Shop this one-of-a-kind antiquing destination. Grain Bin Antique Town's salvaged and re-purposed historical grain bins are filled with antique treasures of all kinds.

Get your best view overlooking Bailey Yard, the "world's largest classification rail yard." From atop the Golden Spike Tower's two observation decks, you'll watch the action as the crews of Union Pacific Railroad sort and connect over 10,000 rail cars a day on two classification hump yards, with nearly 120 bowl rows and 315 tracks. Stop by the large gift store, enjoy a walk around the outdoor flag walk or ride the elevator to the eighth-floor indoor observation deck overlooking the rail yard. Ask questions and hear "behind the scenes" stories from guides who once worked on the yard. Learn more via interactive kiosks or simply relax and listen to the trains.  Open daily year 'round. 

After complimentary breakfast at the hotel, steer toward outdoor adventure—and a taste of the wild West—with Dusty Trails. Located at Buffalo Bill's Scouts Rest Ranch, the outfitter can equip you to ride horseback through Buffalo Bill's original ranch or float the iconic North Platte River in a tank, tube, canoe or kayak. Check out the petting zoo while onsite. 

Tour the memorabilia-packed home and barn of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody: buffalo hunter, scout and creator of the Wild West Show. House and barn open May through September; call for hours. Park permit required. Camping available.

Take a tour around this lodge to view a colorful variety of bison, elk and species of sheep including bighorn cross and aoudad.

After breakfast on the patio of Comstock Lodge, head to Calamus Outfitters for a Sandhills Ranch Ecotour. This guided driving tour provides an up-close look at the complex bio-diversity found in the area—without skimping on panoramic views of the rolling landscape. Along the way, you'll learn about local history, ranch management and conservation projects while stopping to view native plants and grassland bird habitat. 

What is tanking? Calamus Outfitters takes a plastic water or feeding tank (usually reserved for livestock), adds seating and invites you to float down the river. The Calamus River is ideal for tanking—or tubing—thanks to its relatively slow current and shallow depths, making it enjoyable for all ages. The serene Nebraska Sandhills scenery that surrounds the river doesn't hurt, either.

Wondering what makes the Niobrara River so scenic? It's spring-fed, making it a "River of Waterfalls"—a rare find in Nebraska. The best way to view the falls is from the river, whether you're floating in a tube or paddling a kayak. You might even beach your "boat" and enjoy a short hike to a waterfall along the way. Brewers offers two- to six-hour trips and shuttle service to help outfit your adventure. 

In Nebraska's newest state park, cross a national historic bridge over the Niobrara River to see the state's highest waterfall. Then, hike the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail to view diverse ecological sytems that exist nowhere else in North America. 

Spot elk, bison, deer and more than 230 species of birds at this refuge. Then, follow canoeists and kayakers to the canyon dotted with pine trees and waterfalls, a favorite put-in spot. Open year 'round (daylight hours). 

Follow scenic paths for glimpses of dramatic, wide riverfalls that plunge into a deep canyon. Open year 'round 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For some of Nebraska's best fishing, head to Merritt Reservoir. The deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek is nestled in a picturesque valley of the Snake River. Bonus: Camping is available here under Nebraska's expansive night sky, perfect for star-gazing.