9 Most Scenic Small Towns In Nebraska For Nature Lovers
You might think of Nebraska as a nondescript mix of prairies and cornfields, but that neglects all the unique landforms spread across the state. Many such features, from buttes to waterfalls to pine forests to sandhills, are far-flung, meaning that you must ditch major cities to find them. Thankfully, you can use Nebraska's small towns as bases for exploration.
From the sandhill-studded wilderness near Valentine to the dramatic rocky landscapes surrounding Chadron, these towns offer a refreshing blend of outdoor adventure and rural charm for nature lovers ready to see a different side of Nebraska.
Valentine
No need for wordplay—there’s plenty to love about Valentine (OK, that is the only one). This quaint "city" of about 2,600 people sits within the Nebraska Sandhills, a region offering far more than its name suggests. Nearby natural attractions include the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, and Smith Falls State Park, which hosts Nebraska's tallest waterfall. The area's darkest skies can be found at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, home of the Nebraska Star Party. All these natural gems are just minutes from town, making Valentine an ideal base for exploring land, water, and sky.
Ashland
Many of Nebraska's most scenic towns straddle rivers. For Valentine, it is the Niobrara River. For Ashland, located hundreds of miles southeast, it is the Platte River. Both are tributaries of the massive Missouri River, but the Platte penetrates a more lush and populous Nebraska, of which Ashland belongs. Though home to just over 3,000 people, Ashland is rapidly growing as a hub for riverside adventure, chiefly at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, the last of which displays nature in a unique way. Ever had drive-thru bison or elk? Simmons Park has you covered.
Gering
Gering is also a river town, but it differs from others by being high and dry in the Nebraska Panhandle. There is a chance the North Platte River will have evaporated by the time you visit, but do not worry. Aside from seeing imported tropical sights at the Riverside Discovery Center, people go to the Gering area for semi-arid attractions, notably Scotts Bluff National Monument, which preserves 3,000ish acres of towering landmarks that guided pioneers along the Oregon Trail. After climbing Scotts Bluff, check out the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, another semi-arid wonderland south of town. Activities include hiking, biking, camping, and archery.
Brownville
Straddling the mighty Missouri, Brownville is as small as the huge river. It was huge, though. In fact, Brownville bustled as a steamboat hub in the late 19th century. Steam power had fallen by the wayside, and Brownville became a living museum with tranquil architectural tours and scenic river views. The former can be done at the Brown-Carson House or the Captain Bailey House. The latter can be had while staying at the River Inn Resort or while cruising on the Spirit of Brownville riverboat. If you want a more hardcore adventure, head south to Indian Cave State Park, which contains a large sandstone cave displaying Native American petroglyphs.
Niobrara
Niobrara is a village at the mouth of its namesake river, which, as you may remember, nourishes Valentine. Before it gets to Valentine (~150 miles away), however, it nourishes villagers with scenic views and tourists with scenic recreation, especially as it winds its way through Niobrara State Park on the west side of town. Though small for a nature preserve, the state park is considered one of the prettiest sights in the state and offers everything from boating to biking to fishing to picnicking to hiking to horseback riding. Whatever you choose, make sure to follow it up with some R&R in the village. It is hard to go wrong with the Sportsmen's Bar or the Country Cafe.
Ponca
If you ever want to see Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa at the same time, Ponca is the place to be. That Tri-State Overlook is in Ponca State Park, which straddles Ponca, the city in Nebraska's northeastern corner. In addition to interstate vistas, Ponca State Park contains bluffs, forests, hills, wetlands, and wildlife. Moreover, the park serves as the eastern gateway to the Missouri National Recreational River, a 59-mile section of the Missouri River that is unchannelized and unbelievably amazing. While verifying that claim for yourself, you can stay in the park at cabins or campsites, or stay in town at the Oak Trail Inn.
Gibbon
One of Nebraska's most spectacular natural sights is temporary, since it can be seen each year starting in February but ceasing in April. This refers to the annual migration of a million-odd sandhill cranes to the Central Platte River valley. Along with bigger riverside cities like Kearney and Grand Island, Gibbon is an excellent gateway for cranespotting. Just south of town sit the Ian Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary and the Richard Plautz Crane Viewing Site, where you can admire not just cranes but pelicans, herons, egrets, eagles, and other participants of this avian extravaganza.
Chadron
Chadron is another Panhandle city that stuns with diverse scenery. Though situated in the Great Plains, Chadron's neighboring nature comprises buttes, canyons, lush valleys, pine forests, snaking streams, streaming snakes, bountiful bison, and giant toadstool-shaped geologic formations. Such landmarks come courtesy of Chadron State Park, the Nebraska National Forest, Fort Robinson State Park, and the Oglala National Grassland. The last of those contains Toadstool Geologic Park, home of the aforementioned formations. Weighing many tons and aged millions of years, they are arguably the most picturesque pieces of the greater Chadron. Capture a piece (on camera) for yourself.
Nebraska City
As the birthplace of Arbor Day, Nebraska City is mandatory for a list of natural Nebraskan hotspots. It is full of trees, of course, which stem from J. Sterling Morton's idea for an annual environmental observance. One million trees were reportedly planted in Nebraska during the first Arbor Day. Over 150 years later, Morton's former farm is preserved as Arbor Day Farm, which spans 260 acres and comprises the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Apple House Market, Preservation Orchard, Lied Lodge, and Tree Adventure. Adventure lovers will adore Tree Adventure as they walk from tree to tree along suspended wooden walkways. Naturally, Arbor Day Farm hosts an extravagant Arbor Day festival that spans multiple days and various horticultural activities.
A Natural Retreat In Nebraska
If you did before, we hope you no longer think Nebraska is just grass and corn. Further, Nebraska should now be high on your list of scenic destinations. Whatever type of nature lover you are, you should find something worth seeing between Valentine and its sandhills, Ashland and its elk, Gering and its bluffs, Brownville and its cave, Niobrara and its river, Ponca and its park, Gibbon and its cranes, Chadron and its "toadstools," and Nebraska City and its trees. Which will you choose?
