A Horse Lover's Guide to Nebraska
Saddle up! It’s time for your next horseback riding adventure. Some of Nebraska most popular outdoor attractions feature equestrian trails. Come explore our state's beautiful landscapes, state parks and recreation areas on horseback.
Bring Your Own Horse
Branched Oak State Recreation Area
Location: Raymond
Trails: Three Miles
Horse Camp: Yes
Reserve a Site
Cowboy Trail
Location: Norfolk to Valentine (additional unpaved trails stretch to Crawford)
Trails: 187 miles (equine riders must stay on the right-of-way)
Horse Camp: No
No designated trail camp site, but visitors can find some horse camps along the route.
Danish Alps State Recreation Area
Location: Hubbarb
Trails: The area boasts a designated horseback riding trail around Kramper Reservoir.
Horse Camp: Yes
Reserve a Site
Fort Robinson State Park
Location: Crawford
Trails: More than 20 miles
Horse Camp: Yes
Reserve a Site
Indian Cave State Park
Location: Shubert
Trails: 16 miles
Horse Camp: Yes
First-come, first-served
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area
Location: Crofton
Trails: 4.5 miles
Horse Camp: Yes
Reserve a Site
Summit Lake State Recreation Area
Location: Tekamah
Trails: 10 miles
Horse Camps: No
Niobrara State Park
Location: Niobrara
Trails: 120 acres of open range horseback riding. The park also offers wrangler-led horseback trail rides in the summer.
Horse Camp: Yes
Reserve a Site
Pawnee State Recreation Area
Location: Lincoln
Trails: Six miles
Horse Camp: Yes
Learn More
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Location: Waterloo
Trails: Two miles
Horse Camp: Yes
First-come, first-served
Willow Creek State Recreation Area
Location: Pierce
Trails: 10 miles
Horse Camp: Yes
Reserve a Site
Guided Horseback Adventures
Platte River State Park
Location: Louisville
Trails: Guided trail rides
Horse Camp: No
Nebraska Ranches
For more Nebraska horse experiences, consider visiting a local gust ranch. Plan a ranch-cation to experience ranch life firsthand, including horseback riding, cattle driving and more.
Dusty Trails
Head to North Platte and join outfitters Dusty Trails on a horseback ride through Buffalo Bill State Historical Park. Want to learn how to ride a horse? Dusty Trails also offers 90-minute riding lessons year-round for all ages.
Equestrian Sports
International Omaha
See world-class equestrians compete at the annual International Omaha. Including the best in Dressage, Jumping and Vaulting and an equine trade show, the event is held at Omaha’s CHI Health Center each year.
Fonner Park
Catch all the thoroughbred racing action at Grand Island’s Fonner Park. The live racing season runs from February through May each year. Development of the Grand Island Casino Resort is planned for the Fonner Park grounds. With construction slated to begin in late 2023, a temporary casino is already open to the public, featuring slot machines, table games and horse race betting kiosks.
