9 Charming Nebraska Towns For The Perfect Getaway

Nebraska’s vast agricultural plains, predominantly corn, have coined its nickname, the “Cornhusker State.” However, besides grasslands and sand dunes, the Missouri River forms the state’s eastern boundary, making Nebraska a wonderful state for perfect getaways. Nebraska has interesting sites to visit, like the Courthouse and Jail Rocks in Bridgeport and Buffalo Bill's home in North Platte. Whether relaxing and rewinding or seeking adventure, every town in Nebraska has something for everyone to see and do, especially when one is visiting these nine charming Nebraska towns while on the lookout for the perfect getaway.

Kearney

A first must-see when visiting Kearney is The Archway, which includes many exhibits that shaped the nation, from the Oregon Trail to drive-ins. Historic downtown “on the bricks” offers a plethora of shops and interesting murals, which are great for selfies. It’s not often a weekend getaway includes 130 vintage vehicles under one roof. The American Automobile Experience has a fabulous collection from the early 1900s to modern day. Family fun is never outdone in Kearney. The Apollo Park, axe throwing at Axe Holes, or canoeing the Kearney Water Trail will entertain the whole family for hours. Nightlife in Kearney is lively with venues like the Crane River Theater providing superb performances, McCue’s Taproom with over 30 beers on tap, and live music at Cunningham’s. A place to rest after every fun-filled day of varying activities is essential. Welcome Home Log Lodges' fully furnished apartments meet every need for the best vacation.

North Platte

Visiting in Spring? Witness one of nature’s most incredible events when over 600,000 Sandhill Cranes settle to nest near North Platte; it’s a sight beyond comprehension. After being awe-inspired by the cranes, North Platte has much more to offer. Discover why Buffalo Bill was so famous and synonymous with the Wild West at the Scout’s Rest Ranch, with his antique carriages and other memorabilia. As if witnessing a massive flock of cranes, and walking in Buffalo Bill’s footsteps isn’t enough, then floating on the North Platte River in a tank is guaranteed to be a fun and unusual experience. The tanks are untippable and unsinkable, making it super family-fun entertainment. For those intrigued by trains, the Cody Park Railroad Museum will definitely impress. The 3977 is the only Challenger 3900 steam locomotive on display in the world. Climb aboard and envisage how traveling on this majestic metal machine must have been. Wake up to nature-calling adventures at I-80 Lakeside Campground alongside a private lake.

Valentine

Valentine is an outdoor seeker’s perfect getaway, with plenty to do on the water and land. Escape to the Niobrara River where every bend along its winding route has something to discover. Hire canoes, kayaks, tubes, and tanks, and enjoy a casual trip on the river where the only sound is from nature. Take in the breathtaking scenery on a hiking or biking trail, such as the Cowboy Trail. Hunting enthusiasts can test their expertise for waterfowl, mallards, pintails, and Canada geese at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Keeping within the peaceful surroundings of nature, stay at the Heartland Elk Guest Ranch. Their cabins offer comfort in nature and on the doorstep of the great outdoors.

After much exhilarating fun in nature visit downtown to shop until you drop or indulge in a fun-filled family bowling experience at Brewers Bowling Center. For an experience diverse from the norm, indulge in mystery at the Centennial Hall Museum, known to be haunted by a young girl; each of its twelve rooms is themed differently.

Norfolk

Since Norfolk is the hometown of Johnny Carson, several sites pay tribute to the legend, such as the Johnny Carson Mural and Statue, the Elkhorn Valley Museum, which includes the Johnny Carson Gallery, and his boyhood home. Besides Johnny, Norfolk offers so much that you might have to extend your stay. Downtown River Point has extensive locally owned shops and restaurants, including Encrypt Escape Rooms and The Green Room. Walls and buildings have been delightfully enhanced by artwork; walking through Norfolk is interesting and welcoming. Families will thrive and forget the worries of the world at AquaVenture Waterpark with its wave pool, zero-depth pool, and slides or play horseshoes at TaHaZouka Park. Hook up the RV at Off Road Ranch/Speedway. While there tackle the Off Road Speedway, KartWheels Track, and the 320 MX Park motocross track. The ranch’s County Line Bar hosts poker runs, live concerts, and other great entertainment year-round.

Ashland

Visiting Ashland ensures plenty of fascinating and fun activities for a fabulous few-day getaway. The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum provides a thrilling experience to learn about astronaut training and interactive Voyager VR Adventures. A trip to Ashland is not complete without a visit to the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, which includes outdoor activities, including wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and hiking.

