11 Amazing Nebraska Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive

Traveling to Nebraska is a no-brainer when considering how much there is to do and see in the state. Omaha is the biggest city in Nebraska, with a population of roughly 500,000. It is also home to the Eppley Airfield, which is the largest airport in the state and conveniently located three miles northeast of downtown Omaha. For this reason, Omaha makes the most sense as a jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the region. Luckily, there are many exciting day trips to partake in, each less than two to three hours by car from Omaha.

Whether you want to go on a fun adventure with your kids, learn more about Nebraska’s history, or spend a day in nature, there is a trip for you. The following are some of the top Nebraska day trips.

The Durham Museum (Within the city)

There are many reasons to spend your day at the Durham Museum, which is committed to preserving the history of the Western United States. First, it’s conveniently located in downtown Omaha, which means you won’t have to travel far to reach it. Second, it is housed inside Omaha’s former Union Station and features Art Deco architecture that is nothing short of stunning. Third, the museum is home to many fascinating artifacts, including an authentic soda fountain, a restored 1922 Mack flatbed truck, and a recreation of a “Worker’s Cottage” that dates back to the early twentieth century. The museum also houses ancient and colonial coins, political memorabilia, metals, books and documents, and territorial gold.

The Archway (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Located in Kearney, roughly two hours and 30 minutes from Nebraska’s largest city lies The Archway. This is an incredible day trip as not only is the structure, which towers over Interstate 80, a sight to behold, but it also features many fascinating historical exhibits. For those who don’t know, The Archway, which is officially called the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, is a museum that tells the story of the travelers who crossed this land centuries earlier. The museum chronicles local Native American tribes, fur trappers, pioneers, and more who traveled across Nebraska.

It is important to note that The Archway is an interactive museum, which makes it suitable for visitors of all ages. For example, young ones can walk with the pioneers on the Oregon Trail, watch a rider make a stop and change their horse at a Pony Express Station, and listen to Mark Twain’s account of what it’s like to travel in a stagecoach.

Joslyn Art Museum (Within the city)

The Joslyn Art Museum is another Omaha attraction that you won’t have to leave the city to enjoy. This fine arts museum has been open for nearly a century and was opened by Sarah H. Joslyn as a way of honoring her deceased husband’s memory. Her husband was a successful businessman, George A. Joslyn. It boasts one of the most comprehensive permanent collections of art in the entire state of Nebraska, with many of the most famous works dating back to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries from American and European artists.

Admission to the Joslyn Art Museum is free of charge and is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Cowboy Trail (3 hours)

The Cowboy Trail is another incredible day trip from Omaha. While the Cowboy Trail spans a total of 195 miles, you can access part of it by driving just three hours from Omaha. Ideal for people of all ages, the Cowboy Trail is a historic path that follows the original Chicago and Northwestern railway line. Visitors can walk or bike along it. You might even see a few people on horseback! One of the most fun parts of the Cowboy Trail is that it will allow you to explore parts of Nebraska you wouldn’t otherwise see. The trail passes through several small towns and offers impressive 360-degree views of the prairies.

Indian Cave State Park (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Did you know that you can drive an hour and a half from Omaha and be in Indian Cave State Park? It’s true! This scenic state park is home to an expansive sandstone cave, the Missouri River, as well as another 3,000 acres of land. In total, you will find over 22 miles of hiking and biking trails running through the park, which makes it an easy spot to explore.

Beyond hiking and biking, fishing, camping, and picnicking are other popular activities in Indian Cave State Park. The two largest campgrounds are Hackberry Hollow and Ash Grove, which offer a combined 134 RV sites with electrical and water hookups. If you’re a history buff, be sure to take the time to visit the prehistoric Native American petroglyphs that are in the park. Lastly, if you’re visiting at certain times of the year, you might be able to attend one of the many festivals and events held here, such as Haunted Hollow in October.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Within the city)

Enjoy a day of fun and education in the city of Omaha at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Voted the #1 zoo in the United States, the Omaha Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It spans 160 acres and features animals, plants, and fascinating habitats.

Some of the special exhibits you will find here include Owen Sea Lion Shores, Hubbard Orangatang Forest, the Desert Dome, and Gorilla Valley. In addition to seeing these fascinating animals in person, the zoo hosts a number of events and workshops and offers backstage experiences with certain animals.

Lincoln (1 hour)

When in Nebraska, why not visit the state capital? Lincoln is the second largest city in Nebraska, home to approximately 300,000 people. It is only one hour away from Omaha, making it an easy city to visit on a day trip.

A few of Lincoln’s top attractions include the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the Sheldon Museum of Art, Sunken Gardens, the Museum of American Speed, the Nebraska State Capitol, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum. The University of Nebraska is also located in Lincoln, and it has its own museum called Morrill Hall, as well as Memorial Stadium, where the university’s college football team plays.

Platte River State Park (30 minutes)

Platte River State Park is another park that is worthy of a day trip. Located 30 minutes by car from Omaha, you can easily spend a day exploring the 453 acres that make up this green space. The park is situated on the southern bluffs of the Platte River in the town of Louisville, Nebraska. Platte River State Park is known for its namesake river and its steep, rolling hills and dense forests. This makes for a great spot to enjoy paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, camping, cycling, swimming, and horseback riding.

There is also a restaurant on-site, The Scott Lodge Restaurant, which offers delicious food and unparalleled views of the river.

Fun-plex Waterpark and Rides (Within the city)

Since 1979, Fun-plex Waterpark and Rides has been serving up the best summer fun that Omaha offers. Located within the city, this is the largest water park in the entire state. You will find everything from Rockin’ Rapids, one of the tallest and longest slides in the country, standing five stories tall and spanning 1,200 feet, to the Motion Ocean Wave Pool and the Lazy River. There is also a lagoon for young children in addition to a number of family-friendly food and drink stands on-site.

Plus, the Fun-plex Waterpark also has a wide selection of rides for guests of all ages, including Bumper Boats, the Tilt-A-Whirl, Go-Karts, the Carousel, and more.

Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Situated near the Nebraska-South Dakota border, roughly two and a half hours from Omaha lies the Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area. This lake is Nebraska’s second-largest reservoir and gets its name from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which stopped nearby during the famous expedition.

The Missouri River runs through this park, and visitors can enjoy fishing in it or even going horseback riding along it. Other activities include boating, disc golf, bird watching, and hunting. There are also cabins that can be rented along the lake if you wish to stay the night. In addition, if you feel like venturing across state lines, cross into Yankton, South Dakota, to explore even more of Lewis and Clark Lake.

Wildlife Safari Park (30 minutes)

Wildlife Safari Park is just 30 minutes outside of Omaha, which makes it an ideal spot for a quick and easy day trip. Visitors are invited to drive through parts of the park, where they will be able to see deer, elk, bison, and more, all from their car windows. Meanwhile, as you make your way further into the park, you can exit your car and follow a short path to see wolves and bears, as well as the petting corral and eagle aviary.

Once you’re done exploring the Wildlife Safari Park, you can head to a couple of other nearby attractions, like Mahoney State Park, which has hiking and biking trails, an aquatic center, and ice skating, or the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.

Now that you know what exciting attractions lie just two to three hours from Omaha or less, it’s time to start planning your Nebraska day trip. Opt for a family-friendly adventure by visiting the Wildlife Safari Park or Fun-plex Waterpark and Rides, get outdoors and explore Indian Cave State Park, Platte River State Park, or the Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area, or enjoy a cultured experience at The Archway, the Joslyn Art Museum, or the Durham Museum. No matter which outing you choose, you are bound to have an excellent day trip!