2024's 11 Most Scenic Nebraska Towns
Although the Lied Jungle in Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the largest indoor rainforest in the US, dozens of outdoor ecosystems and areas in Nebraska's most scenic small towns will amaze and astound. Among them are McCook and Red Cloud, towns that bolster the tranquil prairies and pastures the Cornhusker State is known for. Other locations, such as Valentine and Nebraska City, have forests, lakes, and rivers that will cool you down from the intense Nebraska day. This 2024, bring your cameras to capture the gorgeous sceneries and wonders the most scenic Nebraska towns have in store.
Valentine
Let an arrow of love point you toward the sublime village of Valentine. With its location along the Niobrara River, there are many thrilling sports and adventures all over Valentine. Whether soaking in the watery sprays of the Smith Falls State Park’s waterfalls or sojourning on the Sandhills of Nebraska, you will not feel bored or dismayed by Valentine’s lovely landscapes. Marvel at Nebraska’s biomes and habitats at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, and the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. Get a feel for agrarian culture at the Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, then trek through the Cowboy Trail for nostalgia and high-noon adventures. If you are a resident of the state of South Dakota, then Valentine is a convenient gateway to the many splendid sights and sites in Nebraska.
Papillion
Papillion is one of many popular places in Nebraska. As a small suburb of Omaha, one might assume there is not much to see and admire in a semi-urban area. But contrary to this belief, there are a commendable number of scenic spots and recreational areas for you to cherish. For starters, Halleck Park and Werner Park have tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as serene trails and treks for you to feel at ease. Walnut Creek Recreation Area, with its fishing piers and wildlife. Finally, the Prairie Queen Recreation Area and Chalco Hills Recreation Area for their lakes and other tranquil bodies of water. Because Papillion was named after the French word “papillon,” meaning “butterfly,” since butterflies are abundant in the area, you can undoubtedly go fluttering about with these winged wonders at other arboreal landmarks like the Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch.
Chadron
The riveting small town of Chadron is a two-hour getaway from Valentine. As the gateway to Nebraska’s first state park, the Chadron State Park, travelers can enjoy all manner of beautiful scenes around Chadron. Journey deep into the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, where a fur-trading industry has been in business since 1885. The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center offers insightful tips and information about Nebraska’s High Plains heritage. At the same time, Fort Robinson State Park not only contains a bevy of beautiful woodlands but also remnants and relics of Native American cultures and pioneer-era military barracks. Finally, go river-rafting down the North Platte River or gallivanting through the majestic Nebraska National Forest.
Nebraska City
Nebraska City, situated along the Missouri River which borders the state of Iowa, is renowned for the creation of Arbor Day in 1872. From April 26 to 28, everyone around the world—but most especially the townsfolk of Nebraska City—can plant as many trees as they want or can. Probably one of the best places to plant these lively sentinels is the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the former estates of Arbor Day founder, J. Sterling Morton. Additionally, you can climb to the top of a 50-foot-tall treehouse at the Arbor Day Farm. Meanwhile, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center pinpoints the precise landmarks and locations Lewis and Clark visited.
Red Cloud
On the Republican River and Crooked Creek blooms the rosy town of Red Cloud, a humble settlement named after a chieftain of the Oglala Sioux. Although it is known for being the birthplace of Great Plains author Willa Cather, Red Cloud promises a plethora of scenic attractions only 35 miles away from the city of Hastings. From the Indian Creek State Wildlife Management Area, the Elm Creek State Wildlife Management Area, and finally to the Republican Valley Wayside Park, there is no shortage of amicable areas for you to explore. Close to the border of Kansas, you can find the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie Historical Marker whose prairies and plains inspired Willa Cather to wrote many of her seminal works on Nebraska’s magnanimous prairies.
Gering
Gering, less than two hours away from Chadron, welcomes travelers near and far with spectacles from the Scotts Bluff National Monument. The monument sits atop the Wildcat Hills and promotes fantastic vistas and views of a region built by early pioneers and frontiersmen. Another odd landmark near Gering is the Chimney Rock Museum, a pyramid-like geologic formation that has baffled many a visitor. Since the town is so near to the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail, you can expect to find a handful of wagon wheel ruts out in the hot and semi-barren landscapes outside Gering. The North Platte River is a humble waterway that bisects the town, and feeds the many plants and animals in Riverside Park. You ought to say your good-days to the “Hi” rock formations at Wildcat Hills. Or you can continue on your treks through the Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area. Either way, get on your way to the graceful town of Gering.
