By Joshua Chiedu
Nebraska's most beautiful spring destinations are also home to some of the state's most adventurous activities and attractions.
The multi-use recreational Cowboy Trail in northern Nebraska, an aerial view of a long trestle over Long Pine Creek
Spring is the time of the year when Nebraska’s impressive landscape regains its full natural glory and charm. With the gardens blossoming, the animals popping out again, and the weather getting warmer, the state becomes beautiful and also exciting during this season. Although the beauty of spring can be seen in most parts of the state, these destinations are the most beautiful, which means they should be at the top of any Nebraska bucket list.
10 The Cowboy Trail
Riding the Cowboy Trail at the trestle in Long Pine, Nebraska, USA
The Cowboy is a picturesque rail trail stretching nearly 200 miles in Northern Nebraska. The trail symbolizes the lonely paths cowboys traversed in the past, and it was the first recreational trail in Nebraska. In spring, the beauty of this iconic trail becomes amplified as the surrounding forests and shrubs become greener and also gets complemented by the clear rivers flowing around it.
The trail is great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and there are many interesting things that can be seen throughout its length, from the Valentine Railroad Bridge to stunning mountains and several cities and towns.
9 Chimney Rock
View of the Chimney Rock in Nebraska under a bright blue sky
The Chimney Rock is one of Nebraska's top landmarks that comes with otherworldly scenery (it's not to be confused with Chimney Rock in North Carolina, however). It is characterized by a needle-like rock on top of a mound. Its total height is approximately 4,228 feet above sea level.
The rock is as historic as it is stunning, making it one of the most beautiful places Nebraska has to offer. It was a major landmark along the Oregon Trail, and it was also used as a landmark by Native Americans and the fur traders who came in the early 19th century. Although it can be visited year-round, it is particularly beautiful in spring, and the season also comes with great visibility and comfortable weather that makes it enjoyable to explore.
8 Omaha
An aerial view of a landscape covered in green fields and trees in Omaha
Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and offers lots to do, yet it retains its beauty all year round. In spring, though, Omaha's top tourist attractions renew their appeal, and the warmer weather makes the outdoor activities of the city more enjoyable. The city is also filled with several nature parks and gardens with flowers and plants that bloom during spring and create gorgeous sights.
Besides the natural scenery, the city also just comes alive during this season and opens up the stage for exciting festivals and a wide range of outdoor activities that make the spring vacation memorable.
Related: 10 Reasons Why The Omaha Zoo Is The Best In The US
7 Lincoln
Nebraska State Capitol in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska
As the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is one of the liveliest cities in the state. During spring, this city becomes both lively and beautiful as the flowers blossom and the trees renew their greenery at its numerous parks and gardens.
A visit to the state Capitol is always a highlight activity in Lincoln, and it gets better with spring's comfortable weather.
Other interesting attractions in Lincoln include the sunken gardens, pioneer nature park, and the historic Haymarket district.
Related:
6 The Archway
The Archway Monument, Kearney
The Archway is a bridge and arched monument stretching over Interstate 80 on the outskirts of Kearney City with flourishing greenery beneath. As with most destinations in spring, the flowers and plants around this bridge regain their beauty, making the landmark incredibly beautiful and appealing to explore.
Besides its gorgeous scenery, this bridge also comes with an interesting history that's worth knowing. It has been a major route in America from the times of Indigenous people through the Oregon Trail era and now in modern times. Inside the monument is a museum that offers historic tours and lessons about the various people who traveled this road.
5 Platte River State Park
A man fishing on the grass-covered banks of the Platte river under a cloudy sky in Nebraska
The Platte River State Park is an area in the Platte River Valley of Nebraska that's endowed with the largest river in Nebraska as well as gorgeous forest areas and cozy cabins. Visiting this park during spring is memorable as the greenery is at its most beautiful, and the air is fresh.
Whether travelers choose to just relax in one of the park's vintage cabins, explore the landscape by hiking or take in the views from the observation towers, every moment spent here is sure to be memorable.
4 Carhenge
Carhenge in Nebraska under a blue sky
Carhenge is an unusual monument in Nebraska that poses as the state's version of Stonehenge. The monument is characterized by several old cars arranged in an open field, just like Stonehenge in England (which there's still so much that people don't know about). While spring sets the perfect weather to behold this stunning monument, it rejuvenates the greenery of the fields that host it.
