10 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Nebraska Summer Bucket List

Summer in Nebraska is a truly fun time of year and it’s when we love to get out of the house and enjoy all sorts of activities and events both indoors and outdoors. Enjoy some fishing, explore history, take in nature’s beauty, and maybe see a part of the state you haven’t yet explored. If you’re looking for some summer fun, here are some things that belong on your Nebraska summer bucket list.

1. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari

This 440-acre Wildlife Safari Park was regarded as the best one in America by USA Today and you’ll see why when you come here and see the wide variety of wildlife including bison, wolves, prairie dogs, eagles, deer, pelicans, cranes, and so many more species. There’s a Hands-On Corral where you can pet some animals and the whole place is such a fascinating and educational experience.

2. Go tubing on the Elkhorn River

Tubing a lazy river is a wonderful way to spend a summer day in Nebraska. Especially when it’s so long you can float all day! The Elkhorn River is 290 miles long and is a popular river for tubing and kayaking. If you don’t have a tube, you can rent one from Elkhorn Outfitters and you’re sure to have a great time. Bring your friends and family and make a group excursion of it. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

3. See wildflowers and more at Lauritzen Gardens

Summer wildflowers are always such a delight to see and you don’t have to go wandering all the way to the prairies to view them. You can see not only many kinds of wildflowers at Laurtizen Gardens but also a whole fairyland-like expanse of various species of plants. Plus, the greenhouse here is nothing short of spectacular.

4. Old West Balloon Fest

The Old West Balloon Fest is a wonderful display of colorful balloons taking to the summer sky. From August 7-10, 2024, you can see this beautiful event for yourself in Mitchell, NE. There’s also a craft fair on-site and other fun activities like a wiener-dog race. It’s four days of festivities that you won’t want to miss.

5. Pick your own produce at Nelson Produce Farm

Picking your own produce is a great way to get in touch with nature and also take home some scrumptious farm-fresh food that you’ll savor. Nelson Produce Farm is an excellent U-Pick farm that has a massive sunflower field as well as seasonal produce like raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, green beans, pickling cucumbers, and much more on 400 acres. Plus, there’s a Watermelon Festival taking place August 3-4 and August 10 & 11.

6. Have a beach day at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area

Nebraska may be landlocked, but we still have some magnificent sandy beaches available. The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area has tons of sandy beach areas where you can sunbathe, swim, go boating, and enjoy a fun summer beach day just like you were on the coast. Make a camping trip of it, catch some fish, watch a beautiful sunset, and enjoy a campfire under the stars.

7. Cool off underground at Happy Jack Chalk Mine

When it’s hot as blazes out, why not get underground to cool off? Better yet, how about exploring a mine made up of ancient tiny fossils? The Happy Jack Chalk Mine is a fascinating experience where you can walk under what was once a sea bed millions of years ago. There are over 6,000 feet of caverns to explore and it’s a great way to beat the heat.

8. Enjoy a summer hike at Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is well known as one of the most important landmarks for settlers heading west during the 1800s, but did you know there’s an out-and-back trail that is surprisingly secluded? You can get up close to this gorgeous 350-foot-tall sandstone spire without being surrounded by crowds. Best of all, it’s an easy trail that is perfect for families. The closer you get, the more awe-inspiring it is!

9. Stroll through a vineyard at Junto Wine

While there are a lot of fun things to do with the family, a lovely adult day trip is always in order. Why not sample some delicious wine and stroll through a picturesque vineyard? Junto Wine makes some of the best wines in Nebraska and also boasts a 5K trail around its vineyards that makes for a lovely summer stroll. When you get back to the tasting room, meat and cheese trays and pretzels will be awaiting you while you sip a refreshing vintage.

10. Greeley Irish Festival

Whether or not you are of Irish descent, you’re sure to enjoy the craic and have a ton of fun at the Greeley Irish Festival. It’s taking place on the very last day of summer, September 21, 2024, so it’s a wonderful way to see out the summer and enjoy some traditional Irish culture. While Greely is a small town, it gets filled up with people visiting from all over Nebraska during this event. Sláinte!

Have you taken part in any of these activities during the summer in Nebraska? Do you have any other favorite summer activities in Nebraska? Let us know about your favorite experiences in the comments. One more thing to put on a Nebraska summer bucket list is a summer road trip! Here are several excellent ones:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/best-road-trips-in-nebraska/