Article Summary: National Parks in Nebraska, Nebraska National Parks
If you know anything about Nebraska, it’s probably that it’s somewhere in the middle of the United States. Generally, it’s not the most popular destination. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that there are five national parks in Nebraska.
While you won’t find any national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite, what you will find are five beautiful locations. The national parks in Nebraska showcase cultural sites and natural beauty to deliver stunning scenery and history.
For everything you need to know about visiting the national parks in Nebraska, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for information on each park, how to get there, where to stay, things to do, maps, and more.
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Table of Contents
Map of National Parks in Nebraska
National Parks in Nebraska Road Trip Itinerary
Fly in/out: Omaha
Day 1: On your first day, venture north from Omaha to Ponca State Park. Here, you’ll find a visitor center for Missouri National Recreational River (2-hour drive).
Day 2: The following day, head for Nebraska’s other national river, Niobrara. While the main visitor center is in Valentine, a 4-hour drive from Ponca State Park, the majority of the park’s attractions lie farther east. They’re easy to see on your way to the visitor center.
Day 3: Next, drive 3.5 hours from Valentine to Agate Fossil Beds. Then, only one hour away is Scotts Bluff. These two national parks in Nebraska focus on archaeological and cultural history.
Day 4: Finally, from Scotts Bluff you’ll head east toward Beatrice. Here, you’ll have the pleasure of visiting Homestead National Monument of America, a real gem in the National Park Service (6.5-hour drive).
Day 5: After exploring Homestead, head back to Omaha for your flight home (1.5-hour drive).
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, one of the national parks in Nebraska, is a paleontological wonder. In the 1890s, scientists discovered the bones of ancient mammals preserved in the hills here. The park was preserved to protect these rich fossil deposits.
Some of the most famous historical puzzle pieces are the devil’s corkscrew burrows. These corkscrew-shaped tunnels into the Earth’s core were built by prehistoric land beavers called Palaeocastors.
There are two hiking trails in the park. The Daemonelix Trail leads to viewpoints for the mysterious corkscrew burrows and is one mile long. The other trail, Fossil Hills Trail, is nearly three miles long. The fully paved and accessible trail takes you through the prairie and hills where the first fossils were discovered.
How to Get There: Highways 20 and 26 provide the best access to the park (more details)
Map: download here
Things to Do: Hiking, museums
Park Entrance Fee: Free
Where to Stay: Fairfield, Quality Inn, Candlelight Inn, America’s Best Value
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (308) 665-4113
Homestead National Historical Park
Of all the national parks in Nebraska, this one is my favorite. I learned so much during my time spent exploring this small section of Nebraska.
The park commemorates the Homesteading Act of 1862, which allowed anyone to claim federal land in exchange for at least five years of residency, cultivation, and property improvement. Just outside of Beatrice (pronounced bee-at-triss) are some of the first properties successfully claimed under the Act.
The park also has an impressive visitor center and three miles of hiking trails. Rangers lead tours of the various buildings.
How to Get There: The main visitor center is located on SW 75th Road in Beatrice (more details).
Map: download here
Things to Do: Hiking, guided tours, museums
Park Entrance Fee: Free
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Capri Inn, Travelers Lodge, Victorian Inn, America’s Best Value Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (402) 223-3514
Missouri National Recreational River
Here’s a good tidbit to stick in your pocket for your next trivia night: the Missouri River is the longest river in the United States. In fact, it’s the longest river in North America!
One of the national parks in Nebraska, the Missouri National Recreational River also has visitor centers over the border in South Dakota.
With its sprawling boundaries, there are endless recreational opportunities in this national park.
How to Get There: The park has a variety of visitor centers and river access points. Learn more here.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Boating, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking
Park Entrance Fee: None, though State Parks may have their own fees.
Where to Stay: The Warrior, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn, New Victorian Inn
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (605) 665-0209
Niobrara National Scenic River
Of all the national parks in Nebraska, Niobrara might be the most beautiful. Especially in autumn when the fall foliage lights up the riverway.
Did you know that less than one percent of the rivers in the United States are federally designated as Wild and Scenic? Niobrara is one of them, so you know it must be special.
The most popular attractions along the Niobrara River are its waterfalls and rapids. These allow for spectacular scenery as well as incredible recreational opportunities.
How to Get There: While Valentine serves at the main headquarters, there are many river access points. Read more here.
Map: download here
Things to Do: Fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, guided tours, museums, visitor centers
Park Entrance Fee: None, though other agencies may require admission fees.
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Raine Motel, Super 8, Niobrara Lodge, Econo Lodge
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (402) 376-1901
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff may be the most famous national park in Nebraska. The site commemorates the migration of thousands of Americans during the Westward Expansion as they followed the Oregon Trail (yes, like the video game), California Trail, and Mormon Trail.
In addition to this human history, the park also features rich archaeological, geological, and paleontological sites. Driving to the summit of Scotts Bluff is the most popular activity here. You can also hike to the summit to enjoy the sweeping views.
How to Get There: Take I-80 to Highway 71 (more details).
Map: download here
Things to Do: Hiking, museums, auto-touring, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: Free
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Super 8, Hampton Inn, Barn Anew B&B
Official Website: click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: Call (308) 436-9700
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Pin National Parks in Nebraska
This is a great guide to the parks! I had no idea there were 5 of them in Nebraska. The two that sounded best to me were Niobrara National Scenic River and Scott’s Bluff. I love a good waterfall in the autumn and it’s always good to learn some history of the area when you travel.