7 Underrated Destinations in Nebraska to Avoid Summer Crowds

Strolling through the vast prairies and spacious farmlands, the fragrance of freshly baked runza bread pockets will lead you deeper into Nebraska. What was once considered part of the Great American Desert has transformed and shaped a new landscape where growing communities inhabit the nature-rich settlements. From the High Plains city of Chadron, with Nebraska's first State Park, to the small town of Ashland along the Salt Creek River, with its local restaurants serving tasty Nebraskan Steaks, Nebraska's small towns rest in the ease of life. These often-overlooked destinations will prove that the beauty of Nebraska is worth seeking out, especially during the summer months, to avoid the crowds.

Papillion

Bounded by the Platte River, the giant butterfly symbol of Papillion attracts visitors from a distance. This Omaha suburb once was a railroad boomtown but still retains its original historic downtown reminiscent of the Original Union Pacific Main Line era. Moreover, over a quarter of this lovely town is dedicated to green spaces like Walnut Creek Recreation Area, which grants access to the small lake where migratory birds often bathe, perfect for fishing.

Furthermore, Halleck Park is an expansive park to get away from crowds with bright green lawns, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts for sports enthusiasts. It also provides many trails and playgrounds where the kids can slide down the numerous slipways.

Seward

Built around the intersection of Highway 34 and 15, Seward is known as "4th of July City" for their uncompromised independence day celebrations that they have sponsored since 1868. Moreover, the Nebraska National Guard Museum captures visitors with its extensive collection of de-militarized artifacts aimed to preserve the heritage and military history of the Nebraska Army and nearby Air National Guard. 

Furthermore, Rivoli Theater is a 100-year-old movie theater that consistently provides film projections like in the old days. Additionally, the nearby Plum Creek Park area is considered the front-row seat for the Fourth of July fireworks spectacle. During the rest of the year, this uncrowded, quiet park grants a green backdrop to the recurring baseball matches or the kid-friendly activities at the many playgrounds scattered inside the park.

Ashland

Hugging the Salt Creek River, Ashland's friendly community welcomes travelers with a generous spirit. Moreover, Mahoney State Park provides sweeping green space with lakeside campgrounds, a mini-golf course, and a myriad of trails to explore along Owen Marina that overlooks the Philpot Reservoir. Also, one can navigate the Go Ape Treetop Adventure ropes course or have an enjoyable swim in the aquatic center's wave pool. Furthermore, after a day of hiking and swimming, one can enjoy a hearty meal at Round the Bend Steakhouse, where the friendly staff serves some of the best classic Nebraskan steaks.

Nebraska City

Nuzzling against the Missouri River, Nebraska City is a compelling community that was the birthplace of Arbor Day, an annual observance aiming to plant trees to improve the landscape. This area was once bereft of trees until J. Sterling Morton, a journalist, and politician, started advocating for the planting of trees in 1872. Furthermore, visitors can tour the 52-room mansion at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Museum and explore the wooded 72-acre estate around it. Moreover, the Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard offers travelers a sip of their self-produced wine paired with their homemade, delicious cider doughnuts. Additionally, Steinhart Park grants an excellent playground, a water park, and even an authentic World War II tank!

Red Cloud

Crossing the Republican River on Highway 281 towards the north, Red Cloud will welcome you with red-brick pavements reminiscent of the industrial era. With around 1,000 hard-working people, Red Cloud's Community has built a comfortable settlement that is perfect for escaping the city noise. Furthermore, strolling by the lovely Main Road, one might notice On the Brix, a small restaurant that provides tasteful cheeseboard starters paired with freshly brewed beer while local musicians perform live. Moreover, the Red Cloud Opera House Auditorium regularly hosts live plays and concerts; for example, Sarah Arneson and Anne Hooper Webb is an event featuring the World-renowned opera soprano Anne Hooper Webb and Red Cloud native Sarah Arneson which will return in early September.

Chadron

Amidst the High Plains in Northwest Nebraska, Chadron has a rollicking frontier history, including fur traders, rugged cowboys, Native Americans, ranchers, and railroaders. In the surrounding Chadron State Park, hiking trails meander through thick forests and expose beautiful vistas, giving hikers what they love most. Moreover, the Museum of the Fur Trade tells the story of Chadron's past, when traders chose this settlement as a quiet retreat to stop by. Another well-liked location is the Dawes County Historical Museum, which provides pieces of information about the local history and the fascinating American West. Besides, with its small-town dive bar feel, the Favorite Bar provides a cold blond beer and is a crowd favorite.

Aurora

A small but progressive community just outside Grand Island, the town of Aurora is frequently ranked among the most overlooked villages in Nebraska. Founded in memory of an Aurora-grown inventor, Dr. Harold Edgerton, The Edgerton Explorit Center showcases the many revolutionary inventions like the stroboscope created with his immense work. Moreover, The Plainsman Museum narrates the history of Hamilton County through the many illustrations, artifacts, and maintenance of historical archives and collections. Furthermore, after a day of deep-diving into the area's heritage, feel free to grab a bite at JoJo's Gelato & Grill, where the juicy pulled pork is often followed by a homemade ice-cream dessert.

Those who picture Nebraska as a flat, dull, endless sea of cornfields should think again. This region surprises most travelers with expansive green spaces, bursting with life during the summer months, and its focus on quiet living. Whether you are visiting Nebraska for the first time or you are a regular visitor, there is much to explore within the many friendly communities. Discovering the fascinating roots of the American West in the many museums of Chadron or exploring the sweeping Mahoney State Park and its many attractions, Nebraska will undoubtedly prove the skeptics wrong.