Nebraska Official State Travel Guide - Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide
Outdoors
2025-11-18 09:05:45
The Unbelievably Great Outdoors
Mountain bikers, sailors, equestrians, campers and astronomers are among the explorers journeying through Nebraska. You’ll find them paddling our rivers, sailing our lakes, traversing our trails and finding a nice spot to lie under the stars in our campgrounds. From floating down the river in a livestock tank — we call that tanking — to basking in the glow of millions of stars overhead, these adventurers choose Nebraska for a reason: The outdoor opportunities are endless here. And you’re welcome to join in the fun.
Best Stargazing in the Universe
STARGAZING
BRANCHED OAK OBSERVATORY, Raymond • Examine the night sky with astronomers, look through telescopes, touch meteorites and even speak with astronauts on the International Space Station.
INDIAN CAVE STATE PARK, Shubert • Shubert’s Indian Cave State Park boasts a Bortle Class 3 dark-sky rating, and is a popular stop on the informal Nebraska astronomy trail.
WILLA CATHER MEMORIAL PRAIRIE, Red Cloud • The 612-acre, never-been-plowed Willa Cather Memorial Prairie offers unobstructed views perfect for sunrises, sunsets and dark skies.
LONG PINE STATE RECREATION AREA, Long Pine • Long Pine State Recreation Area’s Sandhills locale has very little light pollution, making it another prime destination for dark-sky viewing.
MERRITT RESERVOIR STATE RECREATION AREA, Near Valentine • An International Dark Sky Park, Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is home to the annual Nebraska Star Party. Join fellow stargazers for a week of astronomical fun late each summer.
WALGREN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA, Hay Springs • In the secluded prairie of Northwest Nebraska, this recreation area is the perfect spot to take in the stars on a tranquil camping adventure.
BOX BUTTE RESERVOIR STATE RECREATION AREA, Hemingford • Another stop on the Nebraska astronomy trail: Go birding or fishing by day and gaze upon a blanket of stars at night.
OLIVER RESERVOIR RECREATION AREA, Kimball • Head south to Oliver Reservoir just outside of Kimball. Here, you’ll find fishing, free camping and sprawling views of the night sky.
TRAILS
COWBOY TRAIL, Norfolk to Chadron • For the ultimate hiking, biking and horseback riding adventure, traverse the Cowboy Trail. This rail-to- trail project stretches 187 miles from Norfolk to Valentine, with plans to eventually reach Chadron.
MOPAC TRAIL, Lincoln to South Bend • Another rail-to-trail must is the 26-mile MoPac Trail, running from Lincoln to Wabash. Continue along the MoPac Link Interim Bike Route to enjoy the Platte River scenery as you cross the Lied Platte River Bridge near South Bend.
TOADSTOOL GEOLOGIC PARK, Harrison • Trek the badlands of Toadstool Geologic Park. As you traverse the park’s two trails, be on the lookout for fossils of prehistoric animals.
POTTER’S PASTURE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL, Brady • Mountain bikers of all skill levels flock to Brady to ride through nearly 100 miles of varied terrain, from canyons to native grasses.
CHIEF STANDING BEAR TRAIL, Beatrice to State Line • Follow the Ponca Tribe’s 1877 path from Nebraska as they were forced onto an Oklahoma reservation. The Chief Standing Bear Trail runs nearly 23 miles from Beatrice to the state’s southeastern border.
THE RIVERFRONT, Omaha • Three parks — the Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis and Clark Landing — combine to make up The RiverFront in Omaha. Explore these trails along the Missouri River.
NEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST, Chadron • The Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest offers plenty of opportunities to explore northwest Nebraska on bike, foot or horseback.
SCOTTS BLUFF NATIONAL MONUMENT, Gering • Climb the trails up to the summit of Scotts Bluff National Monument for unrivaled views of northwest Nebraska’s rugged landscapes.
