Discover Treasures in the Plains as You Visit These 22 Nebraska Hidden Gems

From east to west and north to south, Nebraska is brimming with intriguing, exciting, and fascinating places. From scenic waterfalls, monuments, and preserved relics of the Old West to quirky museums and awe-inspiring acts of nature, the Cornhusker State is overflowing with hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Leon Myers Stamp Center | Boys Town

For travelers whose favorite hidden gems are quirky attractions, the world’s largest stamp ball in Boys Town certainly qualifies. Measuring 32 inches around and weighing 600 pounds, the massive ball is said to contain over 4 million stamps — and visitors are able to see and touch it!

Carhenge | Alliance

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but this 1987 recreation in Western Nebraska is a hidden gem worth making the trip for. Made entirely out of old cars, it’s one of the quirkiest attractions in the Midwest and is open 24/7, 365. Visitors can check out other onsite car part-constructed sculptures and a gift shop.

Scotts Bluff National Monument | Gering

While it may not be the most hidden of gems in Nebraska, Scotts Bluff is arguably one of the most scenic. Here, visitors of all ages can walk in the footsteps of pioneers who traversed the Oregon Trail. They can also drive to the top of the bluff for incredible panoramic views atop the monument, which served as an important landmark during westward expansion.

Toadstool Geologic Park | Crawford

Fans of geology will enjoy passing by Toadstool’s unusual formations — some of which are indeed shaped like toadstools. Visitors can also hike trails, keeping their eyes peeled for signs of fossils (collecting is prohibited).

The trails vary in length and treat visitors to views of clay and sandstone formations, badlands, and grasslands, ensuring a scenic journey no matter the route. 

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park | Royal

Situated in the rangeland of the Verdigre Valley, Ashfall invites visitors to take a trip back to prehistoric times. The park features the fossilized skeletons of animals that died millions of years ago under volcanic ash — and discoveries are still being made!

A fossil preparation lab allows visitors to see interactive displays and ask questions of the park’s paleontologists. Fossil skeletons are left in place for public viewing — offering a fun and unique window into the past.

Sandhill Crane Migration | Kearney/Grand Island

Residents and out-of-towners alike can journey to central Nebraska from mid-February to mid-April each year to experience one of the greatest spectacles of nature. That’s when a million sandhill cranes gather in the Plate River Valley to rest and “fuel up” as they migrate north.

There are multiple spots for public viewing and pull-offs to observe these majestic birds from a distance.

Homestead National Monument of America | Beatrice

The Homestead Act had an immediate and widespread effect on American land and this Southeast Nebraska monument commemorates the changes and pioneers affected by the act. Visitors can watch the award-winning Land of Dreams film, research homesteading, explore scenic trails, and visit the Museum of American Homesteading, for a unique look into the nation’s pioneer past.

Smith Falls State Park | Valentine

Nature lovers will love crossing the Niobrara River over the historic Allen Bridge for a glimpse of Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in Nebraska. The majestic falls are 70 feet and visitors are advised to stay on established trails when heading to the falls. The park is also a haven for hikers, tubers, kayakers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who come to bask in the beauty of nature.

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer | Grand Island

This vast Grand Island campus presents a powerful experience through historic exhibits, living history attractions, and cultural programs. After perusing exhibits at the Stuhr Building, travelers can visit a recreated 1890s Railroad Town living history exhibit to be transported back to the heyday of pioneer life. 

Indian Cave State Park | Shubert

The centerpiece of this southern Nebraska park along the Missouri River is its huge sandstone cave, that features Native American petroglyphs of unknown origin. Apart from the cave, the park also offers beautiful camping spots, more than 20 miles of hiking trails, scenic river views, and a forest that pops with color each fall.

