9 Coolest Nebraska Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
The weather is getting warmer, and you have some time off coming up; where are you going this summer? Nebraska might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it should be. This heartland state in the middle of America is not just cornfields and flat land. Vacationers can find peaceful lake waters, unique summer festivals, outdoor adventures, a plethora of wildlife, fascinating history, and so much more in Nebraska. Whether you are paddling down the Niobrara River in Valentine or celebrating Kool-Aid Days in Hastings, this state serves up one surprising summer delight after another. Whatever type of getaway you need, you can find it in Nebraska.
Valentine
Valentine, nestled in the heart of Nebraska (pun intended!), is a super fun place to spend the summer surrounded by nature. Go canoeing, kayaking, or tubing in the Niobrara National Scenic River, a 76-mile stretch of water surrounded by beautiful, dense forests. The Smith Falls State Park, visible from the river and accessible via a historic footbridge, is Nebraska's tallest waterfall at over 60 feet. Animal lovers and hikers can see roughly 260 species of birds at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, and approximately 350 bison roaming free at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Summer is the best time to visit Valentine because the wildlife is flourishing and the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors.
Ashland
Between the well-known cities of Omaha and Lincoln is Ashland, a cute town in the Great Plains that offers adventure and relaxation in the summer. For those looking for thrilling experiences, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park should be their first stop in Ashland. This 673-acre natural area located right along the Platte River is a fantastic place for vacationers to go hiking, horseback riding, or fishing, to test their limits on a treetop adventure course, or to take pictures in the panoramic observation tower.
The nearby Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari also has a drive-through experience where guests can observe animals such as bison, elk, and wolves. Kids and adults alike will love seeing these species up close and personal in their natural habitats. Along with the outdoor fun, summer in Ashland also features Stir-Up Days. Taking place in the downtown area, it is full of events like a car show, parade, and craft show with over 150 vendors.
Louisville
Traveling east of Ashland, visitors will reach the quaint town of Louisville, where they can enjoy the outdoors in Platte River State Park. Another hidden gem along the Platte River, this 453-acre park has the perfect combination of homespun Midwestern charm and modern conveniences. The park offers a variety of accommodations, including vintage cabins, unique glamping units, and teepees; so whatever type of experience you are looking for, Platte River State Park has you covered. As far as activities go, summer guests can go hiking or biking on one of the various trails, take aim at the archery and shooting ranges, or experience Jenny Newman Pond from a paddle boat. After a day outside, cool down in town with some ice cream at Mrs. T’s Dari Creme, a small shop that has been open seasonally for over 70 years.
Hastings
Nothing reminds us of hot summer days like the sweet taste of Kool-Aid! Every August, Hastings, Nebraska, proudly celebrates its status as the birthplace of Kool-Aid with the annual Kool-Aid Days Festival. This vibrant event is packed with family-friendly activities, live music, and exciting parades. The Kardboard Boat Races, a unique event that draws a variety of participants each year, is a fun contest to see whose hand-crafted cardboard boat will finish the race first. Like any great festival, food vendors, games, and fireworks will be there to celebrate Hastings’ claim to fame. For more Kool-Aid history, visitors can check out the Hastings Museum when they need to get inside and beat the summer heat. The town also features several public parks, including Hartwell Park, Lake Hastings Park, and the Children’s Memorial Garden, all stunning outdoor spots to spend a relaxing summer afternoon.
Chadron
In Nebraska's Pine Ridge region, Chadron is home to Nebraska’s oldest state park, Chadron State Park. Established in 1921, this park covers an impressive 974 acres within the Nebraska National Forest. Rolling hills, gigantic pine trees, and scenic overlooks create the backdrop for vacationers as they enjoy exciting activities like hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, archery, and disc golf. Visitors in Chadron can also access the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, another great outdoor haven. Here, you can spot elk, deer, and wild turkeys while hiking, riding horses, or going mountain biking along the rugged terrain. If you want to stay close to nature, Pine Ridge Cabin is a peaceful Bed and Breakfast that has onsite nature trails and a quiet vibe for resting after your adventures.
North Platte
Railroad enthusiasts should not miss out on a summer trip to North Platte. Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, located in the middle of this charming town, is the world's largest classification rail yard and an extremely important hub in the national rail network. Approximately 14,000 railcars run through Bailey’s Yard every day. If possible, plan your summer vacation to North Platte near the end of June to attend the Rail Days festival. At this event, people can tour the usually unseen parts of Bailey Yard, enjoy interactive exhibits centered around rail history, and take part in family-friendly activities. The Golden Spike Tower is a highlight of the festival, too. Standing eight stories up on the Golden Spike Tower offers the best panoramic bird’s eye view of Bailey’s Yard. North Platte also has other rail-themed attractions, such as Cody Park Railroad Museum, which is open year-round.
Seward
Seward, Nebraska, is a fantastic destination for those who enthusiastically get in the spirit during the Fourth of July. Known as “America’s Official Fourth of July City,” Seward has hosted a festival to celebrate the patriotic holiday since 1868. Roughly 40,000 visitors (that’s over five times the number of residents in Seward!) come to enjoy the festivities that feature hundreds of events over multiple days. The festival’s unique activities, such as the apple pie eating contest, bubble gum blowing contest, and the selection of "Miss Independence" and "Mr. Firecracker," are always crowd favorites. Apart from the major festival, those here during the summer can also tee off at the Seward Community Golf Course or walk along the Plum Creek Trail and Garden Area.
Gering
Gering, Nebraska, is a delightful summer destination, especially for golf enthusiasts. The Monument Shadows Golf Course is a scenic course that allows golfers to tee off while enjoying the backdrop of the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Several other golf courses are located within driving distance in neighboring towns such as Mitchell, Morrill, Kimball, and Scottsbluff. The town of Gering also hosts Oregon Trail Days, a lively annual celebration where residents and visitors can watch parades, dance in the street, peruse local art, and take part in a chili cook-off. Strolling through the well-maintained parks like Oregon Trail Park is also a great way to spend leisurely summer days, and the nearby Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area allows you to learn about and witness local flora and fauna.
Crofton
Crofton, located near the Missouri River in Northeastern Nebraska, is a fantastic getaway spot for summer travelers. Going to the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, an expansive park along the southern shore of the Lewis and Clark Lake, is an excellent way to pass a summer day in Crofton. Rent a boat or stock up on supplies at the Weigand Marina, a seasonally open spot, for a day on the lake. If fishing is on the agenda, the lake is stocked full of various species like walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, and catfish. Land-based activities at the recreation area include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There’s something for everyone in Crofton, especially during the summer.
Concluding Thoughts
The Cornhusker State certainly knows how to do summer right. In Nebraska, you can see waterfalls, hike through pine forests, celebrate the Fourth of July in over-the-top fashion, or attend a festival dedicated to Kool-Aid. Who knew? This unassuming Midwestern State is a place where your summer escape can be as unexpected as it is unforgettable. Skip the crowded coastlines and theme parks, and opt for all of the fun, beauty, and heart that Nebraska has to offer.
