A Nebraska Vacation, Where the West Begins

Though much of Nebraska feels like the Mid-West, with the yellow corn swaying in the breeze, Nebraska is considered the gateway to the West. Like the Old West, adventure can be found in abundance on a Nebraska vacation.

Omaha

The Fun-Plex is one of the best tourist attractions around for a Nebraska family vacation. Also offering waterslides, wave pool, and floats, the Fun-Plex is unique because it features other activities. Batting cages,

go-karts, and bumper cars will keep the kiddies dry and entertained. Other offerings include boats, a Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, and a carousel.

Henry Doorly Zoo features 18,000 creatures, a jungle environment and aquarium. This zoo is one of the best in America. Its Lied Jungle is the largest indoor rain forest in the world. Its Dome Desert is the largest indoor desert in the world. The 71,00 square foot Scott Aquarium where amazing marine life can be, including eels, sharks, rays, and even a coral reef , also has a 70 foot underwater zig & zag tunnel for visitors to walk through.

Lincoln

The Lincoln Children’s Museum is perfect for younger children. Designed so that children can touch whatever they wish, this place is truly unique.

National Museum of Roller Skating has the largest collection of historical roller skates in the world. Some that date back to 1819. Photographs, artifacts, and activities relating to skate culture are housed in this one-of-a-kind museum.

The Lincoln Children’s Zoo houses over three hundred animals and is designed to cater to children. Some notable animals include a red panda, a hissing cockroach, and a baboon.

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park - Ten million years ago this spot was a watering hole. When a volcano erupted in what is now Idaho, ash drifted across Nebraska. It killed the animals at the watering hole. Over 200 complete skeletons have been dug up here so far. They include prehistoric rhinos, horses and an 11 foot tall camel.

Hastings

Hastings Museum which offers a planetarium, a Ground-water Discovery Adventure and a super-screen theater, will amaze the youngsters. Animals in their natural habitats can be found; the largest collection of Whooping cranes is housed here as well.

Grand Island

The Islands Oasis Water Park features water slides, lazy river floats, and a wave pool, cooling down has never been so fun! Little ones can wade in the toddler pool, while adults play volleyball on the beach. Concessions and discount group rates make this the perfect “seaside” stop in Nebraska.

Ashland

For many years the United States kept some of its military planes in Nebraska. The planes were part of the Strategic Air Command and today many of them are in the Strategic Air and Space Museum. There are more than thirty aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird, and 5,000 other items on display here.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park has over 700 acres of gorgeous landscape and fun-filled activities, no one in the family will be bored. The park offers a family aquatic center; mini golf, a driving range, tennis and basketball courts, soccer and football fields, and horseback riding will provide activities to occupy much of the day. Other enthralling activities include fishing, hiking, skiing, going on canoe trips, and picnicking. Spend the day in nature or visit the playhouse or theater. Visit the Owen Marina and rent a paddle boat. Any activity you choose will be accompanied by serene landscapes.

North Platte

For serious train lovers only the Union Pacific Railroads Bailey Yard is the largest railroad classification yard in the world. Thousands of train cars are sorted and put together each day to form trains. Bailey Yard handles about 10,000 railroad cars each day. There is an observation tower you can go up, for a fee, to over look the classification yard, however there is no guide or information at the site, so you are on your own.

For those looking for the old west here are adventures for you.

Minden

For a trip into the past, visit the Pioneer Village in Minden. Offering historic items and 28 buildings, it is truly like taking a time machine to the pioneer days. In addition to a sod house, fort, and Express Station (as in Pony Express), there is also more than 50,000 historical items on display. A general store, toy store, and antique steam carousel are also available to tourists. With antique tractors and cars, the mechanically inclined will also be entertained.

Chimney Rock

To truly feel like you are beginning a journey out West, visit Chimney Rock National Historic Site. It is a 325 foot rock formation spotted 30 miles away by pioneers trekking on the Oregon Trail. The site also features museum exhibits and activities. One truly symbolic activity is an interactive “pack your wagon” activity. It will make you feel as though you are a pioneer about to embark on your very own pioneering journey.

With all this and more, who wouldn’t want to take a Nebraska vacation? Fun and adventure are just some of the words one could use to describe a Nebraska vacation. Experience the pioneer adventure and plan your Nebraska vacation today!

Do you have a favorite Nebraska vacation destination? Do our readers a favor and share it with us and we’ll include it here and give you the credit! E-mail your favorite Nebraska vacation destination to us using this link: Nebraska Vacations.

More US State Vacation ideas, besides Nebraska vacation destinations.