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park | North Platte

The former home of famous frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody transports visitors back to his fascinating life, which included stints as a showman, buffalo hunter, soldier, and rider on the Pony Express. Visitors can take self-guided tours of his mansion, artifacts, and other outbuildings, gaining a glimpse of ranch life and Cody’s days as a successful showman.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument | Harrison

This monument preserves two historic local events: The early 1900s discovery of Miocene-era fossils and a friendship between rancher James Cook and Chief Red Cloud. Today, visitors can tour Cook’s ranch to explore a massive collection of Native American artifacts and see carefully preserved fossils of mammals that lived millions of years ago.

Pioneer Village | Minden

If you’re searching for more destinations with ties to the Old West, Pioneer Village has one of the nation’s best collections of pioneer history and innovation. A 26-building complex houses over 50,000 items and displays are arranged by order of development, so visitors can see a lot over a short distance. You may want to plan to spend a few days here as you explore every inch of this unique complex.

Golden Spike Tower | North Platte

Visitors can make their way to two different observation decks to watch crews and trains in action at the Union Pacific Railroad — the world’s largest rail yard. After soaking in panoramic views, visitors can stop into the on-site gift shop, or enjoy a walk around the outdoor flag walk.

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park | Nebraska City

This former home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, treats visitors to the sight of historic exhibits and scenic gardens. The home, which is open for tours, has dozens of rooms and countless family artifacts. The rest of the property includes a whispering bench, a log cabin, an arboretum, an Italian terraced garden, and scenic walking trails.

Fort Robinson State Park | Crawford

This historic fort offers everything for a memorable adventure: Old West history, buffalo and longhorn herds, lodging and camping spots, and exquisite scenery. The fort operated from the days of the Old West into the 1940s and visitors can still see many of its original buildings. Elsewhere, visitors can explore scenic trails on horseback on the edge of the Nebraska National Forest.

Dobby’s Frontier Town | Alliance

Load up the family in your covered wagon and transport back to pioneer times in the Nebraska Sandhills in this recreated Old West Town. Visitors can step inside an 1800s-era one-room schoolhouse, a general store, the first Black homestead in the state, and much more, gaining insight into what life was like in much older times.

Joslyn Castle | Omaha

Joslyn Castle is the perfect attraction for native Nebraskans to learn and love where they live as they explore the 35-room mansion that was once the home of George and Sarah Joslyn. Across 5.5 acres of land, visitors can take guided tours to see elegant architecture and furnishings and follow paths through quaint gardens with colorful floral displays.

Platte River State Park | Louisville

Nestled halfway between the state’s two biggest cities, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the beauty of the Platte River up close. Visitors can explore scenic hiking and biking trails, enjoy vistas from the top of two observation towers, take advantage of camping facilities, and soak in the mist and views of Stone Creek waterfall.

Ash Hollow State Historical Park | Lewellen

Once the site of clashes between tribes and an important stop for westbound emigrants, Ash Hollow remains an important spot in pioneer life. Visitors can gain glimpses into that history as they explore an ancient cave, a freshwater spring, a schoolhouse, a sod house, and a museum.

Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center | Wood River

Once you’ve visited the Kearney area for the annual crane migration, visit Crane Trust, which works to protect the habitats of different crane species as well as other animals. With the sound of sandhill cranes in the air, visitors can learn about local wildlife in a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Inside, visitors can explore touchscreen displays with information about cranes and their habitats and explore larger-than-life murals and exhibits. Outside, visitors can explore a paved trail over a pair of footbridges, see a bison herd, and enjoy a scenic picnic.

Stolley Park Railway | Grand Island

Hop aboard this quaint mini railway and enjoy a scenic trip around Stolley Park on a summer afternoon or evening. Once you’ve completed your journey, visit the Sweet Tooth Shop for train souvenirs and tasty concession items.

Navigate Your Way to Nebraska’s Hidden Gems

The best hidden gems in Nebraska showcase a quieter side of the Great Plains; places where history, nature, and uniqueness all come together. These scenic tourist destinations present something for everyone to enjoy, learn, and appreciate the majesty of Nebraska in the Midwest.