Posted in Nebraska
January 15, 2021
12 Unforgettable Nebraska Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
There’s so much to explore in Nebraska that you could spend a whole lifetime visiting every little spot and still not see it all. This year, dive into some of Nebraska’s coolest places when you take these 12 awesome day trips. Each one shows you a special side of our state that will stick with you all year long.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
This Madison County city is perpetually underrated, so a visit is definitely in order to explore everything Norfolk has to offer. Johnny Carson's hometown is overflowing with parks, attractions, cultural events, and dining experiences that will have you planning your next trip before the first one is even over. It's ideal to visit at any time of the year! Read more about visiting Norfolk right here.
This Niobrara National Scenic River-adjacent wildlife refuge is home to elk, bison, and the kind of scenery that inspires people to give up city life. There are new and spectacular sights to see in every season, so no matter when you visit you're sure to be stunned. Read more about this unforgettable destination here.
Every year in late winter/early spring, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes converge here in Nebraska to rest on their long migratory journey. It's an incredible sight (and sound!) that will leave you absolutely breathless. There are tons of places to see the cranes during their short stopover - read more right here.
All of Chadron State Park is worth a visit, but we're specifically looking at the Black Hills Overlook Trail, Steamboat Loop Trail, and Norwesca Trail. These hikes lead through the craggy canyons of the Pine Ridge, offering hiking experiences unlike any other you'll find in Nebraska. Plan to visit in the spring, summer, or fall months when the ground is dry. Read more about these unforgettable canyon hikes right here.
Nebraska's only underground mine offers an unusual experience that's sure to become a beloved family memory. In addition to the mine tour, you can climb to the top of Happy Jack Peak for a look at the spectacularly lush Loup Valley. It's open Memorial Day through Labor Day every year, so mark it down on your calendar for summer vacation time. Learn more about this unique Nebraska attraction here.
Lake McConaughy - or Big Mac, as it's affectionately known - is Nebraska's largest lake and one of the state's top summertime recreation destinations. You can do everything here from swimming to camping to parasailing to fishing and oh-so-much more. While you can visit any time of the year, summer is optimal for enjoying the lake to its fullest. Find out more about everything Lake McConaughy has to offer right here.
This 850-acre site not far from Lincoln is a spectacular example of native tallgrass prairie. It's never been plowed or developed in any way, making it an oasis of perfectly-preserved prairie land. It's an excellent place for wildlife spotters, particularly birdwatchers. Visit in the summer to see the prairie fully decked out in vivid green grass, or come in the winter to do some snowshoeing...but there's plenty to be said for visiting in the spring or fall, too! Read more about this pristine prairie right here.
The Cowboy Trail is the longest rails-to-trails conversion in the country; it currently stretches over 195 miles, and when it's done it will cover 321 miles between Norfolk and Chadron. Hike, bike, or bring your horse along as you follow the trail through majestic scenery. You don't have to travel the entire length all at once, of course! Read more about this epic hike here.
This 238-mile scenic route through southern Nebraska is best in the fall. It will take you through some of Nebraska's most striking fall foliage - however, Highway 136 is no one-trick pony. Drive this route any time of the year for a view that's so much better than the one you'll encounter on the more-popular Interstate 80. Read more about this beautiful drive here.
Located in northwestern Nebraska, Fort Robinson occupies an area known for its Wild West history and its almost unbelievable natural beauty. This state park marries history and nature in a way that emphasizes the unbreakable connection between the two. It's stunning in all seasons, but come in the summer if you want to explore inside the fort's old buildings. Read more about this remarkable state park here.
The little town of Taylor is one of those places that is easy to overlook, but once you know its secrets, it's hard to stay away. The town's main draw is its Villagers: around 100 handcrafted plywood people placed all throughout Taylor. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit this little Loup County town, including the nearby Bootleg Brewers. Read more about Taylor's Villagers here.
This western Nebraska gem looks nothing like what most people picture when they think about Nebraska. When you visit, you'll feel like you're on another planet - or at least in another state! Walk through the unearthly landscape and admire the distinctive eons-old rock formations that give this place its name. While you can visit at any time of the year, the site's remote location makes it difficult to access after rain or snow. Read more about this utterly fascinating natural place here.
Which of these day trips will you be taking this year? Which have you already done? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Address: Norfolk, NE 68701, USA
Address: 39983 Refuge Rd, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Address: Platte River, Nebraska, USA
Address: 15951 Gold Rush Byway, Chadron, NE 69337, USA
Address: Happy Jack Peak, Scotia, NE 68875, USA
Address: McConaughy Lake, Nebraska, USA
Address: 11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339, USA
Address: Norfolk, NE 68701, USA
Address: US Highway 136, US Hwy 136, Beatrice, NE, USA
Address: Fort Robinson State Park, Soldier Creek Rd & US Hwy 20, Crawford, NE 69339, USA
Address: Taylor, NE, USA
Address: Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
