Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Nebraska River

The Platte River is a stunningly beautiful body of water that weaves its way through Nebraska like life-giving veins. It's 310 miles long, give or take a few miles, and as a tributary of the Missouri River (which is a tributary of the Mississippi River... and so on), it's always sparkling clean and perfectly clear. But there's a secret this river holds that you'll hear if you listen closely enough: the call of the Platte River in winter.

I know it sounds crazy; winter in Nebraska can be incredibly frigid and uninviting, but I promise it's also the most beautiful time of year for many reasons. Nebraska is quiet, and our natural wonders are especially tranquil in the winter. It's a painter's dream.

I have an idea: what if, this winter, we just drove the Platte River and admired its otherworldly beauty when covered in layers of snow and ice? I think yes. Drive carefully and enjoy -- this amazing state is magnificent, and the Platte River is the perfect way to experience it fully.

The best place to begin your journey is at the incredible Platte River State Park, where you can meander the banks of the river for seemingly ever. Cass County is also amazing, so if you need to adventure a little more beyond the river, there's plenty to be done. I strongly recommend any and all scenic drives on the Platte River(s). To say they're "beautiful" is to understate things a bit.

There's something especially calm about the river when it's covered in snow and ice. Another idyllic way to enjoy it is by visiting some incredible restaurants on the Platte River - come on, everyone loves food! Plus, you just know these spots will be wonderfully warm.

Another of my favorite things to do on the river is a stop at the single coolest rest stop in Nebraska, which is a favorite among folks who live here and folks just visiting. If you think you've seen awesome views of the river thus far, just wait 'til you see the views from here! Bring the camera - this one's especially beloved amongst landscape photographers, and you'll see why almost immediately.

Finally, I can't recommend the Scotts Bluff National Monument highly enough. It's another awe-inspiring way to explore the river, no matter the time of year.

For more ideas about all the best things to do in Nebraska, check out the 25 things I cannot wait to do in Nebraska in 2025. If you're looking for a life of adventure, you've found it!

Do you have any favorite things to do in Nebraska in the winter? Tell me about them by filling out our nomination form. And if you'd rather discover a few of Only In Your State's favorite things, check out our new Travel Planner!