Living in Omaha puts you in the perfect spot to chase variety. Within a few hours in any direction, you can find wildlife safaris, art-filled downtowns, pioneer trails, and some of the best barbecue you’ve ever had. These day trips reminded me just how much the Great Plains offer when you slow down and start exploring.
Some days were quiet: wandering through tallgrass prairies or watching sandhill cranes soar. Others were full of city buzz—murals, museums, and unforgettable meals. I remember thinking, “This is what road trips should feel like: low-key, low-cost, and full of little surprises.” Nebraska and its neighbors gave me plenty to love, one open road at a time.
Best Day Trips from Omaha:
Exploring wildlife and wonder in Ashland - 40 minutes from Omaha
Ashland had that perfect balance of small-town calm and wide-open wonder. We started our day at the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and drove through open prairie and forest habitats, spotting elk, bison, and bald eagles. I remember thinking, “This is just what I needed—quiet roads, blue skies, and no rush to be anywhere.”
What I Loved Most: Watching a bison herd graze just beyond the window, their quiet strength anchoring the morning.
My highlights? A stop at Round the Bend Steakhouse just outside of town. I had their famous whiskey-marinated ribeye with a side of crispy onion rings—tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. It hit the spot after a day of slow exploration.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Omaha: ~30 minutes southwest
- Vibe: Scenic, peaceful, nature-focused
- Highlights: Wildlife Safari Park, Mahoney State Park, downtown shops
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
- Cost: Safari park ~$10; park day pass ~$6
- Hours: Wildlife park open 9am–5pm seasonally
Finding quirky charm in Council Bluffs - 10 minutes from Omaha
Council Bluffs had more personality than I expected—colorful murals, a scenic trail system, and stories tucked into every corner of the old railroad town. We explored the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, then strolled the Historic 100 Block. I remember thinking, “This place is proud of its roots—and it should be.”
What I Loved Most: Discovering the Black Angel statue in Fairview Cemetery—it felt a little eerie, a little poetic.
My highlights? Brunch at 712 Eat + Drink, where I had sweet potato hash with maple sausage and poached eggs. Cozy, creative, and totally satisfying.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Omaha: ~15 minutes east
- Vibe: Historical, artsy, slightly offbeat
- Highlights: Union Pacific Museum, Squirrel Cage Jail, Bayliss Park
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; spring for outdoor walks
- Cost: Museums are mostly free
- Hours: Most attractions 10am–4pm
Spending a full day in Des Moines - 2 hours from Omaha
Des Moines surprised me—in the best way. We walked through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in the morning mist, browsed indie bookstores downtown, and ended the day with sunset views from the Capitol. I remember thinking, “Why don’t more people talk about this city?” It had heart, creativity, and a sense of calm confidence.
What I Loved Most: Exploring the Des Moines Art Center—airy, bold, and full of unexpected pieces.
My highlights? Dinner at Eatery A, where I had wood-fired lamb skewers, charred Brussels sprouts, and a glass of sangria. Modern, vibrant, and delicious.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Omaha: ~2 hours east
- Vibe: Urban, artistic, walkable
- Highlights: Art center, sculpture park, East Village shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
- Cost: Free museums and parks; paid dining/shopping
- Hours: Attractions generally 10am–5pm
Feeling the pulse of Kansas City
Kansas City was bold, flavorful, and buzzing with energy. We started at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, browsed the Crossroads arts district, and followed the scent of BBQ through the streets. I remember thinking, “This city knows who it is—and it makes you want to stay longer.”
What I Loved Most: Climbing the lawn at the museum with the giant shuttlecock sculptures towering in the grass—fun and oddly peaceful.
My highlights? Dinner at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (yes, in a gas station). I had the Z-Man sandwich—slow-smoked brisket, provolone, onion rings on a Kaiser bun—and coleslaw. Legendary for a reason.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Omaha: ~2.5–3 hours south
- Vibe: Urban, flavorful, creative
- Highlights: Nelson-Atkins Museum, BBQ spots, Crossroads District
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: Museum free; BBQ & shops vary
- Hours: Museum open 10am–5pm; restaurants 11am–9pm
Start Where You Are—Go See Something New
Each of these day trips reminded me how travel doesn’t always mean boarding a plane. Sometimes it’s just turning left instead of right, or following a small-town sign off the highway. From the creative pulse of Kansas City to the timeless quiet of Ashland, these places gave me a break from routine—and often, a fresh perspective.
So pack a snack, cue up a good playlist, and give yourself a day. You never know what stories you'll bring home until you go.
More to explore...
Looking to explore even more in the Cornhusker State? Check out these inspiring Nebraska travel guides for parks, places to stay, and weekend escapes: