Running over the Jamaica North Trail is an abandoned train trestle which marks the site of the 9…read moreAug 1894 Rock Island train derailment. The crash and massive fire resulted in the deaths of eleven passengers and crew. Running across this historic site during a run up the trail was an unexpected surprise. The area, although close to suburbs is nonetheless filled with deer, sampling corn from adjacent fields and dashing across the trail back into the wilderness when disturbed. I recommend the Jamaica North Trail and a visit to the Rock Island Wreck Site if you're hiking, biking, or jogging.

Pioneer Park is one of the best attractions in Nebraska…read more This park has it all (puts on SNL Stefon voice): -History (the pillars that were part of the original treasury building) -Culture (the statue and story of Red Cloud) -Nature (the beautiful scenery and ponds) -Wildlife (the buffalo/deer/etc) And it is just a few minutes from Lincoln and a short drive from Omaha! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a relaxing, but still adventurous, activity!

I was looking for another fun park to do some exploring. I found this and decided to check it out -…read morethere is so much here to see. I really wish I had known and found the older exploratory part of the park earlier in the day - I spent too much time on the picnic-y parts of the park, but I enjoyed it. The signs were a little bit misleading - there are parts of the exploritory area that are closed to the public but there was no warning of that when you were heading that way. I actually really enjoyed the bird observatory and the bridge. It was such a hot day but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Spring Creek Prairie is a beautiful place to go hiking and also learn about prairie flora and…read morefauna. The Mission: The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center focuses on conservation of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the birds that rely on it. The trails are fairly easy to navigate and are open seven days a week from sun up to sun down, even if the visitors center is closed. The visitor center has bathrooms, often a necessity when children are involved. Besides nature displays, the visitor center also has a small gift shop with lots of books, apparel and other gifts. There are some accessible trails, but most are not. It's a beautiful place to appreciate the prairie- a rarity these days.

Visited on a warm Saturday morning, nearly had the place to ourselves!…read more The actual center is a hay bales and stucco building with a nice small gift shop, nice but pretty open hands on area, 'what did you see' board, and so on- all pretty consistent with a small nature center. The person working the desk was very nice and helpful, made sure we had binoculars (even loaned us some to save a trip back to the car), and discussed the lands and trails with enthusiasm. I did not hit the trails, but my wife did and saw the Oregon Trail ruts, deer, lots of birds, and more. She loved the mowed trails, although would have liked a little more help keeping track of where she was or what she was seeing on the trail. Great value and experience for a mere $4 per adult! (Free on Tuesdays.)

Very nice camping spot in southeast Nebraska. Restrooms were clean. Park was well maintained. Would…read morestay again.

Loved this place! I bet it would be even more fun with people around or at least someone to guide…read moreme a little. Being alone wasn't half bad either, but kind of felt lost and overwhelmed because posted material isn't very clear. There was a map of all the things you can see, including Hickok's cabin where he hid out, old Pony Express Station and more. If it wasn't so cold and I had better shoes on and more time, I might have spent a lot more time hiking the area. It's fairly large. There is a lot to see as I made my way around the barely beaten paths. Gravesites for fallen pioneers (you can see the cross in the middle left of the picture), ruts from the wagons and old buildings. It was cold, like I said, so I didn't go all the way through but hope to return when it's in season and people are there to explain some things. I was most excited about the Oregon Trail ruts. They were very deep, some of the deepest in the country I believe. I blame it on my days of playing Oregon Trail on the computer but I love seeing Oregon Trail remnants. It's hard to imagine that this is the same river the wagons crossed over, the rocks that made it hard to pass. Right here! Fairbury, Nebraska is about an hour and a half from Lincoln. Fairbury has been closely connected with railroading for much of its history. It was founded on the projected route of a railway, and grew as a shipping center. For nearly 80 years, it was the location of the Western Division headquarters of the Rock Island Railroad. Fairbury prospered with the Rock Island, and lost business and residents as the railroad declined.

If you make it to Ashland, this is a must stop for families. They have lots of animals, walking…read moretrails, and playgrounds. The kids loved the petting area with rabbits and the cutest unicorn goat ever! You will love the giant insect structures. Be sure to check out the black bears. They love to wrestle.

Super fun! Loved the bug exhibit! I love that they have kept this up over the years. I was able to…read moretake my 6 year old with me and share in the memories that I made as a child. Only bummer is that the Wildlife education building and petting zoo were closed. We went on a Wednesday afternoon.

I'm not sure how the scenery is, I started to pull in the driveway and saw the no pets allowed sign…read moreand turned around. Seems like it's a good area though.

PRAIRIE PINES NATURE PRESERVE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY SATURDAY(EXCEPT MAJOR HOLIDAYS) 9:00 AM -…read more5:00 PM (FREE. DONATIONS WELCOME.) This has become one of our favorite things to do on Saturday morning. In most seasons, this park is open and ready for exploring and the kids can't get enough. Each time we go we discover something different. The highlight is always the Nature Ninja obstacle course - we do several rounds. We also like to take a little hike out to the windmill to see frogs and play in the water. We usually end our morning hike with a picnic lunch on-site. The Prairie Pines Nature Preserve is a protected area of natural interest and habitat for diverse species. It is sustained for conservation, nature experience and understanding. Created by nature and endowed by the life's work and pleasure of Walt and Virginia Bagley, it exists on 145 acres of woodland, grassland, wetland and remnant prairie. Accompanied by the efforts of the University of Nebraska Institute of Natural Resources, Nebraska Forest Service and Prairie Pines Partners nonprofit it forever shall be, "a refuge for all living things". Learn more at www.prairiepines.org.

A wonderful State Park along the valley of the Platte River that provides amazing views in the…read moredrive there. The bottom area provides a place to stop and have a picnic, feed some fish and check out a "archaeological" area. It also provides some great hiking trails. They provide 2 trails that can be combined to give you a nice 2 mile hike. The trail follows down to a cool suspension bridge and you can get down into the creek area and explore the rocks. The trip back takes you through the forest to a high area of pine trees. They also have a nice playground and picnic pavilion up the hill as well. Take a moment on your road trip and stop and visit this amazing place.

This is a wonderful center for kids of all ages. The tinker/maker space is fantastic. There is also…read morea campsite creative play area that has great props to promote play.

This is a beautiful gravel trail. You can ride horses, ATV, run, walk, bike, etc. there are wild…read morefruit trees along the trail. We stopped and ate some wild plums. There is a little covered bench stop for a rest too.

Nice little gem to enjoy peace and quiet and good scenery. Good place to get away from people and…read moreenjoy a hike. Good, clear trails and a great view of the lake as you approach.

Love going by, through, and in this historical park in Licoln Nebremaska. It's the original park in…read moreLincoln since 1867. Really beautiful and green when there is a lot of precipitation! A huge place to walk around. Not too far from my brother's current residence. If you are ever in the area, stop by this park for a visit!