Other Destinations and Attractions in Nebraska

This 500 ft pinnacle of rock 24 mi. south-east on the North Platte River was a landmark on the Oregon Trail, telling the settlers travelling on it that after crossing the Great Plains they had the much more arduous passage of the Rockies ahead of them.
This is a major attraction on the Oregon Trail and in the American West.

Twenty-two mi. south of Harrison is Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, where fossils of primeval mammals dating back 20 million years were found. The museum displays some of these finds, as well as items belonging to Ogallala Chief Red Cloud.
The first scientific excavation, in 1904, discovered the fossils of a previously unknown rhinoceros.

Self-guiding trails lead to historic fossil quarries and a historic cabin.

John Gneisenau Neihardt was a teacher, philosopher, and Poet Laureate. He moved to Bancroft in 1900 and began his major work, A Cycle of the West. Visitors to his home see the study where he wrote many of his works and visit the Sioux Prayer Garden.

At the Oregon Trail Wagon Train east of Bayard visitors can take a covered wagon tour of the Oregon Trail. Chuck wagon cookouts and a songfest are offered. Tours of Chimney Rock and canoe rentals on the North Platte River are available.

The Gage County Historical Society and Museum is located in the 1906 Burlington Railroad Depot. Displays feature the history of industry, medicine, agriculture and the people of Gage County.

The Pioneer Trails Museum in Bridgeport features historic artifacts including a Post Office from Camp Clarke.

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park is home to part of the original 1280-acre Military Reservation. Nine of the original buildings on the Park grounds are made of grout - a mixture of gravel, lime, and cement. The Fort was in use from 1874-1881 during Indian warfare on the Plains.

Bluebird Nursery has nearly 2 acres of Trial and Display Gardens with thousands of varieties of annuals, perennials, ground covers, grasses and wildflowers. In the Spring, the flowering bulbs add to the display!

The Living Arch and Fountain Garden as well as grass garden, with the Buford the buffalo grass buffalo, are available for visitors to enjoy.

The Robert Henri Museum and walkway in Cozad features exhibits from the life and work of artist Robert Henri. Displays include paintings and ink sketches. The museum is in Henri's boyhood home and features period furnishings.

The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center features a view of Lewis and Clark Lake, Gavins Point Dam, and the Missouri River. Exhibits feature displays on the geology, exploration, settlement and natural history of the Missouri River region.

The Gavins Point Powerplant features exhibits that describe the construction of the dam and hydroelectric powerplant. Gavins Point Dam plays a role in operation of the six main stem dams and reservoirs on the Upper Missouri River basin.

Chevyland USA in Elm Creek features Chevrolet cars from 1915 to the mid-1980s, as well as motorcycles from the 1950s-1980s.

The Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum in Elmwood features the life of the 20th C author who wrote more than 160 short stories and 12 books that deal with family values and pioneer history. The museum features memorbilia and family antiques, as well as exhibits that tell the story of several of her novels. The gift shop offers books and souvenirs for sale.

Rock Creek Station was a stage and Pony Express stop that served the Oregon Trail. The park features deep ruts that were carved by the many wagons that traveled the Oregon Trail. The Station began as a cabin with a lean-to and barn. At one time it was a store where hay, grain, and supplies could be bought or sold.

Fort Atkinson was the first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River. The fort was used from 1820 and 1827. Living history demonstrations feature the blacksmith and gunsmith set up at the Armorer's Shop and the Indian agent in his quarters at the Council House.

The Genoa Historical Museum features Pawnee weapons, tools, relics and artifacts along with Pawnee tribal and Morman Trail exhibits. The museum is housed in the old Genoa bank.

The Aksarben Aquarium features 12 tanks that display native fish and other species in their natural habitats. A large terrarium houses reptiles and amphibians.

The Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdrege features collections of period clothing, antique toys, farm equipment, tools and household items that belonged to the pioneers.

The Homestead National Monument is located on the site of Daniel Freeman's original land claim. He was one of the first people to take advantage of the government's offer of free land under the Homestead Act of 1862.

The Ash Hollow Formation is an example of the geology of the central Great Plains before the ice age.

The Ash Hollow State Historical Park features a 1903 schoolhouse and a nature trail with ruts that were carved by thousands of wagons using the Oregon Trail.

Visitors to the Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park see what ranch life was like during the settlement of the Sandhills in the late 1800's. Displays include tools and equipment used on the ranch.

The Nebraska National Forest is located in the northwest quadrant of the state. This area includes the short grass prairie of the Oglala National Grassland to the forested Pine Ridge. The nearby recreation area provides opportunity for camping, picnicking, swimming, and activities on the Niobrara River and the Merritt Reservoir.

The Neligh Mill is a water-turbine-powered mill that has been restored but is inoperative. Visitors can explore the mill and the remains of the mill dam. The history of the mill and other mills in the area is explained.

Kreycik River View Elk & Buffalo Ranch is a working elk, bison, and cattle ranch and farm. Visitors to the ranch can take part in a guided covered wagon tour that travels through the pastures. Spring and early Summer are ideal for viewing the babies while Fall is the season for bull elk bugling.

The Moses P. Kinkaid Law Office Museum in O'Neill is the home of the Holt County Historical Society. The brick building was built in 1894 and contained a bank and Kinkaid's law office. The museum features historic exhibits from the area.

The Swedish Heritage Center in Oakland is located in the former Swedish Covenant Mission Church which was built in 1885. Exhibits include Swedish items and historic displays. Free monthly cultural programs are also available.

The Oglala National Grassland has wildlife including pronghorn, turkey, deer, grouse, fox, owl, and prairie dog. Agate, Bordgate, and Rock Bass reservoirs have good fishing opportunities. Within the Grassland is Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed which has 10,000 year old bison skeletons.

The Garden County Museums in Oshkosh are housed in a 1904 schoolhouse and an old opera house. Exhibits include Native artifacts, fossils and a stuffed bird collection.

Ponca State Park features nearly 1,400 acres and is located 2mi/3km from the town of Ponca on the Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska. Lewis and Clark passed this place when they travelled up the Missouri and the park is part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail. The park has 20mi/32km of hiking trails.

The 23 acre Riverside Park and Zoo in Scottsbluff features both native and exotic wildlife exhibits with more than 200 animals.

The Living Memorial Gardens in Sidney was created through a project to recycle a 1940s vintage city swimming pool. It features a 141-ft flagpole and one of the largest American flags in the United States. There is a War Memorial.

The Saunders County Historical Museum features a tribute to pioneers in Nebraska. The complex contains a log home from 1873, a one room schoolhouse, a country church from 1889, and the Wahoo Railroad Depot.

The Czech Museum in Wilber features quilts, dolls, and replicas of immigrant homes.

The Anna Bemis Palmer Museum in York features a sod house and a house built of wood. Other exhibits include military artifacts, appliances, and vintage clothing. The bank exhibit has bank cages and windows from the original Blue River Bank in McCool Junction that operated from 1889-1966.