A visit to Northwest Nebraska will put you in touch with wide-open spaces and beautiful and rugged landscapes. Enjoy the outdoors of Nebraska’s panhandle at one-of-a-kind spots like Toadstool Geologic Park, which is Nebraska’s sliver of the Badlands, and Oregon Trail landmarks like Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock. Explore frontier history at the world-class Museum of the Fur Trade and Fort Robinson State Park. Finally, don’t forget to stop by Carhenge in Alliance, which is one of the most unique roadside attractions you’ll find.

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Ecological diversity and serene beauty encompass the Nebraska Sandhills. Enjoy the peace of floating down the Niobrara National Scenic River, which is an International Quiet Trail and take advantage of prime stargazing at Merritt Reservoir, the home of the Nebraska Star Party. If you’re looking for unique way of exploring the region’s plentiful rivers, try tanking, a relaxing float trip in a livestock water tank with your friends, a cooler and not a single care in the world.

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History and culture run deep in Northeast Nebraska, taking a cue from the Missouri River. Learn about Nebraska’s Native American heritage and delve into an authentic earth lodge with the Ponca Educational Trail and visit the Genoa Indian School Interpretive Center. Dive into the state’s river and lake scene at Ponca State Park and Lewis and Clark Lake. Check out the past and the present in Norfolk, as you explore the hometown of late-night legend Johnny Carson or hop onto the North Fork Whitewater Park.

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Head to Southwest Nebraska for sprawling lakes and to learn the stories of famous Nebraskans. Lake McConaughy is a one-of-a-kind destination for water sports and beach bums alike, and don’t forget about Swanson Reservoir and Enders Reservoir for your camping and fishing adventures. In North Platte, attend NEBRASKAland Days, the ultimate Nebraska festival. While you’re in town, visit the ranch of Wild West legend Buffalo Bill Cody and the world’s largest classification railyard at the Golden Spike Tower.

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Follow the Platte River and I-80 and you’ll find yourself in the heart of South Central Nebraska with plenty to see and do. The Sandhill crane migration each March sees nearly a million magnificent birds flock to the area. Get educated on the state’s pioneer heritage at Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, visit Red Cloud to learn about the work and legacy of literary giant Willa Cather, and find out all about Kool-Aid’s Nebraska origins at the Hastings Museum and visit Minden, Nebraska’s Christmas City, during the holiday season.

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Your trip might start in Lincoln to visit the State Capitol and to cross a Husker football game off your sports bucket list, but there is so much more to Southeast Nebraska beyond the capital city. Take in the state’s brilliant fall foliage at Indian Cave State Park, learn about the origins of Arbor Day and pick some apples at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City and grab a cabin at Mahoney State Park for an outdoor escape along the Platte River.

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The Omaha metro is the place to experience Nebraska’s vibrant urban scene. Whether you’re here for a yearly event like the College World Series or Cinco de Mayo or a world-class attraction like Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, you won’t have a problem staying busy here. Stroll the Old Market or stop into the revamped Joslyn Art Museum and savor the unique food scene that includes the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich and butter brickle ice cream. Visit the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel and surrounding Blackstone District to try them for yourself!

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Looking for more trip ideas? The Nebraska Passport’s 70 annual stops have you covered! Take a look themed tours from Passports past and present. Enjoy animal adventures, hunt for antique & vintage treasures, savor farm-to-table foods, explore Nebraska’s most charming small towns and so much more!

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