Summer is such a great time to get out and explore Nebraska, and there’s never a shortage of awesome things to do. Pack up the family and embark on these day trips to create summer memories that will last a lifetime! Here are some of the best day trips in Nebraska for a warm summer day (some of which might just be fun year-round):

1. Cool off underground at Happy Jack Chalk Mine in Scotia.
Happy Jack Chalk Mine Association, N State Hwy 11, Scotia, NE 68875, USA
TripAdvisor/pcdoctorjim
Wouldn't it feel great to get out of this summer heat and walk around in a cool cave? You'll learn a little about nature and history, too!
2. Visit this little zoo in Monroe.
37692 NE-22, Monroe, NE 68647, USA
Facebook/Horn T Zoo
Tired of the bigger zoos in Omaha and Lincoln? Head out to Horn T Zoo for a more hands-on experience with an impressive collection of animals. The keepers are exceptionally knowledgeable and always happy to chat about the animals.
3. Take a trip to this little-known park in Omaha known as Freedom Park.
Freedom Park Road, Freedom Park Rd, Omaha, NE, USA
TripAdvisor/Jason B.
A lot of people have no idea this interesting park exists on the banks of the Missouri near Eppley Airfield. It features a decent collection of retired US military vehicles, both aquatic and land-based.
4. Go on one of Nebraska's most beautiful hikes near Valentine.
TripAdvisor/Jackie77
You'll find so many natural wonders at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, but this hike to the impressive Fort Falls will be a highlight of your visit. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring lots of drinking water whenever you go on an outdoor adventure in the summer.
5. Go on the Midwest's only glass-bottom boat ride in Kearney.
131 Central Ave, Kearney, NE 68847, USA
Delana Lefevers
This unique experience is a hidden gem in central Nebraska. Climb aboard and watch in awe as fish follow along underneath the boat during the ride. Don't forget to visit the fascinating Fort Kearney Museum while you're there!
6. Indulge your fascination with trains at Bailey Yard in North Platte.
1249 N Homestead Rd, North Platte, NE 69101, USA
Facebook/Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center
Bailey Yard is the world's largest railroad classification yard, which may not mean a lot to you if you don't know much about trains - but it's impossible not to be impressed by this sight. The Golden Spike Tower has some great information on railroad history - and it's air conditioned, which is a pretty big draw when it's a thousand degrees outside.
7. Visit with the "villagers" in Nebraska's quirkiest town.
Taylor, NE, USA
flickr/Ali Eminov
You might notice that some of the people in Taylor seem a little wooden. They're actually the creations of a local artist who places them around the town to draw in visitors. Wander the town to see if you can spot them all.
8. Check out this "town" that's made of antiques near North Platte.
Grain Bin Antique Town, 10641 South, Old Hwy 83 Rd, North Platte, NE 69101, USA
Grain Bin Antique Town/Facebook
Grain Bin Antique Town is one of the most unusual places to go antique shopping in Nebraska. Each individual bin is an antique itself, and they are all filled with fantastic antiques, collectibles, and other treasures just waiting to be discovered.
9. Learn new things and cool off at this discovery park in Scottsbluff.
Riverside Discovery Center, South Beltline Highway West, Scottsbluff, NE, USA
Riverside Discovery Center/Facebook
Riverside Discovery Center is just packed full of fun and informative displays that the whole family will enjoy. And when the summer heat gets to be a little too much, you can cool off in the awesome splash pad.
10. Dig into history at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in Royal.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, 517th Ave, Royal, NE, USA
Ashfall Fossil Beds/Facebook
The bones that you see at this active archaeological dig have lain in place for 10-12 million years - just think of how amazing that is as you're going around the walkway viewing the bones and the educational signs on the walls. Bonus side trip: stop by Green Gables of Pleasant Valley on your way there or back for some unique shopping and some of the best pie in Nebraska.
11. Have a meal at this incredibly scenic winery near St. Paul.
Miletta Vista Winery, U.S. 281, Saint Paul, NE, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Miletta Vista Winery has some of the most stunning views in central Nebraska, and the food there is absolutely unbeatable. A delicious meal, fabulous local wine, and a breathtaking view? That sounds like our kind of day trip.
12. Get a brand new perspective on the Missouri River on this riverboat in Brownville.
River Inn Resort, 648A Avenue, Brownville, NE, USA
The Spirit of Brownville/Facebook
The Spirit of Brownville has been impressing passengers for decades with its lovely views of the banks of the Missouri. Take a dinner cruise and enjoy a delicious meal while you take in the sights. This is definitely one of the best day trips in Nebraska, and everyone should experience it at least once.

