Places to Visit in Nebraska in Summer

Nebraska is a great state to visit in the summer, with plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Nebraska in the summer⁚

• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top zoos in the country, with over 17,000 animals from around the world.
• Scotts Bluff National Monument is a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the North Platte River Valley.
• Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a 230-mile drive that takes you through the beautiful Sandhills region of Nebraska.
• Chadron State Park is home to some of the best hiking and camping in Nebraska, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
• Niobrara River State Park is a great place to go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing.
• Lake McConaughy is the largest lake in Nebraska, and it’s a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top zoos in the country, with over 17,000 animals from around the world. The zoo is home to a variety of habitats, including the Lied Jungle, the Desert Dome, and the Scott Aquarium.

The Lied Jungle is a tropical rainforest habitat that is home to a variety of animals, including orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The Desert Dome is a 1.3-acre indoor desert habitat that is home to a variety of desert animals, including meerkats, camels, and snakes. The Scott Aquarium is a 70,000-square-foot aquarium that is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles.

In addition to its animal exhibits, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs and activities. These programs and activities are designed to teach visitors about animals and their habitats.

Here are some tips for visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium⁚

• Plan your visit in advance. The zoo is a large and complex facility, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance. Decide which exhibits you want to see and how much time you want to spend at each exhibit.
• Arrive early. The zoo opens at 9⁚00 AM, and it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring snacks and drinks. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the zoo, but they can be expensive. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to save money.
• Take breaks. The zoo is a large facility, and it’s easy to get tired. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and refuel.
• Have fun! The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a great place to learn about animals and have fun.

Here are some of the most popular exhibits at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium⁚

• The Lied Jungle is a tropical rainforest habitat that is home to a variety of animals, including orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
• The Desert Dome is a 1.3-acre indoor desert habitat that is home to a variety of desert animals, including meerkats, camels, and snakes.
• The Scott Aquarium is a 70,000-square-foot aquarium that is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles.
• The Kingdoms of the Night is a nocturnal exhibit that is home to a variety of animals that are active at night, including bats, owls, and lemurs.
• The Hubbard Gorilla Valley is a 2.5-acre outdoor habitat that is home to a troop of western lowland gorillas.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a great place to visit for people of all ages. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the animal exhibits to the educational programs and activities.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the North Platte River Valley. The monument is named after Hiram Scott, a fur trader who was killed by Native Americans in 1828.

Scotts Bluff is a massive sandstone bluff that rises 800 feet above the North Platte River. The bluff was a landmark for pioneers traveling west on the Oregon Trail. Today, Scotts Bluff National Monument is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and campers.

Here are some tips for visiting Scotts Bluff National Monument⁚

• Plan your visit in advance. The monument is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during the winter months. It’s important to plan your visit in advance to avoid any disappointment.
• Arrive early. The monument is a popular destination, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring snacks and drinks. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the monument, but they can be expensive. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to save money;
• Take breaks. The monument is a large facility, and it’s easy to get tired. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and refuel.
• Have fun! Scotts Bluff National Monument is a great place to learn about history and enjoy the outdoors.

Here are some of the most popular activities at Scotts Bluff National Monument⁚

• Hiking. There are a variety of hiking trails at Scotts Bluff National Monument, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular trails include the Saddle Rock Trail, the Summit Trail, and the North Overlook Trail.
• Climbing. Scotts Bluff is a popular destination for climbers. There are a variety of climbing routes available, ranging from beginner to advanced.
• Camping. There are two campgrounds at Scotts Bluff National Monument⁚ the Riverside Campground and the Saddle Rock Campground. Both campgrounds offer a variety of campsites, from primitive to RV hookups.
• Picnicking. There are a number of picnic areas at Scotts Bluff National Monument. These areas are a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the views of the North Platte River Valley.
• Wildlife viewing. Scotts Bluff National Monument is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, and birds. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you’re hiking, climbing, or camping.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a great place to visit for people of all ages. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the hiking trails to the climbing routes to the picnic areas.

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a 230-mile drive that takes you through the beautiful Sandhills region of Nebraska. The Sandhills is a unique and fragile ecosystem that is home to a variety of plants and animals.

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway follows Nebraska Highway 2 from Valentine to Bassett. Along the way, you’ll see rolling sand dunes, grasslands, and wetlands. You’ll also pass through several small towns and villages.

Here are some tips for driving the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway⁚

• Plan your trip in advance. The byway is a long drive, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. Make sure you have enough time to stop and explore the many attractions along the way.
• Allow plenty of time for driving. The speed limit on the byway is 55 mph, but you’ll likely want to drive slower to enjoy the scenery. Allow plenty of time for driving, especially if you’re planning on making stops along the way.
• Be prepared for wildlife. The Sandhills is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, and birds. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife while you’re driving.
• Take breaks. The byway is a long drive, so it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. There are several rest areas and picnic areas along the way where you can stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.
• Have fun! The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive that offers a unique glimpse into the Sandhills region of Nebraska.

Here are some of the most popular attractions along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway⁚

• Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and deer. There are several hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas in the refuge.
• Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn. There are several hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas in the refuge.
• Loup River State Recreation Area. This recreation area offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. There are also several hiking trails and picnic areas in the recreation area.
• Smith Falls State Park. This state park is home to Smith Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades over a series of limestone cliffs. There are several hiking trails and picnic areas in the state park.
• Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. This state park is home to a variety of fossils, including the remains of ancient rhinos, horses, and camels. There are several hiking trails and interpretive exhibits in the state park.

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is a great way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Sandhills region of Nebraska. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the hiking trails to the wildlife viewing areas to the historical sites.

Chadron State Park

Chadron State Park is home to some of the best hiking and camping in Nebraska, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. The park is located in the Pine Ridge region of northwestern Nebraska, and it’s known for its rugged beauty and abundance of wildlife.

The park’s most popular hiking trail is the South Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the Pine Ridge escarpment. The trail is 5.5 miles long, and it’s rated as moderate in difficulty.

Other popular hiking trails in the park include the North Rim Trail, the Sage Creek Trail, and the River Trail. These trails offer a variety of scenery, from open grasslands to dense forests.

Chadron State Park is also a great place to go camping. The park has over 200 campsites, including both RV and tent sites. The campsites are located in a variety of settings, from wooded areas to open meadows.

Here are some tips for visiting Chadron State Park⁚

• Plan your trip in advance. The park is a popular destination, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. Make sure you have reservations for camping if you’re planning on staying overnight.
• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in the Pine Ridge region can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Bring layers of clothing and rain gear, just in case.
• Bring plenty of water. There is no water available in the backcountry, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you on your hikes.
• Be aware of your surroundings. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife.
• Have fun! Chadron State Park is a beautiful place to visit, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular activities in Chadron State Park⁚

• Hiking. Chadron State Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails offer a variety of scenery, from open grasslands to dense forests;
• Camping. Chadron State Park has over 200 campsites, including both RV and tent sites. The campsites are located in a variety of settings, from wooded areas to open meadows.
• Wildlife viewing. Chadron State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. Visitors can often see wildlife along the hiking trails and in the campgrounds.
• Picnicking. Chadron State Park has several picnic areas, located in a variety of settings. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery.
• Fishing. Chadron State Park has several fishing lakes and streams. Visitors can fish for a variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Chadron State Park is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages, and it’s a great place to experience the beauty of the Pine Ridge region of Nebraska.