It's one of the most impressive sights in Nebraska, and whether you explore it on foot or from your car you're sure to be awed by one of the prettiest places in Nebraska.
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Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District, River Loop, Halsey, NE, USA
Our national forest is one of the most beautiful places in Nebraska and is divided into two divisions: the Pine Ridge Ranger division in northwest Nebraska, and the Bessey Ranger District in the Sandhills. Both places are bucket list-worthy, but when you visit the Bessey Ranger District, you get to enjoy two incredible areas at once: the second-largest hand-planted forest in the world and the gorgeous Sandhills.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 301 River Rd, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
This spectacular monument amidst
Nebraska scenery consists of pristine plains, soaring rock formations, fossil dig sites, wide-open skies, and a visitors center with some fascinating prehistoric and early Nebraska artifacts.
Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA
You might not even know this forest was sitting here in the middle of this suburban area if you weren't looking for it. Go through the informative welcome center and then set out on a hike along several miles of trails at one of the many beautiful places in Nebraska. You can even visit the Raptor Recovery Center and see beautiful birds of prey up close.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, 39983 Refuge Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
In addition to gorgeous landscapes and the scenic Niobrara River, you'll see graceful wildlife and the breathtaking Fort Falls, Nebraska's largest waterfall by volume at what's considered one of the prettiest places in Nebraska.
Holy Family Shrine, 23132 Pflug Rd, Gretna, NE 68028, USA
Many a weary traveler has seen this mysterious glass and wood shrine sitting on a hill alongside the highway and wondered just what it was. You can visit, but you'll need to find your way there first - a feat that has frustrated more than a few potential visitors interested in exploring this Nebraska scenery.
Of course, we can’t name ALL of the most beautiful places in Nebraska in just one list. Therefore, let us know what you consider to be the prettiest places in Nebraska in the following comments section.
If you’d like to see experience more Nebraska scenery, take a look at this guide of outdoor things to do in Cornhusker State, too.
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More to Explore
Most Beautiful Places In Nebraska
What hikes lead to stunning Nebraska scenery?
The following beautiful hikes lead to stunning Nebraska scenery:
- Chief Standing Bear Trail: This lengthy trail spans Beatrice, Nebraska all the way to the state border with Kansas.
- The Cowboy Trail: You'll soak in a variety of landscapes as you tackle this trail that's a total of 321 miles!
- The Hackberry, Hawthorn, Chickadee, Hickory, and Ridge Trail: Although the name is long, this looped hike is only 2.2. miles.
- Smiley Canyon and Johnson Trail Loop: This moderate-to-difficult hike is just over 6 miles.
Feel free to also enjoy these photos of some stunning Nebraska scenery, too.
What are some of the prettiest places in Nebraska?
Aside from the destinations mentioned already, here are some more of the prettiest places in Nebraska:
Take a look at this guide highlighting some of the prettiest places in Nebraska that are outside in nature.