Raise your hand if you’re planning a move to Nebraska! Nebraska is the place to be for its booming job market in its urban cities and suburban enclaves, affordable and safe cities, and vibrant landscapes. This state is positively filled with natural beauty that includes canyons, river valleys, leafy trees, dramatic rock formations, plains, and dusty badlands (with round cacti). If you want to adventure outdoors, look no further than the state parks. Here are the top 10 across the Cornhusker State.
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Step back in time at the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. This historical park is the storied former estate of the founder of Arbor Day, J. Sterling Morton. Walk among the grounds of this 72-acre park and enter a world of wonder, as you’ll soon discover walking trails, a famous mansion (with 52 furnished rooms and historical artifacts), and an arboretum. Tap into photo-worthy moments at the Italian terraced garden, log cabin, and tree-themed playground; or snap a photo of 200+ varieties of lilacs on the grounds! Arbor Lodge State Historical Park can be enjoyed year-round; even better, there’s no parking permit required for entry.
Smith Falls State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Ready to gaze at Nebraska’s highest waterfall? If so, plan a trip to Smith Falls State Park. Smith Falls, the waterfall, is 63 feet high and is the awe-inducing centerpiece of the park. A buzzy destination for campers, the park is home to a host of nature-connective activities like kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and trail walking. Nature watchers can delight in the natural rocks, foliage, and views of the dramatic waterfall cascade, which is accessible via a historic bridge by the Niobrara River.
Chadron State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Next up, is Nebraska’s first state park: Chadron State Park. Founded in 1921, this explorer’s delight is located south of Chadron, and it sits between Nebraska’s Pine Ridge canyons and buttes. As a popular camping spot, visitors can immerse themselves in a world filled with walking and biking trails (for all levels), fishing, swimming, archery, and horseback trail rides. With more than 100 miles of peaceful trails, novices and experienced wanderers can get fully immersed in Chadron State Park’s tranquility.
Fort Robinson State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
History and picturesque scenery converge at Fort Robinson State Park, a 22,000-acre wonderland. Filled with Old West history and scenic walks (and camping), the compelling sights and sounds yield memory-making experiences. Originally a working fort, this state park is now home to a museum operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society, a golf course, swimming holes, fishing spots, and equestrian trails.
Ponca State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Gear up for an exploratory getaway at Ponca State Park. Surrounded by high bluffs and forested verdant hills, this 2,100-acre state park features ample opportunities for wildlife watching and breathtaking vistas. Unlock new dimensions of exploration with 22 miles of trails, swimming spots, river access, a shooting range, a golf course, and additional attractions like the sculpture Towers in Time and Old Oak Tree.
Niobrara State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Ready for more outdoor-fueled experiences? Add Niobrara State Park to the must-do list. Near the Missouri and Niobrara rivers, this state park is ripe with river bluffs, scenic trails, and tranquil spots. Across 1,200 acres, visitors can dive into serenity-filled activities like camping, swimming, boating, hiking, walking and horseback riding trails, and cabin stays. Wildlife-watching opportunities abound at the state park, and animals include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, coyotes, and birds like the eastern whip-poor-will. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy the state park’s annual buffalo cookouts.
Stolley State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Looking for kid-friendly spots for afternoons laced with fun? Enter Stolley State Park. The state park has multiple playground areas (with equipment!) and the Stolley Park Train, a miniature train line for children to let their imaginations run free. Aside from kiddo-led activities, adults can let loose with recreational activities at Stolley State Park at ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a fitness trail. Pack a lunch and some snacks for picnicking or enjoy the concessions on site after you hit the fitness trail through the park’s grounds.
Victoria Springs State Park
Google Rating: 4.3
Another must-see spot is Victoria Springs State Park. Located seven miles north of Merna, Nebraska, the 60-acre Victoria Springs is named after the park’s acclaimed mineral springs. The land was originally part of the pioneer and Custer County judge Charles R. Mathews’ homestead (which still contains two original log cabins built by Mathews). Now, the state park is a buzzy attraction for fishing, boating, paddle boating, picnicking, and camping. Visitors can reserve campsites (including the historic cabins!) up to a year in advance.
Fort Kearny State Park
Google Rating: 4.1
Ready for more adventure? The historic Fort Kearny State Park rounds out the list. Clocking in at 186 acres, the state park was originally an outpost of the United States Army. Loaded with sandpit lakes, the park boasts a bustling population of birds like waterfowl and sandhill cranes. Visitors can hit the ground running with restorative activities like swimming, hike-bike trails, boating, picnicking, horse trail rides, camping, and of course, crane viewing. And every May attendees can experience the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo, where people of all ages (and experience levels) can try archery, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, shooting sports, and other outdoor activities.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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