Let's face it. We're definitely not all morning people. But sometimes – just sometimes – there's something that makes the haze and sleepiness from waking up early totally worth it.
Toadstool Geologic Park in Crawford, Nebraska, is a one-of-a-kind wonder that brings in visitors from all over the country.
Think about how much the park will change over the coming decades of your life. You can visit it now and then again in half a lifetime, and things will be ever-so-subtly changed.
One of the most incredible experiences one can have here (other than marveling at the geologic wonderland it is, of course) is watching the sun rise (or set) across the park.
Watch as a night sky of the deepest blue transitions to vivid oranges and pinks. If there're any clouds in the sky, the view is even more amazing as they take on nearly-neon colors.
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There's something about the tranquil silence that offers a great deal of comfort to a wayward soul.
Anyone who's spent much time here knows how underappreciated Nebraska is. The Cornhusker State is teeming with hidden gems, so it should come as no surprise that we've got some great secret gardens in Nebraska. What might be a little more surprising, though, is that our most-populated city is hiding one of these secret green spaces. That's right: there's a secret garden in bustling Omaha, Nebraska, tucked right under your nose! The beautiful outdoor space known as the Garden of the Zodiac is tucked away right in the midst of Omaha's Old Market. This is a popular shopping area that's often packed with people checking out the area's many boutique shops, so it's a little surprising to find such a peaceful spot in the midst of so much activity.
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Find your way over to the Old Market Passageway, which is right on the north side of Howard Street, between 10th and 11th Streets.
The Passageway was once a dingy old alley, but it's been converted into a covered shopping destination. This place is definitely worth a visit, even if you aren't planning on spending any money. Walking around and admiring the brickwork and plants is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
When you walk in, veer over toward the right and go almost to the very end of the hallway. You'll see a sign directing you towards the Garden of the Zodiac.
Step inside this amazing gallery and spend some time with the art here. The gallery features rotating contemporary exhibits that perfectly mesh with the unique light and space of this lovely outdoor gallery.
It will be immediately evident that you've entered an almost otherworldly secret garden in Omaha. This is one of the prettiest gardens in Nebraska.
There are not only plants growing in the garden; there are also trees overhead, creating a multi-layered wonderland that's incredible to walk through.
Walking from the cool, dark passageway into the natural light of the Garden of the Zodiac is like taking a deep breath. It's so peaceful and unusual that it's hard to believe you're still in the middle of such a large city!
For more information about this secret garden in Omaha, NE, check out the Garden of the Zodiac Facebook page.
Of course, there's tons to see in this area: it's a surprisingly big city! Check out Viator's offerings of Omaha, NE tours and experiences for some more unique things to do in Omaha.
Those people who think of Nebraska as boring or barren obviously haven't spent any time here, because the Cornhusker State is anything but boring. There are so many places to get out and enjoy nature and life in general. From the big, popular state parks everyone knows about to the smaller wild spots that only locals visit, Nebraska has so many exquisite natural spaces that it would take a lifetime to visit them all. Just north of Fullerton, in Nance County, Broken Arrow Wilderness is one of those places that you probably haven't heard of unless you're from the area. All summer it's full of fun community activities, and all fall and winter it's set aside for hunting. While this is far from the only heavenly place in Nebraska, it is one of those spots where you wish you could just stay forever.
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Sitting just between the Loup and Cedar Rivers, the 95-acre private campground is located on what used to be part of a Pawnee reservation.
The area is full of lush, gorgeous plant life, including giant oak trees that definitely help the area live up to its "wild" name.
One of the area's defining features is "Lovers Leap." The tall cliff overlooking the Cedar River was once called Buffalo Leap. It is thought to have been used by Native Americans as a place to drive bison so they would fall to their deaths - a common and effective hunting method. A tale of a fiancé's bravery and love earned the cliff its current name.
The Wilderness is full of trails that will take you to some truly magical places. While they are sometimes open to Jeeps (and therefore closed to everyone else), they are often open to hikers and bikers. If you decide to take a hike, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views like this.
You might even run into some little surprises along the way. Wildlife abounds in this lovely bit of nature.
But many visitors opt for tanking, tubing, canoeing, or kayaking instead. Enjoying the Cedar River as the scenery lazily rolls by makes for a fantastically relaxing afternoon.
But Broken Arrow Wilderness isn't all about nature hikes and tent camping. It's a popular community gathering spot, hosting events such as Jeep the Leap.
The grounds are also popular for private events like family reunions. Can you image how much more peaceful your family gathering would be in such a lovely setting?
The grounds and trails are only open during the summer, and in winter, the grounds are open to hunters, and guided hunts are available for a variety of game.
Whatever the season you visit, you'll love the sunsets!
We love not only how beautiful this place is, but how it brings the Fullerton, Genoa, and Belgrade communities together. Although it's privately owned, Broken Arrow in Nebraska is a well-loved community gathering spot, whether for special events or just hanging out at the river.
Learn more about the site, facilities, and camping/cabin fees at the Broken Arrow Wilderness website.