With such an attraction in Nebraska, one can easily get an idea of what Stonehenge looks like without having to travel to England.
Interestingly, Carhenge in Nebraska isn't the only bizarre recreation of Stonehenge. Bamahenge in Alabama is a huge replica of Stonehenge and has a fascinating backstory.
3 Smith Falls State Park
Smith falls surrounded by trees in Nebraska
Smith Falls State Park is one of Nebraska's natural areas that's worth visiting year-round (some would even say it's among the most beautiful natural wonders in the US, especially if one asks a local Nebraskan!). The highlight of this park is its 63 feet waterfall which is the highest in the state. During spring, the waterfall returns to its full glory while the surrounding trees become greener, making the entire area more gorgeous and appealing.
The park offers a wide range of activities like hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking, and spring offers an opportunity to experience them before the rest of the world arrives.
2 Chadron
Middle loup river footbridge in Nebraska National Forest surrounded by trees under a bright sky
Located in Dawes County, Chadron is one of the most beautiful places in Nebraska to visit in spring (or year-round, really), and it is a city that comes with rich nature and interesting history. To reiterate, the city is great for a vacation all year round, but spring is particularly beautiful and exciting here.
During this season, the weather is soothing, visibility is optimal, and the crowds are lesser. This makes it enjoyable to witness the town's natural beauty at its popular attractions, some of which include the Chadron State Park and Nebraska National Forest.
1 McCook
Cyclical tornadic supercell in between tornadoes, taken near McCook, Nebraska, USA
McCook is one of Nebraska's gorgeous cities that punch more than its weight when it comes to scenery and adventures. The city is great for a spring vacation, thanks to its welcoming residents, national parks, lakes, landmarks, and beautiful clear rivers. Although they are beautiful year-round, a little touch of beauty is added to the city's natural endowments in spring, making them more appealing to explore.
Besides the natural beauty, McCook is also one of the most historic places in Nebraska, and it has plenty of historical landmarks to show for it.
FAQs
What is the number one attraction in Nebraska? ›
1: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
And with over two million visitors every year, it's a popular destination while visiting Nebraska. With over 130 acres, you'll need to plan for an entire day at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to see just a fraction of the exciting things that it has in store.
The state boasts open plains that stretch for miles and miles, natural rock formations, towering dunes, and several scenic spots. Those who love the hustle and bustle of city life will enjoy the offerings of Lincoln and Omaha.
What things are unique to Nebraska? ›Nebraska is famous for its thriving music scene, vast prairies, spacious farmlands, and unique attractions. The state was once considered part of the Great American Desert but has since transformed into a leading agricultural state. Nebraska is also known for being the origin of the Reuben sandwich and Kool-Aid.
What is the best month to visit Nebraska? ›The best time to visit Nebraska is from September to October- the fall season. The fall foliage paints the landscape of Nebraska in vibrant colours during this time and cool weather allows visitors to enjoy the host of outdoor activities that Nebraska has to offer.
What places would tourists visit if they went to Nebraska? ›- Henry Doorly Zoo. 5,948. Theaters • Zoos. ...
- Museum of American Speed. 569. Speciality Museums. ...
- The Durham Museum. 1,215. History Museums. ...
- Old Market. 2,568. Neighborhoods. ...
- Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center. 1,138. ...
- Sunken Gardens. 758. ...
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. 1,468. ...
- Nebraska State Capitol. 867.
Sand Hills - Nebraska
Widely recognized as one of the largest plant-anchored sand dune regions in the world, the Nebraska Sand Hills are fragile grasslands that are isolated and stunning in unexpected ways.
Nebraska is probably best known for corn and beef -- don't worry, we have both in this lineup -- but it's also a state full of chefs aiming to serve much more than those two staples. We have Alton Brown's favorite burger in the nation.
Is there a pretty part of Nebraska? ›In addition to gorgeous landscapes and the scenic Niobrara River, you'll see graceful wildlife and the breathtaking Fort Falls, Nebraska's largest waterfall by volume at what's considered one of the prettiest places in Nebraska.
What is Nebraska most famous for? ›Nebraska is famous for, yes, corn, but also the Runza sandwich, Chimney Rock, and Carhenge. Nebraska is known as the Cornhusker State and is also known for the Reuben sandwich, the Cowboy Trail, the Lied Jungle, Kool-Aid, and as the origin of both ski lifts and TV dinners.
