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.

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.

After your full day of activities, you can stay over in a tent, your RV, a primitive cabin, or a cottage.

Broken Arrow Wilderness camping is unlike anywhere else in the state - this is a true escape into the heart of Nebraska nature!

Broken Arrow Wilderness camping is unlike anywhere else in the state - this is a true escape into the heart of Nebraska nature!

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.

You're going to want to get off the beaten trail while you're here to experience this area to the fullest.

They also host summer concerts, conferences, retreats, and camps. Even mini triathalons!

Many couples choose to get married here in the little chapel, celebrating the start of their new lives in this spectacular setting.

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.

For another place that we like to think is absolutely dreamy, check out Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE - which is actually a darling small town filled with all kinds of things to do, neat hikes, and great places to eat. Download AllTrails Plus to get the full low-down on the coolest trails in the area!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/ashland-quaint-little-town-ne/