• Q: Why is Omaha a great starting point for day trips?
  • A: Omaha's location makes it appealing as a starting point for day trips throughout Nebraska and the American Midwest.
  • Q: What are some destinations east of Omaha?
  • A: Head east towards the Missouri River and into Iowa for a great day trip experience.
  • Q: Where can travelers go west of Omaha?
  • A: Travelers can go west towards the Platte River to explore more of Nebraska's beautiful landscapes.
  • Q: Are there destinations north of Omaha?
  • A: South Dakota and Sioux City are located directly north of Omaha.
  • Q: How does Omaha serve as a home base?
  • A: Omaha is a great base to get to know the friendly Midwestern U.S..

Best Time for Day Trips from Omaha, Nebraska:

  • April to June – Spring brings blooming prairies, mild temps, and perfect weather for parks, trails, and wildlife areas.
  • July to August – Summer is great for lakes, local festivals, historic sites, and scenic small towns.
  • September to October – Enjoy crisp air, colorful foliage, and harvest season fun like pumpkin patches and cider mills.
  • November – Cool, quiet days ideal for museums, art walks, and exploring charming downtown districts.
  • December to March – Winter invites cozy getaways, holiday events, and peaceful nature centers for snowy strolls.

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1. Angel de Cora Museum and Research Center


Explore Native art and discover Ho-Chunk history on a meaningful educational trip.

Angel de Cora Museum and Research Center

© Angel de Cora Museum and Research Center

  • What is the Angel de Cora Museum and Research Center?
  • Who was Angel de Cora?
    • The artistic and musically talented de Cora taught her skills to other American Indians as a teacher at the Carlisle Indian School.
  • Where is the museum located?
    • Located on the campus of the Little Priest Tribal College, the museum displays artifacts related to the cultural history of the Winnebago Tribe.
  • What historical aspects does the museum cover?
    • The museum showcases the history of European settlers in the area and the interaction between the two cultures.
  • What are some notable pieces in the museum?
    • Notable pieces include paintings of prominent tribe members, which are displayed on rotation.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • Address: 601 E. College Dr, Winnebago, NE 68071
    • Phone: 402-878-3313

2. Ashland


Visit charming shops and stroll local trails on a peaceful retirement day.

Ashland

© Ashland Nebraska

  • Where is Ashland, Nebraska located?
    • Ashland, Nebraska is central to three of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.
  • What are the top attractions near Ashland?
    • The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, Mahoney State Park, and the Strategic Air and Space Museum.
  • What can visitors see at the Strategic Air and Space Museum?
    • A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum houses a collection of U.S. Air Force planes, missiles, and rockets.
  • What is downtown Ashland like?
    • Historic downtown Ashland is a quaint Midwestern town with art galleries, shops, and restaurants, all within a walkable central district.
  • What annual events take place in Ashland?
    • Annual events include summer’s Stirrup Days, with activities for the whole family.
  • What summer activities are available?
    • Summer is also the season for outdoor sidewalk sales, live music, and municipal pools and water parks.

3. Aurora


Tour a historic square and visit the art gallery on a quick outing.

Aurora

© Aurora Chamber

  • What is Aurora, Nebraska known for?
    • Aurora, Nebraska is home to several museums and art galleries.
  • What can visitors see at the Plainsman Museum?
    • At the Plainsman Museum, you’ll learn about the history of Hamilton County and see a historic sod house, blacksmith shop, barbershop, and gas station, along with artifacts and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Where can visitors watch a movie?
    • Visit the historic 12th Street Cinema to see a new release or an old classic.
  • Is there an art gallery in Aurora?
    • The Renaissance Art Gallery is a photography and art studio in town.
  • What is the Edgerton Explorit Center?
    • The Edgerton Explorit Center is a children’s museum dedicated to the MIT professor and inventor, Doc Edgerton, who was born and raised in Aurora.

4. Brownville


Walk along the riverfront and browse antique stores on a romantic weekend getaway.

Brownville

© Brownville Merchants

  • What is Brownville, Nebraska?
    • Nebraska’s Brownville is a quaint historic town, founded in 1854.
  • When is the best time to visit Brownville?
    • It is best to visit between May and October.
  • What attractions does Brownville offer?
    • Brownville offers museums, shops, and restaurants, including Whiskey Run Creek, a winery and distillery in a renovated 100-year-old barn.
  • What events take place in Brownville?
    • Town-wide flea markets take place on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, while the Brownville Concert Series runs once monthly from March through December.
  • What outdoor activities are available?
    • Enjoy the outdoors along the Whiskey Run Creek Nature Trail, the Steamboat Trace Trail, or at the Governor Furnas Arboretum.
  • Who manages the arboretum and trails?
    • The Brownville Art Association manages the arboretum and trails and shows art in a historic home and schoolhouse on the arboretum property.

5. Council Bluffs


See river views and explore museums on a fun family-friendly summer trip.

Council Bluffs

© Council Bluffs, IA

  • Where is Council Bluffs, Iowa located?
    • Council Bluffs, Iowa is located east of the Missouri River directly across from Omaha.
  • What attractions are in River’s Edge Park?
    • The city is home to a new River’s Edge Park, which includes a pedestrian bridge over the river, splash pad, sand area, 5-acre lawn, public art, and River’s Edge Pavilion.
  • What museums can visitors explore?
    • Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the RailsWest Railroad Museum, or the Historic General Dodge House, a 19th-century home built by a Civil War General and railroad magnate.
  • What outdoor attractions are available?
    • Enjoy the outdoors with a visit to the Western Historic Trails Center, Lake Manawa State Park, or the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook.