McCook
Get cooking for adventure in the fabulous town of McCook, the “Capital of the Buffalo Commons.” As Willa Cather, a renowned American author, once said: “Anybody can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the prairie.” And many can realize this quote when exploring the lush and vibrant prairies around McCook. You might also fall in love with the massive herds of buffalos grazing in said prairies or drinking from the soothing waters of the Republican River. Other destinations, such as the Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area on Hugh Butler Lake, Barnett Park, and Kelley Park, are sublime spots for prolonged exploration. In the Capital of the Buffalo Commons, feel as magnificent, wild, and free as the many buffalos thundering about in McCook’s beloved prairies.
Ogallala
Ogallala, “The Cowboy Capital of Nebraska,” retains several saloons and haunts from the Wild West all over its Front Street. However, people mainly flock to this former Oglala (Oklada) Sioux hunting ground for its innumerable attractions near the Texas Trail. Among these amenities are the South Platte River and Lake McConaughy, the latter lovingly referred to as the Big Mac and a grand venue for Ogallala’s many events and activities such as the Kites and Castles every July 27. The worn roads of the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, and California Trail wind and weave around Ogallala, leading newcomers to historic and geographical wonders such as the Ash Hollow State Historical Park, the Windlass Hill, and Clear Creek State Waterfowl Management Area.
Seward
Although Seward is renowned for being “Nebraska’s Fourth of July City” since it was where the first Fourth of July celebration occurred in 1868, the town has a number of notable scenic attractions for you to take pictures of. For instance, the World's Largest Time Capsule whose enigmatic contents can be better known once you ask around in Seward. Travel about along the Big Blue River towards the many lush and vibrant parks around Seward, such as the Twin Oaks Mobile Park and Oak Glen State Wildlife Management Area. A bit further away is the Branched Oak State Recreation Area which promises a languid experience beside Branched Oak Lake, then there is the Smith Creek Recreation Area with its casual walks and treks. Only around 25 miles from the city of Lincoln, do not stew too long in one place when you should be seeing everything there is in Seward.
Kearney
The town of Kearney is home to the University of Nebraska, and as such promotes numerous features to soothe and remediate the academic woes of its students. For example, the watery arteries and tributaries of the Platte River are exquisite sources for entertainment and simplicity. But these same waterways are also a resting spot for one of the greatest migrations in America—the sandhill crane migration. Every year from mid or late February to mid-April, over a million of these sleek birds fuel up at the Platte River Valley on their long odyssey to the north, hence why Kearney is hailed as the “Sandhill Crane Capital of the World.” Kearney’s many parks—Yanney Heritage Park, Apollo Park, Ted Baldwin Park, and more—are also thrilling destinations for exercises. Interestingly enough, the Fort Kearny State Historical Park features a replica of an 1848 fort that protected the Oregon Trail.
Columbus
Loop your way through Nebraska towards the Loup River, a tributary of the Platte River, where the captivating small town of Columbus awaits. Where melodious meadowlarks sing and campgrounds between the Platte River and the Loup River, Columbus is a convenient, hour-away getaway from Grand Island and Omaha. Savor the parks and recreational areas around Lake Babcock, and go engage your muscles at Gerrard Park. Take care when walking around in Powerhouse Park lest you accidentally get electrocuted, and do feel refreshed when wading in the fun waters of Pawnee Plunge Water Park. Although not necessarily a natural feature, the Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial Park is nevertheless a scenic destination due to its honoring of World War II heroes and victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
The Otoe Native Americans once called the Platte River nebrathka, which meant “flat water.” Even though Nebraska hails its name from the Otoe word for flat water, the state itself is far from monotonous. With grassy prairies, woodlands, and waterways teeming with sylvan life, 2024’s most scenic Nebraska towns are brimming with picture-lovely landscapes that exceed the big cities of Omaha and more. Bring your biggest canister full of Kool-Aid once you are on the road, and refreshen your containers with even more wall-bursting beverages as you discover the most scenic Nebraska towns this 2024.
