The Most Picturesque Small Towns In Nebraska
Nebraska is a midwestern US state known for its rolling prairies and pioneer past. While big cities like Lincoln and Omaha are exciting tourist destinations, dotted among the state's scenic grasslands are many picturesque small towns with plenty of history, culture, and scenic natural beauty. From Old West towns and breathtakingly beautiful vistas to big city suburbs buzzing with small-town charm, these Nebraska communities are the perfect vacation destinations for any traveler looking to experience the best of the Cornhusker State.
Gretna
Gretna is located in Eastern Nebraska between the state’s two largest cities, Lincoln and Omaha. A small (yet rapidly growing) town of just under 9,000 residents, the Sarpy County gem combines big-city proximity and cozy community vibes, making it an ideal vacation destination. Easy access to I-80 makes exploring local outdoor attractions easy, including The AkSarBen Aquarium Outdoor Education Center, Schramm Park State Recreation Area, and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park—voted #1 safari park in the US—is a popular destination in nearby Ashland, featuring an immersive drive-through experience, scenic hiking trails, and wildlife-watching opportunities. More Gretna attractions include the serene Holy Family Shrine and its stunning prairie views and the Strategic Air and Space Museum, dedicated to preserving aircraft and missiles, complete with a breathtaking glass atrium encasing a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
Aurora
Aurora is a quiet community of just over 4,500 residents in Nebraska’s Hamilton County, just one hour west of Lincoln. Located in the heart of its walkable downtown, Aurora’s Central Park Square—including the historic courthouse—offers easy access to many of the town’s locally-owned shops and eateries and the bustling farmer’s market each summer. More local attractions include The Plainsman Museum, a Hamilton County gem showcasing county artifacts, historic buildings, and exhibits; the Edgerton Explorit Center, a hands-on science center built to honor Aurora resident and inventor Dr. Harold Edgerton; and the Prairie Plains Institute, including the scenic Lincoln Creek Prairie and Trail.
For more outdoor recreation in Aurora, enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching at the Pioneer Trails Recreation Area, or visit one of the town’s three parks. To explore the beauty of the surrounding area, bike the nearby Dark Island Trail or take a short drive to The Gjerloff Prairie for some of the area’s most breathtakingly beautiful Platte Valley landscapes.
Hastings
Nebraska’s eighth-largest city, Hastings, combines a cozy, small-city atmosphere with college-town energy. Home to Hastings College, the bustling southeastern Nebraska gem has plenty of historical and cultural attractions scattered throughout its easily accessible downtown, including Hastings College, including its arboretum, art gallery, and sports complex, the Hastings Museum of Natural & Cultural History, the quirky Nebraska Bigfoot Crossroads of America, and the Heartwell Park Historic Housing District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hastings is also a great place to enjoy Nebraska’s famously dark (and starry) skies—learn more by getting a glimpse through the telescopes at the Hastings College Observatory or visiting the planetarium at the Hastings Museum. Hastings also has plenty of outdoor areas to enjoy: explore the Pioneer Spirit Trail connecting the downtown area with Heartwell Park, Hastings College, and Libs Park before checking out the Fisher Rainbow Fountain; attend an event at Chautauqua Pavilion, the largest pavilion in Nebraska; or visit one of the town’s popular festivals, like Kool-Aid Days, Adams County Fairfest, and the Flatwater Music Festival.
Ashland
Located in Eastern Nebraska along the Platte River, Ashland is full of small-town charm and picturesque landscapes. The bustling downtown district has plenty of shops and eateries, including the Glacier Till Cider House & Tasting Room, Cellar 426, and Postscript. After sampling Ashland’s downtown offerings, learn about local history with a visit to the Ashland History Museum, explore larger-than-life exhibits at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, or hit the links at the town’s two golf courses, Country Drive Golf Course and Ashland Golf Club. Situated amid some of Nebraska’s prettiest landscapes, Ashland is also a great place to enjoy the area’s best outdoor activities.
Nearby Platte River State Park offers hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching, and breathtaking views, while Eugene T. Mahoney State Park—conveniently located in Ashland—is an epic destination for year-round activities, including guest rooms at its cozy Peter Kiewit Lodge. Additionally, Memphis State Recreation Area is less than 15 minutes from Ashland and is a lovely place to spend the day biking, hiking, or relaxing by the lake.
Gering
Gering is a beautiful Western Nebraska destination perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors. Situated in the picturesque North Platte River Valley, Gering has an abundance of natural beauty, including the Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area, Scotts Bluffs National Monument, and Wildcat Hills State Recreation and Nature Center, all offering spectacular scenery and activities including hiking, scenic drives, wildlife watching, and more. The Monument Valley Pathways also offers an extensive trail system through the area’s Monument Valley that is ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Gering also has a rich history and pioneer heritage to explore, with attractions like the Legacy of the Plains Museum and the Robidoux 1851 Trading Post highlighting the region’s Oregon Trail past—visitors can even follow the Oregon Trail, see the wagon wheel ruts used by the area’s original settlers, and visit a pioneer burial site. For more exciting things to do in Gering and the surrounding area, attend an open-air concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, celebrate Gering’s trailblazing past at the annual Oregon Trail Days, or take flight with the annual Old West Balloon Fest in nearby Mitchell.
Alliance
Alliance is a hidden small-town gem Located in Western Nebraska’s Sandhills region. The cozy community has something for every traveler. From popular attractions like the Carnegie Arts Center and Dobby’s Frontier Town to Native American history at the Knight Museum and Sandhill Center and military history at Sallows Military Museum, Alliance has an eclectic line-up of historic and cultural sites to explore the area’s distinctive heritage.
Alliance is also home to the famed roadside attraction Carhenge. A replica of Stonehenge created from old cars, the site’s unique sculptures have been wowing visitors since 1987. Alliance also has a bustling downtown district with restaurants, shops, and nightlife that showcase the town’s signature hospitality and charm. Take a walk to the historic Central Park Fountain, enjoy outdoor recreation at Laing Lake Park or Skyview Golf Course, take a road trip to nearby Box Butte Reservoir for boating, fishing, and camping, or an overnight trip to South Dakota’s Black Hills—there is always something fun to do in scenic Alliance.
Papillion
Papillion is a lovely community of just over 23,000 residents located less than 30 minutes from Omaha. The perfect mashup of small-town vibes, scenic natural beauty, and exciting attractions, Papillion is an idyllic escape that still has plenty of activities. Abundant recreation activities await: from fishing, hiking, biking, or picnicking at Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area or Prairie Queen Lake to soaking up the sun at local waterpark Papio Bay Aquatic Center, Papillion has outdoor adventures for every type of traveler.
For even more signature Papillion fun, attend an open-air performance at Sumtur Amphitheater, check out a local event or festival like the Midwest Pirate Festival and the Renaissance Festival of Nebraska at The Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, learn about local history at the 1860 John Sautter House, and catch a ballgame with the triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the Omaha Storm Chasers. From historic sites to quirky attractions (and everything in between), Papillion has something for everyone looking for a getaway that combines big-city fun with a welcoming hometown feel.
Nebraska may not top the list of must-visit US travel destinations. However, the lovely state's small towns are brimming with a personality all their own. Full of distinctive scenic beauty, rich history, and epic outdoor recreation, these picturesque Nebraska towns are the perfect retreats from the hustle and bustle of big-city life. From the picture-perfect Western Sandhills to the lush Platte River Valley, the Cornhusker State’s most delightful small towns have something for every vacationer looking for an escape from the ordinary.