What is the name of one famous city in Nebraska? ›Lincoln. Lincoln was originally known as Lancaster, earning its current name after the assassination of U.S. ... [+] Lincoln became the capital of Nebraska back in 1869, and this bustling college city has been going strong ever since.
What is a Runza in Nebraska? ›
A runza (the dish) falls somewhere between a hot pocket and burger when it comes to the culinary spectrum; it's ground beef, onions, and cabbage all wrapped in yeast dough that's then baked. What you get is a savory pastry that's ideal for a Cornhuskers tailgate or any other meal on the go.
Was 911 invented in Nebraska? ›The first implementation of 911 was in Haleyville, Alabama in January 1968. Back then, the town had a population of about 4,500, and was serviced by the Alabama Telephone Company. Weeks before, Congress had declared that 911 should be the national emergency number.
What is the rainiest month in Nebraska? ›The driest month in Lincoln is February with 0.66 inches of precipitation, and with 4.23 inches May is the wettest month.
What month is tornado season in Nebraska? ›Parts of Nebraska is considered to be located in Tornado Alley with the peak of Nebraska high storm season occurring in May and June.
What is spring like in Nebraska? ›Average spring and early-summer temperatures range from lows in the 30s to highs in the 60s in March and April, with warming to the 50-80s range by May and June.
What is the most visited national landmark? ›Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York City draws the most visitors each year, attracting people from around the world who come to see Lady Liberty, a symbol of freedom.
What is the most popular landmark in Nebraska? ›Of all the monuments in Nebraska, Scotts Bluff National Monument is arguably the most famous. Scotts Bluff sits on 3,000 acres of land along the North Platte River. It is a prominent juncture for travelers, ranging from natives to emigrants of Oregon, Mormon, and California trails.
Which places are the most popular with tourists? ›- France – 82.6 million visitors.
- The United States – 75.6 million visitors.
- Spain – 75.6 million visitors.
- China – 59.3 million visitors.
- Italy – 52.4 million visitors.
- United Kingdom – 35.8 million visitors.
- Germany – 35.6 million visitors.
- Mexico – 35.0 million visitors.
Several towns in the Bohemian Alps are in the top 10 communities with the highest percentage of people claiming Czech ancestry: Oak Creek (38.2 percent), Wilber (27.3 percent), and David City (28 percent).
What is the coldest town in Nebraska? ›
Though some years are colder in certain regions than in others, there is one city in each state that is colder than the rest. According to a list compiled by Stacker, the coldest city in all of Nebraska is Valentine. The average daily temperature in Valentine is nearly 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is Nebraska favorite dessert? ›Nebraska: Sweet Corn Cakes
And, while Nebraska is known for its sweet corn ice cream, making this dish should suit your needs.
- Sweet corn on the cob. flickr/Drew Geraets. ...
- Rocky mountain oysters. flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM. ...
- Nebraska steak. ...
- Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. ...
- Dorothy Lynch dressing. ...
- Fried morel mushrooms. ...
- Fresh apple pie. ...
- Rhubarb crisp.
Bellevue. This city seems to be the most expensive place for living in Nebraska. What is this? The average cost of living in Bellevue is $1.730, which is in the top 19% of the most expensive cities in the world.
Is Nebraska cheap to live in? ›The cost of living in Nebraska is 8% lower than the national average. Housing is 17% lower than the national average, while utilities are 12% lower. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 5% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 5% lower.
Are Nebraska people friendly? ›Friendliest Folks and Safest Cities
Even in the larger cities, where it may seem uncommon, folks are just as pleasant and helpful. Another good thing to look for when moving is safety ratings. Nebraska has a very low crime rate, being 3.9% below the national average.
Beef. Nebraska regularly leads the nation in beef exports. The state's cattle ranchers send more than $1 billion in beef overseas each year.
What is the main product from Nebraska? ›Nebraska's 10 leading commodities (in order of value) for 2021 cash receipts are cattle and calves, corn, soybeans, hogs, dairy products (milk), hay, wheat, misc. crops, chicken eggs, and dry edible beans.
What is the main animal of Nebraska? ›The 1981 Legislature designated the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as the state mammal. The white-tailed deer is an herbivorous hoofed mammal found in farmlands, brushy areas and woods.