Explore more of The Spirit of Brownville in this video from Channel 8 Eyewitness News:

13. Zip through the air or climb into the trees at this tree adventure near Fontanelle.
Camp Fontanelle, County Road 3, Nickerson, NE, USA
Camp Fontanelle/Facebook
Camp Fontanelle is a summer camp for kids, but it also offers adventures for groups if you make advance reservations. There's a lot to do at this camp that has nothing to do with camping!
14. Climb a 50-foot-tall treehouse in Nebraska City.
Arbor Day Farm, Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, USA
Arbor Day Farm/Facebook
The Tree Adventure trail at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City is a great summer trip for any nature lover. See the beauty of the trees, the bounty of the farm, and the cool learning centers in the treehouse. The views from the top are stunning!
15. Go tubing in Nebraska on one of our "lazy rivers."
Niobrara Adventures, Nebraska 14, Verdigre, NE, USA
Management/TripAdvisors
While this list of six great tubing rivers doesn't include every tubing spot in Nebraska, they're a great place to start for a fantastic summer adventure. What's better than spending a summer day on the water?

With so many great Nebraska day trips all around the state, there’s really no excuse to be bored this summer. Which ones have you already gone on and which do you plan to go on? What are your picks for the best day trips in Nebraska? What destinations would YOU put on a list of the best day trips in Nebraska? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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Best Day Trips in Nebraska

Tori Jane | July 06, 2022

What are some unique things to do around Nebraska in the summer?  

Who says you need to go somewhere coastal to have the best summer ever? We sure don’t! Nebraska is chock-full of all sorts of delightful things to do in summer, believe it or not, and we’re here for it. Outdoorsy folks will love exploring Nebraska’s wilderness and discovering it in all its glory. The eight awe-inspiring state parks in Nebraska are an excellent start – you won’t find these places anywhere BUT here, which makes them extra special. Alternatively, you can head out and explore some of the top-rated hiking trails in Nebraska, and after that, head to a local winery and get a tour (and a tasting) seemingly from the heavens itself (but you’re still in Nebraska).  

What are some summer day trip ideas near me?  

There are many options and ideas floating around out there for summer day trip ideas near me - well, you! - in Nebraska, and we’re big fans of pretty much all of them. In Omaha, make an entire day out of experiencing the legendary Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Catch some educational shows, come face-to-face with exotic and amazing critters, and learn all about them along the way. Another excellent day trip in Nebraska is pretty much anything involving Nebraska’s natural wonders, like Chimney Rock National Historic Site near Scottsbluff (and while you’re there the Scotts Bluff National Monument), and in far southeastern Nebraska, check out Indian Cave State Park.  

What are some of the best summer getaway spots near me?  

Nebraska’s an underrated destination, period, but especially when it comes to summer getaways. You can do all sorts of fun and inspiring summer getaways in Nebraska as long as you know where to look! Some of our favorite places to get away from it all in Nebraska – especially during the dog days of summer – include the breathtaking Lake McConaughy, which is famous for being one of the clearest lakes in Nebraska. It has a gorgeous white sand beach, too, and it’s the perfect way to escape the summer heat. We also love visiting bodies of water like any of the best lakes in Nebraska and some of our rivers, too.  

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