8 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Nebraska
A visit to Nebraska is a visit to the past, where dusty badlands, grassy plains, and rushing rivers nudge up against frontier towns steeped in the rich history of the Old West. Nebraska gained statehood in 1867 but archaeological evidence shows people were living in the region 13,500 years ago. The state takes its name from the Native American words meaning "flat water," but just because it’s flat, doesn’t mean it's boring. The dynamic scenery of Nebraska makes it a must-see for nature lovers. Crashing waterfalls, sweeping valleys, and imposing rocky monuments make the state a breathtaking backdrop for stunning vacation albums.
Blair
Near the shores of the Missouri River, you will find Blair, a town where the scenery is the star. Head for the DeSoto Chute National Wildlife Refuge to see the best of Blair’s natural attractions. This beautiful 8,365-acre park boasts lush forests, wildflower-covered marshlands, grassy prairies, and the stunning DeSoto Lake. If that is not enough nature, hike up to Black Elk Neihardt Park, the town’s highest point, where you will find panoramic views of the town and the river beyond. The park has a variety of hiking trails, a picnic area, a playground, and a disc golf course.
A few minutes' drive out of town will take you to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, the site of the first military post in Nebraska. Now run by a local historical preservation group, the park hosts regular living history exhibits that showcase life in the early 1800s.
North Platte
North Platte is home to around 300,000 winged visitors each spring, making it a must-see for birders and nature lovers. The town is located in the stunning North Platte River valley, an important stop on the migratory route of Sandhill Cranes. The birds spend about six weeks here, preparing for the nesting season, and seeing them flock together from the Dusty Trails viewing site will be one of the highlights of your Nebraska vacation.
Outdoor enthusiasts and history fans will also love the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and Recreation Area, where you can get the full Old West experience and tour the legendary entertainer’s mansion, built in 1886.
Valentine
As its romantic name suggests, you will fall in love with Valentine. Home to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, the town is a must-see destination. Smith Falls, which cascades down 63 feet, is located in Nebraska’s newest state park, named after the falls. Inside the park, you can get the perfect shot of the falls from a historic bridge over the Niobrara River. You will also find dozens of winding trails, showing the best of the park’s diverse ecology.
For more of a challenge, head to the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, where you can pick up the 195-mile-long Cowboy Trail — an old railway line with decked bridges reaching over rivers and deep valleys to give stunning views. There are 270 species of birds and 59 mammal species in the wildlife refuge, so be sure to bring your camera. You might see a coyote on the hunt or catch the spring mating dance of a sharp-tailed grouse.
Brownville
Historic Brownville is a breathtaking small town with plenty of old-world character. Its charming downtown is brimming with heritage sites, architectural gems, and beautiful natural features. Don’t miss Dr Spurgin’s Dental Office on Main Street, one of the most unusual museums in Nebraska. This tiny wooden cabin is a replica of an 1800s dental office, complete with antique medical equipment and curiosities. The Brownville Village Theatre is also worth a look. The pretty white clapboard building is a former church over a century old.
Another gem on Main Street is the 1860 Carson House, a gorgeous period mansion and carriage house listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Outside of Brownville, you will find more scenic spots along the Steamboat Trace Hike/Bike Trail which winds alongside the Missouri River and has been designated an official Lewis and Clark site.
Nebraska City
Don’t be fooled by the name, Nebraska City has a small-town feel and is home to just 7,000 residents. It’s also one of the oldest settlements in the state and once hosted the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark. You can find out all about their visit to the town at the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail & Visitor Center, a museum and park containing extensive birding and hiking trails.
Nebraska City is proud of its heritage and has nine museums in town, including Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, a beautiful 1800s mansion and estate, and Nelson House, an 1857 brick house that charts the history of the town through the families that lived in Nebraska City over the centuries.
Kearney
East of Kearney, you will find one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions, The Archway. This fascinating exhibit details the story of the Oregon Trail pioneers, tracing the steps of the adventurers through the Great Platte River Valley. Learn more history at the Fort Kearny State Historical Park, the site of an important frontier outpost.
There are more scenic sights along the Kearney Water Trail, a gorgeous 2.3-mile river route popular with hikers, paddlers, and boaters. Just outside of town, Cottonmill Lake is a great place to catch the sunset or spend a sunny afternoon. The surrounding park offers disc golf, hiking trails, volleyball courts, and a seasonal marina.
Gering
Another historical hotspot, Gering’s most famous feature, is the Scotts Bluff National Monument, an eye-catching natural landmark that helped the Oregon Trail pioneers find their way. An imposing 800-foot tall, the monument overlooks the North Platte River. There are nearly 4 miles of trails but you don’t have to hike to get the best views, you can drive the Summit Road to get up to the very top and enjoy spectacular views. If you can, time your visit for sunset or sunrise for a truly unforgettable vacation moment.
If you are visiting in summer, catch a show at the Five Rocks Amphitheater just west of Gering. This open-air pavilion is an amazing venue for live entertainment, such as theater productions, bands, and shows. Get more nature at the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, which covers 1,094 acres of rocky canyons, forest ecosystems, and thriving bird habitats.
Norfolk
Norfolk is the trailhead for the epic nature path, the Cowboy Trail, making it a favorite of hikers and bikers. You can find the trail’s eastern starting point in Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, a 180.3-acre green space beside the Elkhorn River that boasts a shady lagoon, perfect for picnics and fishing. From here, the Cowboy trail stretches 300 miles west to Chadron, but you won’t have to go that far to get stunning views. Don’t forget to look up. Soaring bald eagles frequently fly over this area of the Elkhorn River Valley.
Learn more about Norfolk’s fascinating past in the Elkhorn Valley Museum, situated in beautiful Verges Park and home to over 25,000 artifacts. The park also contains an 1800s cabin and schoolhouse and Verges Cave, a man-made bunker dug out by the Verges family in the early 1900s.
Welcoming Towns, Unforgettable Landscapes
Sprawling plains, rolling hills, winding rivers, and welcoming small towns — Nebraska has it all, along with its own signature Midwest charm. This is a state for adventurers looking to make their own fun. Spend the day enjoying the glorious outdoors, hiking, biking, boating, or birding, before rewarding yourself with delicious dining or a tasting session at one of the state’s many craft breweries. Don’t forget to make room on your itinerary to visit one of Nebraska’s many museums to peer back through the past to the grind and glories of the 19th-century Midwest. The Cornhusker State will take your breath away whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular guest.
