We in Nebraska are lucky to have many areas of natural beauty to explore. Our rolling plains and rushing rivers are home to a wide array of wildlife, and we love to explore them. If you’re looking for a natural place for a lovely day trip in Nebraska with a wide variety of breathtaking views, you’ve got to check out the Wildcat Hills Nature Center and Recreation Area, near Gering, NE.

Wildcat Hills State Nature Center and Recreation Area spans 1,094 acres and is a wilderness preserve with rugged rock formations, evergreen-filled canyons, and a lovely river valley that is filled with natural beauty.

Some of the most prominent attractions here are the towering and expansive rock formations that resemble a fleet of foliage-covered battleships cruising through a sea of green.

There are miles of hiking trails throughout this area, and when you get to the top of the rock escarpments, you’ll be treated to stellar views that will take your breath away.

There are observation decks from which you can take some fascinating photos.

There are 12 primitive camping sites for overnight camping and three stone picnic areas that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression.

They are places of local history that still serve their purpose today.

To add to the fun on this day trip in Nebraska, the Wildcat Hills Nature Center has interactive and educational exhibits at the Schramm Education Center with live reptiles and amphibians, birdwatching areas, a virtual reality experience, and much more.

You can get hands-on with the amphibians, as well as other terrestrial and aquatic life forms that are native to Nebraska.

You'll get to know a great deal about the wildlife that can be found throughout Nebraska.

If you’re into birds, you can see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and a great many other species all over the park, especially at the feeders set up all around the Nature Center.

You may even find some remnants of history as you explore this splendid place.

There’s so much to see and do including a shooting sports complex, a playground, an archery range, biking trails, and so much else that you may as well not only come here for a day trip but spend a whole weekend camping and exploring. The whole family is sure to have a blast!

Have you ever explored Wildcat Hills Nature Center and Recreation Area? Do you have any other favorite places for a great day trip in Nebraska? Let us know about them in the comments. If you’re looking for more beautiful places to explore, check out these gorgeous hiking trails in Nebraska.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/best-hikes-in-nebraska/