Booking into the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is more than enjoying comfort and rest in a guest room with a balcony offering stunning Platte River valley views. The park has an aquatic center, indoor playground, hiking and biking trails, observation tower, indoor rock climbing, and sledding and ice skating in winter. It’s an all-in-one Ashland destination.

Scottsbluff

Sleep under the stars, fly in a hot air balloon, and discover a life most people dream of in Scottsbluff. The significant and majestic Scotts Bluff National Monument is a towering landmark of Scottsbluff’s incredible history. Be astounded at sunrise or sunset and breathe in the fresh air on one of the four hiking trails surrounding the monument. Visiting a zoo is always a great family outing. The Riverside Discovery Center won’t disappoint with 170 native and exotic animals in the zoo, a petting zoo, a playground, a splash pad, and a dino dig.

Listening to music at Bands on Broadway is a great way to relax outdoors. The town’s free outdoor concert series features local and out-of-town bands and plenty of food trucks. Or watch a movie at the historic Midwest Theater, which has entertained many since 1946.

Drive a few minutes to Mitchell, hope in a hot air balloon, and fly over Scottsbluff for a surreal experience and stunning views of the town and its surroundings. Staying at Captain Critters Country Campground is ideally situated between Mitchell and Scottsbluff. So, after the exhilarating aerial flight, sleeping outdoors under the stars is the perfect balance.

Lexington

Lexington is an excellent getaway option for wine lovers. Mac’s Creek Winery & Brewery has been crafting quality wines and beers since 2001. The expert tasting crew will share the background of each product and help you select the perfect variety for your palette. Make the most of the experience and book in at the estate’s Creekside Cottages just a short walk from the winery. Don’t leave without hiking the Sustainability Trail and learning about the wine processes A must-visit in Lexington is the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles. Every US military branch is represented by helicopters, other aircraft, jeeps, tanks, armored personnel carriers, and trucks at the museum. Its Mobile Army Surgical Hospital was inspired by the popular TV series, "M*A*S*H." Lexington has nine public parks, a skateboard park, an aquatic center, and the Lexington Fieldhouse indoor sports activities building for quality family enjoyment.

Nebraska City

Arbor Day founders, Lewis, Clark, and Morton are synonymous with Nebraska City. Hence, the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail & Visitor Center has three floors dedicated to exhibits, like a life-size keelboat replica, and over 300 flora and fauna along scenic nature trails. Also, visit J. Sterling Morton’s home, the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, with authentic furnishings and artifacts.

Get outdoors biking along the Steamboat Trace Bicycle Trail, an abandoned railroad parallel to the Missouri River. The trail is smooth so it is equally invigorating for hiking, wheelchairs, and strollers.

Nebraska City is a town bubbling with activity and festivals year-round, such as Arbor Day in April, Farm to Fork in August, and AppleJack Festival in September. Stay at the Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast to coincide with a festival of your interests.

Bridgeport

Prominently visible from anywhere around Bridgeport are Courthouse and Jail Rocks, essential landmarks for fur traders centuries ago. A hiking trail leads to the Courthouse Rock at the base; a photo with the enormous rock in the backdrop makes a spectacular selfie.

Sandy beaches and water activities are always a favorite for time away from the daily norm. The Bridgeport State Recreation Area has a sandy beach, perfect for picnicking, and sufficient river space for an excellent day of powerboating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing, and shady campsites for those who want more of this outstanding natural environment.

Don’t forget to pack the golf clubs. Play a round of golf at the Courthouse and Jail Rock Golf Course perfectly placed with magnificent views of the rocks. The top tee, through a tree-framed opening, has a wonderful view of a creek. After a scenic and challenging round, enjoy a cold one in the clubhouse.

Bridgeport has much more to offer, so stay at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites for comfort while exploring.

Come to Nebraska for the lots of reasons, especially these nine charming Nebraska towns for the perfect getaway. Rewind and relax in its abundant natural environments or explore the immense historic districts. Whatever is needed to escape for a much-needed R&R, Nebraska has a town to accommodate you. Discover thistles, unbelievable bird life, and gigantic rock formations, or enjoy vibing festivals, and fun activities like axe throwing in Nebraska. It’s the state where everyone can enjoy and make awesome lifetime memories.