What is 1 famous person from Nebraska? ›Crazy Horse Memorial. Daniel "Larry the Cable Guy" Whitney. Dick Cavett. Edward "Babe" Gomez.
Who is the most famous person from Nebraska? ›
1. Marlon Brando. Marlon Brando is widely considered the greatest movie actor of all time, rivaled only by the more theatrically oriented Laurence Olivier in terms of esteem.
What is a person from Omaha called? ›Omaha | |
---|---|
Demonym | Omahan |
Time zone | UTC−06:00 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−05:00 (CDT) |
ZIP Codes | 68022, 68101–68164 |
Originally settled by European Americans in the 1830s, Bellevue was incorporated in 1855 and is the oldest continuous town in Nebraska.
What does Nebraska have that other states don t? ›The state of Nebraska is the only state in the country that does not have a bicameral legislature. Instead, the Nebraska Legislature has only one house - called the Unicameral - that serves the citizens of the state. Representatives from the Unicameral are called senators.
What is a Nebraska burger? ›The Nebraska Black Angus Burger is a high quality gourmet product, made with Black Angus beef from Nebraska, United States. This hamburger is characterized by its intense flavor and juicy texture.
What does Runza mean in German? ›“Runza” is a version of the low German word runsa, which translates into “bun shape” or the soft shape of a round belly.
What candy did Nebraska invent? ›Simple yet scrumptious, Eskimo Pies (which are chocolate-coated ice cream bars) were invented by Christian Kent Nelson, who sold them in his candy store in Onawa in the 1920s.
What sandwich was invented in Nebraska? ›According to Omaha lore, the Reuben Sandwich was dreamed up at Omaha's Blackstone Hotel in 1925 by Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer, to feed a group of late-night poker players. Charles Schimmel, one of the players and the hotel's owner, liked it so much he put it on the menu of The Plush Horse, the hotel restaurant.
What was all invented in Nebraska? ›- Round baler. The invention of the round baler is credited to the Luebben family of Sutton, with the patent issued in the early 1900s. ...
- Kool-Aid. Edwin E. ...
- Vise Grip. ...
- Dorothy Lynch dressing. ...
- Car rentals. ...
- Reuben sandwich. ...
- 911. ...
- Eskimo Pie.
Sand Hills - Nebraska
Widely recognized as one of the largest plant-anchored sand dune regions in the world, the Nebraska Sand Hills are fragile grasslands that are isolated and stunning in unexpected ways.
Is Nebraska a scenic? ›
Nebraska offers nine scenic byways that let you follow the trails of the pioneers, roll down city streets or go gladly off the grid. Just make sure to soak in the views—they're called scenic byways for a reason.
What is the number 1 most beautiful state? ›Home to nine national parks (more parks than any other state in the country), California is undoubtedly the most beautiful state in America for natural wonders.
What is the 1 most beautiful city? ›1. Rome, Italy. At number one you voted Rome as the most beautiful city in the world. With its thousand-year-old buildings such as the Forum Romanum or the Colosseum, beautiful piazzas and world-class art – not to mention Vatican City – we are certainly not surprised.
How many national parks are in Nebraska? ›Generally, it's not the most popular destination. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that there are five national parks in Nebraska.
What is the busiest road in Nebraska? ›1. 90th and Dodge - This area has been Omaha's busiest intersection since 2016. In 2018, nearly 107,000 vehicles passed through this road.
What is the most prominent peak in Nebraska? ›Perhaps the most recognizable peak among Nebraska's known mountains is Chimney Rock near Bayard.
Can Nebraska see the northern lights? ›Later on, the potential to see the northern lights grew for the mid and upper latitudes within the United States. The southernmost point included most of Nebraska, so it was just a matter of getting away from light pollution and cloud cover in order to see it!
What is a fun weird fact about Nebraska? ›This state's name comes from Native American words that mean “flat water.” The phrase refers to the Platte River, which runs through the state. The University of Nebraska gave the state its nickname, since the school's football team name is the Cornhuskers.
What is Nebraska nice? ›The commission said "Nebraska Nice has a dual meaning. It's not only about Nebraskan's being nice to visitors and each other -- it's also a reference to the 'nice moments' that make the best vacations memorable and special."