7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Nebraska

With its rich history, welcoming communities, and wide-open spaces, Nebraska is a haven for explorers worldwide. However, beyond the larger, better-known cities lies several small towns with well-connected streets and scenic beauty that are ideal for exploration on two wheels or foot. For biking enthusiasts looking for their next adventure, Nebraska's small towns with picturesque parks, historic landmarks, and charming neighborhoods are perfect for strolling or biking. So, grab your gear and explore Nebraska’s seven most bike-friendly towns.

Fremont

Begin your bike tour of Fremont with a hearty breakfast at Mel’s Diner on Broad Street. It is a 50s-inspired diner with a friendly atmosphere that sells everything from eggs, pancakes, and fries to burgers, steaks, and salads. 1.3 miles or 12 minutes away by bike is the Louis E. May Museum. The museum is on N. Nye Ave. and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. It was built in 1874 by Theron Nye in the Italianate Revival style and later remodeled in the Georgian Revival style between 1901 and 1912, and it is a great place to learn about the history of the town. Finally, Barnard Park is a 9-minute bike ride away and is a lovely spot to take in the greenery and enjoy the fresh air.

Blair

Near the Missouri River is the quaint town of Blair, Nebraska. It is home to the Black Elk-Neihardt Park, which is the perfect spot for biking and exploring picturesque trials. The park is Blair’s highest point and overlooks the Missouri River Valley and Blair. The five-kilometer loop trail is especially suited for mountain bikers. The park is only a 10-minute bike ride away from town and is extremely accessible. Downtown Blair can be explored on foot or by bike; there are several great eateries and shops worth exploring, such as Nick’s Italian Cafe and Viking Steaks & Seafood.

Seward

A charming small town, Seward is very bike-friendly. A few great spots to bike to and explore include the Seward County Courthouse and Memorial Park. The courthouse is a historic Classical Revival style building that was built between 1905 to 1907. It was constructed on a farm owned by the founder of Seward - Lewis Moffitt, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Memorial Park is only a one-minute bike ride away from the courthouse and two blocks away from downtown. The park includes picnic tables and playset for kids. In terms of food, La Cocina is a highly-rated, cozy Mexican restaurant just one minute away from Memorial Park and serves delicious food throughout the day.

York

Exploring York by bike is one of the best ways to get around. From the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum to Harrison Park, there are many great places to stop and explore. On North Grant Avenue, the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum is open from Tuesdays to Fridays and offers free admission. The museum's mission is to preserve the history of York and share the town’s heritage through interaction and storytelling. Harrison Park is a 7-minute bike ride away and has both hiking and biking trails, a picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court. To round out your visit, consider stopping by Renegades Antiques & Uniques. This local shopping spot features over 60 vendors with unique collectibles and antiques. It’s easily accessible from the park, making it a fun addition to your biking route.

Nebraska City

Nebraska City is well-known for its scenic tree-lined streets and many bike trails. For people looking to explore, consider visiting the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Once the home of the founder of Arbor Day, J. Sterling Morton, the park includes a log cabin, arboretum, walking trails, a terrace garden, a mansion, and 260 acres of stunning land. Five minutes away by bike is the Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge, which is surrounded by bike trails. The farm has a Treetop village with 11 tree houses connected by walkways and bridges that promise a fun experience. Another notable landmark is the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, a testament to Nebraska’s agricultural history. It’s a short ride from the Arbor Day Farm and offers insight into historic windmill manufacturing with original equipment and displays.

Scottsbluff

The Scotts Bluff National Monument is a great place to bike to for people who enjoy longer rides. Scotts Bluff is 800 feet high and stretches across 3,000 acres of land. The Prairie View Trail is specifically open to bikers from sun-up to sun-down and takes around 30 to 90 minutes to explore. For a touch of local art and culture, visit the West Nebraska Art Center. Located just a short ride from the monument, the center hosts various exhibitions throughout the year and showcases local artists’ work. Explorers could also ride to the Riverside Discovery Center, which is a 19-minute bike ride away from Scotts Bluff. Riverside is a zoo that is best explored on foot. The zoo is home to many animals, such as chimpanzees, birds of prey, bison, bobcats, bears, and reptiles.

Beatrice

For cyclists who are also avid readers, the Beatrice Public Library on North 16th Street is a great place to ride. The library is a great place to pick up books, including audiobooks and DVDs, and view collections of local history. There are also several exhibits displaying locally produced products. 11 minutes away by bike is Chautauqua Park. The Park is near the Big Blue River and covers 66 acres of land. There is a duck pond, two picnic shelters, a horseshoe pit, a disc golf course, pickleball courts, and, yes, bike trails. Another must-see landmark is the Homestead National Historical Park, where you can learn about the Homestead Act of 1862 and its impact on American history. The park is also accessible by bike, offering a mix of educational exhibits and scenic biking trails.

Plan Your Next Cycling Adventure in Nebraska

Nebraska doesn’t usually come to mind when thinking of biking, however, the small towns above are all bike-accessible, charming, and offer cyclists the perfect blend of natural beauty and history which makes them ideal for bikers of varying experience levels. The scenic parks and well-connected streets of these towns promise a comfortable and peaceful ride. So, when planning your next cycling adventure, consider these seven most bike-friendly towns in Nebraska.