6. A Day Trip to Des Moines


Discover public art and visit the Capitol on a quick city escape.

A Day Trip to Des Moines

© Nick Fox/stock.adobe.com

  • What makes Des Moines, IA a popular metro area?
    • Des Moines, IA is the Midwest’s fastest-growing metro area and offers a variety of things to do, from nightlife and dining to sports and the great outdoors.
  • What are some major annual events in Des Moines?
    • Annual events include the legendary Iowa State Fair, held every summer since 1854.
    • Visit for the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival in March or the Drake Relays in April, which is considered the top track and field event in the U.S.
  • What outdoor activities are available in Des Moines?
    • Enjoy over 800 miles of cycling, hiking, or kayaking trails through the Clive Greenbelt and the Des Moines River.
  • Where can visitors experience arts and culture?
    • Celebrate the arts at the Des Moines Art Festival, the Des Moines Art Center, or the Des Moines Symphony.

7. Grand Island


Explore local history and see wildlife exhibits on a budget-friendly spring trip.

Grand Island

© Grand Island Tourism

  • What is Grand Island, Nebraska?
    • Nebraska’s Grand Island is not an island at all, although it once was. Originally called the French Grand Ile, the city is located just west of Lincoln near the Platte River.
  • What is Grand Island known for?
    • Grand Island is Nebraska’s fourth-largest city and is the birthplace of actor Henry Fonda.
  • What attractions can visitors see in Grand Island?
    • Area attractions include the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer and Fred’s Flying Circus, a display of cartoon cars at a local body shop.
  • What does the Cane Trust Nature and Visitor Center offer?
    • At the Cane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy a butterfly garden and walking trails along the river.
  • What is special about the sandhill migration?
    • Visit in spring to see the sandhill crane migration from special bird blinds and watch towers. Thousands of cranes arrive each year, representing over 80% of the known population.

8. Indian Cave State Park


Hike bluff trails and admire ancient petroglyphs on a scenic fall adventure.

Indian Cave State Park

© pramot48/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Indian Cave State Park?
    • Nebraska’s Indian Cave State Park is named after a large sandstone cave located within the 3,000-acre park.
  • How can visitors view the cave?
    • The cave can be viewed from a boardwalk built along the cave wall. Hike in to see Native American petroglyphs of unknown origin.
  • What outdoor activities are available at the park?
    • Located along the Missouri River, the park offers 22 miles of scenic trails for hiking or cycling.
  • What wildlife can be seen at Indian Cave State Park?
    • Wildlife along the trails includes deer, turkeys, beavers, and woodchucks.
  • Are there any special programs at the park?
    • Birding and wildlife programs take place year-round.
  • What historical structures are in the park?
    • Structures within the park include a living history area, which operates on warm weekends around a restored schoolhouse and general store.
  • What is the address and contact information?
    • Address: 65296 720 Rd, Shubert, NE 68437
    • Phone: 402-883-2575

9. Kansas City, MO


Tour jazz landmarks and enjoy barbecue flavors on a flavorful couples getaway.

Kansas City, MO

© Tupungato/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Kansas City, MO known for?
    • Kansas City, MO is a large Midwestern metropolitan area offering a variety of neighborhoods and things to do.
  • What can visitors find in the 18th and Vine neighborhood?
    • The 18th and Vine neighborhood is home to Kansas City’s best jazz clubs and two of the city’s top museums: the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum.
  • What makes the Brookside neighborhood special?
    • The Brookside neighborhood offers classic Midwestern charm. Its historic 1920s center hosts the annual Brookside Art Annual.
  • What is the Power and Light District?
    • In the center of downtown, the Power and Light District is home to KC Live!, an eight-block outdoor entertainment venue that annually hosts over 150 free events.
  • What is unique about East Bottoms?
    • In East Bottoms, visitors can check out the revival of a 19th-century distillery, J. Rieger and Co., in the up-and-coming Electric Park neighborhood.

10. Keystone Trail


Bike on paved paths and see creekside views during a relaxing nature outing.

Keystone Trail

© Alex Green/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the Keystone Trail?
    • Nebraska’s Keystone Trail is a 15-mile-long rails-to-trails project that connects Omaha’s Democracy Park to Bellevue’s Loop Trail.
  • What activities is the trail suitable for?
    • The paved trail is suitable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible and open to cross-country skiing in the winter months.
  • What scenic features does the trail offer?
    • The scenic route follows the Papillion Creek. As you head south from Democracy Park, enjoy the views from atop Little Papillion Creek’s flood control levees.
  • What historical elements can be seen along the trail?
    • Pass by agricultural land, cross over railroad bridges, and see pilings and trestles reminiscent of the trail’s past.
  • How can visitors extend their route?
    • Continue along the Bellevue Loop Trail extension for a 30-mile route.
  • What is the address of the Keystone Trail?
    • Address: Templeton Dr. and Fort St., Omaha, NE

Plan Your Trip


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