Whether you've lived here your entire life, just moved from another part of the country, or are just visiting the beautiful and diverse Cornhusker State, there are some things you really must do in Nebraska sometime in your life. These 40 things - listed in rough alphabetical order and not ranked - should be on everyone's Nebraska bucket list.
1. Take an airboat tour on the Platte River - Fremont
2. Attend Applejack Festival - Nebraska City
3. Explore Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park - Royal
4. Attend a powwow in Nebraska.
Several take place in Nebraska over the course of a year.
5. Canoe, kayak, or tube down the Niobrara River
The Niobrara National Scenic River is a true Nebraska treasure.
6. Marvel at Carhenge - Alliance
7. Explore Chimney Rock National Historic Site - Bayard
8. Take in a game of the College World Series - Omaha
Charles Schwab Field is a beautiful ballpark and the home of the series.
9. Bike the Cowboy Trail - Norfolk to Valentine (when completed, it will run from Norfolk to Chadron)
10. Experience Dobby's Frontier Town - Alliance
11. Spend a day at The Durham Museum - Omaha
There is so much to see and learn about at this beloved Omaha museum that you'd regret it if you did not include it on your bucket list.
12. Enjoy a sunset at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park - Ashland
13. Spend time with elk at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine
14. Delve into the state's history at Fort Robinson State Park - Crawford
15. Take in the view from Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center - North Platte
16. Stop in at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument - Kearney
17. Visit the historic Haymarket District, Lincoln
18. Make new friends at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - Omaha
19. Learn about life on the prairie at the Homestead National Historical Park - Beatrice
20. See another side of Nebraska at Indian Cave State Park - Shubert
21. Wander through the International Quilt Study Center & Museum, Lincoln
22. Dive into some culture at Joslyn Art Museum - Omaha
23. Take a trip to the shore at Lake McConaughy
24. Stroll through Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha
25. Tour or attend a game at Memorial Stadium - Lincoln
26. See the Cornhusker State through the eyes of artists at the Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney
27. Experience an historic trek at the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters - Omaha
28. Travel back in time at the Museum of the Fur Trade - Chadron
29. Even if it's your first rodeo, cheer for your favorite rider at NEBRASKAland Days - North Platte
30. Wind down the summer at the Nebraska State Fair - Grand Island
31. Visit the historic Old Market - Omaha
32. Pass some time at Ponca State Park - Ponca
33. Watch the sandhill crane migration - Platte River
34. Explore Scotts Bluff National Monument - Gering
To see more of amazing Scotts Bluff National Monument, check out this YouTube video from 21st Century Pioneer:
35. Take in the tallest waterfall in Nebraska at Smith Falls State Park - Valentine
36. Revisit the Cold War at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum - Ashland
37. Stroll through the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer - Grand Island
38. Wander the Sunken Gardens - Lincoln
39. Unravel geological mysteries at Toadstool Geologic Park at Oglala National Grassland - Harrison
40. Tour the capitol building - Lincoln
We think these are some of the best things to do in Nebraska, but in such a big state with so many fantastic things to see and do, some of you will inevitably have different opinions about what should be included on the ultimate Nebraska bucket list. But we think you should add as many of these things to your Nebraska to-do list as possible. You could even string together a few road trips and check several of these destinations and experiences off your list at a time - and why not show some pride in your Nebraska roots while you're at it? Use the code Nebraska10 for a discount on your Cornhusker State order from Wear Your Roots.
So, what do you think? Are there any additions you'd make to this Nebraska bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
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