WATER SPORTS
PLATTE RIVER WATER TRAIL, North Bend to Plattsmouth • Paddle along the Platte River Water Trail. This 71-mile stretch of the Platte River includes access points at Schramm Park and Louisville state recreation areas and a stop at Platte River State Park.
NIOBRARA NATIONAL SCENIC RIVER, Valentine • Tank, tube or kayak down this 76-mile stretch near Valentine, and keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls — there are more than 200 along the river.
LAKE MCCONAUGHY STATE RECREATION AREA, Ogallala • How about a lake day on Nebraska’s largest reservoir? With 30,000 acres, it’s a prime spot for boating, fishing, waterskiing, swimming and scuba diving.
CALAMUS RIVER, Brewster to Burwell • A portion of this slow-flowing river runs roughly 57 miles from Brewster to Burwell. Float down the river by tank, tube, kayak or canoe to enjoy the Sandhills scenery.
LEWIS AND CLARK STATE RECREATION AREA, Crofton • The state’s second-largest reservoir features a marina, dock slips, a fish-cleaning station and access to the Missouri River.
NORTH FORK WHITEWATER PARK, Norfolk • Drop in for a whitewater adventure. Kayakers, paddleboarders, tubers and surfers, too, are all welcome.
LAKE MALONEY STATE RECREATION AREA, North Platte • Sailing, paddleboating, kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing — water sports galore at the 1,000-acre Lake Maloney near North Platte.
RIVERVIEW MARINA STATE RECREATION AREA, Nebraska City • Riverview Marina is your gateway to the Missouri River. Bring your boat to cruise the nation’s longest river or fish for goldeye, drum, catfish and carp.
CAMPING
MORMON ISLAND STATE RECREATION AREA, Grand Island • Find year-round camping adventures at Mormon Island State Recreation Area, with electric-plus, electric and basic sites. This is an excellent camping spot for those looking for a long-weekend summer getaway or a place to camp during the Nebraska State Fair.
PONCA STATE PARK, Ponca • Camp along the Missouri National Recreational River at Ponca State Park. Yearround cabins, electric-plus campsites and primitive camping are all available.
EUGENE T. MAHONEY STATE PARK, Ashland • With an aquatic center, two lakes, mini golf, disc golf, horseback trails, 60 cabins and 148 campsites, this state park is a recreational paradise.
SPRING RANCH CAMPGROUND, Fairfield • Sleep like pioneers along the Oregon Trail — just with a lot more luxury. Book a Conestoga wagon or yurt for a one-of-a-kind glamping experience.
SMITH FALLS STATE PARK, Valentine • Whether you’re planning a paddling trip on the Niobrara River or coming to see Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, consider reserving a tent campsite to extend the fun.
TWO RIVERS STATE RECREATION AREA, Waterloo • Stay in one of 10 restored Union Pacific caboose cabins. Each comes with a bathroom, shower, kitchen, deck and air conditioning.
KIMBERLY CREEK RETREAT GLAMPING, Ashland • A relaxing nature escape with modern luxury, Kimberly Creek Retreat offers a variety of glamping accommodations for your next getaway.
WILDCAT HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA, Gering • Overnight in the rugged canyons of Wildcat Hills. Reserve a basic campsite and explore 1,094 acres of hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, biking and birding.
Outdoor Tips and Tidbits
From Nebraska Game and Parks
What are some favorite hidden gems and must-see Nebraska naturescapes?
From 12-million-year-old fossils at Ashfall Fossil Beds to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall at Smith Falls, living history at Fort Atkinson to a fish hatchery at Calamus, Nebraska offers a state park gem for every interest.
What should every explorer keep in mind when they’re planning a trip to Nebraska?
Nebraska’s best beauty and adventure lie beyond the interstate. You’ll have to take the scenic route to see the Milky Way at Merritt Reservoir, ride in a stagecoach at Fort Robinson or hear cowboy poets at Niobrara.
©Nebraska. View All Articles.
Outdoors
https://digital.milespartnership.com/article/Outdoors/5065613/855850/article.html