Northwest

Plan a visit to Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park. Located in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge near Chadron, the park’s trails connect with those of Nebraska National Forest, giving hikers and bikers more than 100 miles to trek.

Trek the rugged bluffs and canyons at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center in Gering.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site near Bayard is truly a sight to behold. This natural rock formation served as another landmark for pioneers on the westward trail. Visit the onsite museum to learn more about these brave emigrants.

Southwest

If you’re traveling near Enders, stop by Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area for hiking, boating and fishing. Pack a picnic or grill out at the 21-table picnic facility.

Water lovers should visit Sutherland’s 3,017-acre lake at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area. The reservoir is popular for its fishing, powerboating and swimming beach. Tent campers are welcome.

Plan your next camping trip at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area near North Platte. You’ll find 1,600 acres of water perfect for fishing crappie, catfish, bass and perch among other species. The area also features two swimming beaches.

South Central

Outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will love Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area in Loup City. The area features 3,000 acres of water prime for boating, swimming and fishing, as well as 5,000 acres of land for hunting, archery and hiking.

Stop in Republican City for a lake day at Harlan County Reservoir. The lake is perfect for boating, water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, parasailing and all kinds of exciting water recreation.

Observe nearly a million sandhill cranes during the great spring sandhill crane migration at Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center in Wood River and Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center in Gibbon.

Southeast

Memphis’ Memphis Lake State Recreation Area is a peaceful nature escape between Lincoln and Omaha. The 211-acre area features a 48-acre lake and can accommodate tent and RV camping.

Looking for an outdoor adventure near Shubert? Try Indian Cave State Park for 3,052 acres of wildlife viewing, living history and Missouri River adventures. Consider visiting in the fall for haunted attractions and fiery foliage.

Stroll the trails at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, a tallgrass prairie nature preserve in Denton.

Metro

If you’re looking for a little taste of the outdoors on your trip to Omaha, visit Gene Leahy Mall. This nearly 10-acre park in downtown Omaha features walking paths, playgrounds and an amphitheater for outdoor events.

Interact with camels, ostriches, alpacas, horses and more at Omaha’s Scatter Joy Acres. The animal education center and petting zoo also features hay rack rides, bonfires and animal-assisted therapy.

Papillion’s Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area offers equestrian trails, playgrounds, access to the 105-acre Walnut Creek Lake, hiking and biking trails and an off-leash dog park.

Northeast

From cross country skiing in the winter to swimming in the summer, Niobrara State Park in Niobrara is a year-round outdoor escape you won’t want to miss.

Pack your clubs and hit the fairways at Tatanka Golf Club. Located at the Ohiya Casino and Resort in Niobrara, the course is considered one of the best in the state. Book a round of 18 for a fun but challenging day on this 7,500-yard course.

Take an airboat tour of the Platte River at speeds up to 50 miles per hour with River Life Airboat Tours in Cedar Bluffs.

Sandhills

Burwell’s Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is a haven for water activities. Book a stay at one of the area’s campgrounds to see gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the park’s 5,123-acre lake.

River recreation is in abundance in Valentine on the Niobrara National Scenic River. As you kayak, canoe or float down this 76-mile scenic river, take in the area’s diverse landscapes and over 200 waterfalls.

Far away from metropolitan light pollution, Valentine’s Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area offers some of the nation’s best stargazing opportunities. In fact, the recreation area was recently named an International Dark Sky Park. It's also an ideal spot for a fishing or boating excursion if you're visiting in the daytime.