Best Nebraska Day Trips from Omaha
Sometimes you just need to get out of town for the day.
Good news! Nebraska has no shortage of options within a couple hours of Omaha. From charming small towns and historic state parks to wineries, orchards, and outdoor adventures, this list covers the best day trips the state has to offer. (And if you're looking to cross state lines, check out my Iowa and Missouri day trips post too.)
*one of Emilys’s favorites
Ashland, Nebraska*
About 30 minutes southwest of Omaha
Ashland is one of those towns that feels like a small town should. The downtown area is a highlight on its own. Worth a stroll, a stop for coffee, and poking into local shops before or after your main activity.
A few highlights:
Mahoney State Park — hiking trails, a water park in the summer, and beautiful river valley views
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum — even if aviation isn't your thing, the sheer size of the aircraft on display is worth seeing
Ashland Brewing Company — local craft brewery, a great spot for lunch or a pint downtown
Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room — a winery and tasting room right in the heart of downtown
Fariner Bakery — a local bakery serving coffee and fresh pastries
Postscript — a charming gift and stationery shop
Salt Creek Mercantile — a local shop with unique home and kitchen finds
Brownville, Nebraska
About 1.5 hours south of Omaha
Brownville is a tiny historic river village right on the Missouri River with way more going on than you'd expect for its size. Summer is especially good, but it's worth a visit any time of year.
A few highlights:
Brownville Village Theatre — live performances throughout the year, a real gem
Flatwater Folk Art Museum — a small yet interesting museum showcasing regional folk art
Gospel Coffee — enjoy your cup of coffee in a charming setting
The Lyceum — a cozy spot for Southern comfort food
Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery— a great spot for a wine tasting
Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
About 45 minutes north of Omaha
Fort Atkinson was the first U.S. military fort west of the Missouri River, and the state historical park does a great job of bringing that history to life. There are reconstructed buildings to walk through and a solid visitor center. If you can time your visit around Fort Atkinson Days in the fall, even better — it's a full living history experience with re-enactors and demonstrations. Pair it with lunch in nearby Blair after.
Fremont
About 45 minutes northwest of Omaha
Fremont is a laid back town with a good mix of outdoor options and local spots to explore. And it’s my hometown! So this one has a special place in my heart.
A few highlights:
Fia & Belle — a local women's clothing boutique with a fun, curated selection
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area — the ideal spot for swimming, fishing, camping, kayaking, and picnicking
Los Mezcales — a family-owned Mexican restaurant voted Best of Fremont, known for their birria and from-scratch margaritas
Milady Coffeehouse — a beloved downtown coffee shop set inside a beautifully restored historic building, Fremont's self-proclaimed largest living room
Park Avenue Antiques — a longtime downtown staple for antique furniture, collectibles, and home decor
Splash Station — a must if you're bringing kids
Indian Cave State Park
About 1.5 hours south of Omaha
Indian Cave is one of Nebraska's most beautiful state parks, tucked into the bluffs along the Missouri River. There are miles of hiking trails with sweeping river views, and the actual Indian Cave (a large sandstone cave with Native American petroglyphs) is worth seeing. There aren't many food options near the park, so pack a lunch before you go. Or stop in Brownville on the way. It's close by and a good excuse to check out another nearby area.
Louisville
About 30 minutes south of Omaha
Louisville is a short, easy drive south and a great option when you want a nature-focused day without a lot of planning. The main draw is Platte River State Park with hiking trails, a tower overlook with great views, and a peaceful stretch of river valley that's hard to beat. After the park, the nearby town of Plattsmouth is worth a quick detour for a stroll through its charming little downtown along the Missouri River.
Nebraska City
About 1 hour south of Omaha
Nebraska City is probably best known as a fall destination, and for good reason. It's home to apple picking, pumpkin patches, and some of the most beautiful autumn scenery in the area. If you haven't made the drive down, it's a good one.
A few highlights:
Arbor Day Farm — beautiful grounds and mansion, especially stunning in fall
Downtown Nebraska City — antique shops and boutiques that are fun to browse after lunch
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard — apple picking, fresh cider, and wine tasting (August through October, don't skip this one)
Union Orchard — a family farm with apple and pumpkin picking, a country store, fresh-baked goods, and cider (another great fall stop)
Springfield
About 20 minutes south of Omaha
Springfield is practically in Omaha's backyard, which makes it an easy half-day option. Best paired with a stop at Platte River State Park in nearby Louisville to round out the day.
A few highlights:
ReMain — a vintage furniture and home decor shop featuring goods from over 35 local makers
Robin's Nest — a home decor and painted furniture shop, great for browsing unique and custom pieces
Springfield Old Fashioned Soda Fountain — a working old-fashioned soda fountain known for milkshakes, floats, and sundaes
Sweet Rice Thai Food Express — a local Thai restaurant serving up authentic flavors
Tekamah
About 55 minutes north of Omaha
Tekamah is a small Missouri River Valley town with a lot of quiet charm and some genuinely great outdoor spots. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow, unhurried day — good for nature lovers, history buffs, or anyone who just wants to get out of the city without going far.
A few highlights:
Amber Lea Acres — a chic glamping venue set on 42 rolling acres tucked into the hills outside of town (also a great excuse to make it an overnight)
Burt County Museum — a historic 1904 building with artifacts and exhibits from Burt County's past
Chatterbox Brews — a craft brewery with a great patio, right in downtown Tekamah
Master's Hand — a cozy cafe and shop known for their cinnamon rolls and house blend coffee
Pelican Point State Recreation Area — boat dock with Missouri River access, picnic shelter, and primitive camping
Summit Lake State Recreation Area — a 190-acre lake great for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping
