Nebraska's open roads offer endless RV adventures

For RVers, Nebraska offers open roads and endless possibilities. Whether travelers want to crisscross the state on a leisurely vacation or just hit the road for a weekend getaway, there’s no better place to rediscover the road trip. This post focuses on RV-friendly stops on the 2012 Nebraska Passport. Historical highlights Visitors trekking through the panhandle should make time for one of the world’s most complete Miocene mammal sites, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. The remains of three main species are present: Menoceras, a small, North American rhino; Moropus, a small, horse-like ground sloth; and the fearsome Dinoyhus, a “terrible pig” with a head full of bone-crushing teeth. Beyond bones, the sites boasts the James H. Cook Collection of American Indian artifacts, which includes a shirt owned by Red Cloud, a whetstone of Crazy Horse, pipeskins and more. And don’t overlook the hiking trails to stretch your road-weary legs. For a cowboy-sized meal, we recommend travelers hit up Drifter’s Cookshack, part of the High Plains Homestead. There are plenty of options to choose from, but they’re known for their Indian tacos, which have been featured on Food Network. Drifter’s Cookshack is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Travelers can pull off for a night’s rest at the nearby Corral Campground with full hookups. If all 12 spots are occupied, find additional camping 20 miles east at Fort Robinson State Park. Outdoor recreation For wide-open spaces and endless opportunities for fun, Bader Memorial Park near Central City doesn’t disappoint. The 270-acre park offers a swimming pond, equestrian trails, and organized bird and wildlife hikes. Anglers will be hooked by Bader’s seven fishing ponds and 3/4 miles of Platte River frontage. The ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie. After a day of fun, there’s no need to drive on as the park has 24 RV spots with full hookups. RVers looking to beat the heat with a little water adventure should set their GPS systems to Rocky Ford Camp & Outfitters near Valentine. Rocky Ford has everything travelers need for a fun-filled day of tubing, canoeing or kayaking on the Niobrara, named one of the nation’s top 10 canoeing rivers by Backpacker magazine. The camp is outfitted with electrical hookups, showers, restrooms and fire pits. Valentine’s Prairie Club Golf Course gives travelers a chance to climb out from behind the wheel and allow another driver to go the distance. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of America’s best new places to play, several designers, including former British Open winner Tom Lehman, created the three distinct courses along the rim of the Snake River Canyon in the heart of Nebraska’s Sandhills. Cultural pursuits At the very eastern edge of the state is the historic town of Brownville. Originally established in 1854, Brownville is a picture-perfect place to go off the grid for a few days of rest and relaxation on the Missouri River. The town is full of charming bookstores, shops and cafes. And opportunities abound for those who enjoy the arts, including performances at the Brownville Village Theater, live music through the Brownville Concert Series and art openings at the village’s many galleries. Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery, housed in a restored 100-year-old barn situated over a meandering creek of the same name, is not to be missed. The winery crafts many styles of sweet and dry wines from grape varietals such as St. Croix, DeChaunac, Edelweiss and Riesling. Wine barrels are stored in turn-of-the-century caves, built in 1855 for the Brownville Brewery that originally occupied the site. On Friday nights during the summer, Whiskey Run Creek also hosts live music. There’s no need to leave this pristine spot after a night of wining and dining. The River Inn RV Park has pull-through parking, shaded lots, and hookups for water and electricity. Guests are also treated to a complimentary breakfast aboard the floating River Inn Resort. Currently undergoing site upgrades, the RV park will open for bookings in mid-July. These are just a few ways to rediscover the roadtrip in Nebraska by RV. For more travel ideas, check out the RV Nebraska guide or go to VisitNebraska.gov.