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The Official 2023 Not-At-All What You Thought Nebraska State Travel Guide

Read The Official 2023 Not-At-All What You Thought Nebraska State Travel Guide | While our state may not be for everyone, those who venture here will make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Inside you’ll discover road trip itineraries tailored to different styles and interests, from foodie tours to outdoor escapes to family vacations. Each corner of Nebraska is packed with pioneer history, outdoor adventures, awe-inspiring museums and plenty of hidden gems along the way. Read on to start planning your next visit to Nebraska.

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Scotts Bluff & Chimney Rock - following the Oregon Trail (Nebraska)

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Known as “A Landmark for Many Peoples,” Scotts Bluff is a topographic feature towering 800 feet above the North Platte River. This national park consists of over 3,000 acres of overland trail remnants, mixed-grass prairie, rugged badlands, towering bluffs, and riparian areas. It is home to over 452 species and subspecies of plants and wildlife. There are 4 miles of hiking trails and a 1.6-mile road where you can drive up to the top of Scotts Bluff to see the view or catch a sunset.

Lake Minatare

If you venture 12 miles northeast of Scottsbluff, you will find Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. At 2,158 acres, it is the panhandle’s largest body of water. Lake Minatare offers excellent outdoor recreation activities including boating, camping, fishing, hiking, water skiing, stargazing, and bird watching, which draws thousands of visitors to the area each year. Lake Minatare has a landmark lighthouse built entirely out of stone. At 55 feet tall, the historic tower offers a spectacular view of the lake and picturesque river valley.

Five Rocks Amphitheater

Five Rocks Amphitheater is a scenic 3,000-seat amphitheater featuring a summer concert series of jazz, blues, country, and rock performances. On Thursday nights in the summer, they have “Movies at the Rocks” showing full-length new release blockbusters and classic films.

Riverside Discovery Center

The Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff is the “Best Little Zoo in the West!” This 25-acre zoological park is home to 170 native and exotic animals including bears, bison, chimpanzees, zebras, lions, and tigers. Features include a playground, petting zoo, splash pad (waterpark), and an educational dino dig for children of all ages to enjoy.

Old West Balloon Fest

Old West Balloon Fest is Nebraska’s annual, premier Hot Air Ballooning Event. The festival spans 3 days with over 80 colorful hot air balloons filling the sky in Western Nebraska. The festival also hosts the U.S. National Hot Air Ballooning Championships where pilots come from across the country to compete.

Scotts Bluff National Monument | Bucket List Destination

Lake McConaughy from Above - Arthur Bay