25 in ’25: Roadside Adventures and Attractions

Ready for a family road trip? Load up the car and hit the road for a one-of-a-kind family vacay along I-80. From Omaha to Sidney, you’ll find zoos, children’s museums, planetariums, water parks, car collections, outdoor adventures and unique roadside attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Just be sure to leave room for the truckload of memories you’ll make along the way! 

1. Kiewit Luminarium

Omaha 
Get your hands on 100 interactive science, art and sensory exhibits at Kiewit Luminarium on Omaha’s new-look RiverFront.

2. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha 
Consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the nation, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium invites you to explore 160 acres filled with thousands of animals. Venture through exciting exhibits like Owen Sea Lion Shores, Desert Dome, and Lied Jungle.

3. Omaha Children’s Museum

Omaha 
With the S.T.E.A.M Cave, Zoo Land, Bay Family Carousel and Art Smart Center, Omaha’s Children’s Museum focuses on “learning through play,” and these interactive exhibits will ensure your kiddos hours of fun! 

A father and son interacting with an exhibit at Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha.
Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha
Visitors walking through a tunnel with large aquatic life swimming overhead at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Three children participating in interactive exhibits at Omaha Children's Museum.
Omaha Children's Museum

4. Boys Town Visitors Center

Boys Town
For over 100 years, Boys Town has worked to help at-risk children with youth programs and family resources. Discover the story of Father Edward J. Flanagan and how his vision has expanded into one of the nation’s most notable youth care organizations. 

5. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

Ashland 
VR experiences, planetarium shows and collections of aircraft — Ashland’s Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is the perfect stop if you’ve got a little scientist or future astronaut tagging along. 

6. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari

Ashland 
Venture through exhibits like the Bison Plains, Pelican Wetlands, Prairie Dog Town and Eagle Aviary at Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari. 

A U.S. military aircraft at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland
A wagon cart full of historic displays of Father Flanagan's Boys Town.
Boys Town
Elk in a field at Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari in Ashland

7. University of Nebraska State Museum

Lincoln 
This Smithsonian Affiliate showcases the state’s natural history through interactive paleontology exhibits and fossil collections. Plus, kids will love the Science Exploration Zone and onsite Mueller Planetarium. 

8. Sunken Gardens

Lincoln 
Spend a peaceful day wandering 1.5 acres of beautiful horticulture in Lincoln. Experience the tranquility of the Sunken Gardens at sunrise, sunset or under the glow of moonlight. 

9. Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Lincoln 
See over 400 animals, including cheetahs, Sumatran tigers, red pandas, otters and Gila monsters, at Lincoln Children’s Zoo. 

Exhibits and displays on ancient animals and aquatic life at the University of Nebraska State Museum.
University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln
Colorful flowers and horticulture lining a path at Sunken Gardens in Lincoln.
Sunken Gardens in Lincoln
Visitors watch penguins swim at Lincoln Children's Zoo.
Lincoln Children's Zoo

10. Robber’s Cave

Lincoln 
Take a guided tour beneath Lincoln to learn about the storied past of Rober’s Cave. Legends link the cave to outlaw Jesse James and the Underground Railroad. It even served as Lincoln’s first brewery. 

11. Edgerton Explorit Center

Aurora 
You and your kiddos alike will enjoy the interactive science stations at Edgerton Explorit Center. This hands-on learning museum focuses on S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math) through educator-led demonstrations, labs and exhibits. 

12. Raising Nebraska

Grand Island 
Ever wonder where your food comes from? Visit Raising Nebraska to learn the science behind the detailed farming practices of Nebraska agriculture through exhibits like the "Grain Bin Theater," "Drive a Combine" simulator and "Walkable Map" of Nebraska.

Tunnels and stairwells in Robber's Cave in Lincoln.
Robber's Cave in Lincoln
Children operating a hands-on science display at Edgerton Explorit Center.
Aurora's Edgerton Explorit Center

13. Island Oasis Water Park

Grand Island 
Cool off with a day at Island Oasis. This Grand Island water park features six acres of water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, sand volleyball and spray fountains. 

14. The American Automobile Experience

Kearney 
Car lovers are in for a treat in Kearney. See a collection of over 125 vintage and modern automobiles and automotive memorabilia at The American Automobile Experience. 

15. Yanney Heritage Park

Kearney 
Get out and stretch your legs at Yanney Heritage Park. Here, you’ll find walking trails, flower gardens, splash pads, playgrounds, a lake for boating and fishing, an observation tower and much more. 

A collection of classic cars at The American Automobile Experience.
The American Automobile Experience in Kearney
Aerial view of the waterslides and pool at Island Oasis Water Park.
Grand Island's Island Oasis Water Park
A mother and son speeding down the track at Cody Go Karts.
Cody Go Karts in North Platte

16. Prairie Arts Center

North Platte 
Get creative at North Platte’s Prairie Arts Center. Browse monthly art exhibits before joining a class on ceramics, stained glass or painting. 

17. Cody Go Karts

North Platte 
On your mark, get set, go! With bumper boats, water slides, arcade games and two go-kart tracks, Cody Go Karts is fun for the whole family. 

18. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park

North Platte 
Learn about the life of “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his days as a soldier, Pony Express rider, hunter and showman. Tour the mansion and barn to see artifacts and memorabilia from the ranch and Cody’s Wild West Show.

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19. Petrified Wood and Art Gallery

Ogallala 
Examine petrified wood, ancient fossils and Native American artifacts at Ogallala’s Petrified Wood and Art Gallery. 

20. Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home

Sidney 
Through 16 themed rooms on pioneer, Native American, military and railroad history, learn about the fort’s significance on the Sidney-Black Hills trail and railroad development. Then, peak into the lifestyle of a Post Commander of the late 19th century when you tour the Post Commander’s Home. 

A large geode with more rocks and petrified wood in the background at the Petrified Wood and Art Gallery
Petrified Wood and Art Gallery in Ogallala
Exterior of the Fort Sidney Museum.
Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home
Exterior of the barn at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte

21. Carhenge

Alliance 
Yep, Nebraska’s got its very own scale replica of Stonehenge; just ours is made with cars. 

22. Fort Cody Trading Post

North Platte 
Stop and shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir at Fort Cody Trading Post. Browse all kinds of treats and handmade gifts. Plus, the trading post features the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show miniature and an exhibit on the Old West. 

23. Kool-Aid Man Statue at Hastings Museum

Hastings 
Snap a selfie with the Kool-Aid Man statue outside of the Hastings Museum. Then, pop into the museum for a tour to learn about the natural and cultural history of Nebraska, including the invention of Kool-Aid. 

Kool-Aid Man statue outside the Hastings Museum.
Kool-Aid Man statue at the Hastings Museum
Carhenge, a scale replica of England's Stonehenge made from cars.
Carhenge in Alliance
The outside of Fort Cody Trading Post in North Platte.
Fort Cody Trading Post in North Platte

24. Lee's Legendary Marbles & Collectibles

York 
See the world’s largest marble collection, among other antiques and collectibles, at Lee’s Legendary Marbles & Collectibles. 

25. Bigfoot Crossroads of America Museum

Hastings 
Go on the search for Bigfoot and learn about sasquatch sightings in Nebraska and around the world at this unique museum.