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.

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.

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.

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.

From the Great Plains Trails Network:…read more "Lincoln's longest trail traveling through almost the entire city, connecting the University with local businesses, community neighborhoods and the Lincoln countryside. The concrete city portion presently extends from Peter Pan Park (33rd & Y St.) to the Novartis Trailhead near 84th and Hazelwood. The limestone trail continues east 25 miles through Walton, Eagle, Elmwood and ends near Wabash. Planned extensions include a route to the Platte River Bridge near South Bend and the Huskerlink west to the UNL City Campus." I used this trail very often last summer. You can park in the lot at the trailhead, but be sure to lock your valuables in your trunk - there have been a rash of car thefts there recently. You can also use the restrooms, change clothes, fill up your waterbottle, or rest in the shade there. They also have candy & pop vending machines there, which is kind of ironic... The trail cuts through lots of wooded areas, so even on a hot day, you'll get breaks of shade. But since it's gravel, your bike will get pretty dusty. Nice, scenic prairie route, once you cross the highway. You'll pass horses, cattle, & an Audubon prairie along the way. There are a couple bridges you'll cross over creeks. TIPS: - Wear sunscreen & bug spray. - Wear sunglasses if you bike - I hate a bug in the eye. Blech! - Bring lots of water - Be really careful crossing the country roads, especially if you have headphones on. Drivers aren't expecting you. - Check http://www.gptn.org/mopac.htm for maps & tips from more experienced cyclists.

I'm not even gonna try and write a better review than the first one, so I'll just put in my $0.02…read more It's a pretty decent trail. I've been on different sections of it countless times. I typically walk or bike the part around the UNL City Campus and then follow it down near Vine Street and that general area. It's mostly concrete all the way down, with plenty of ups and downs that will give you both a workout and a nice relaxing coast. I've also biked down to Wilderness Park, which is pretty nice. Just be sure to wear bug spray if you're heading out that way. In the UNL area, there's plenty of benches and ponds and stuff to sit down at and take a break. The cool thing about this section of the trail is that it also branches out into a number of smaller trails and sidewalks leading all over the city, so you can bike from one area to another pretty quickly.

First time visitor Free parking…read moreEntry fee based on member non member membership kid prices Friendly staff - explained all the look for and what to expect Shop Raptor refuge Exhibits Downstairs rattlesnake turtle kid friendly area Adventure treetop wasn't open while there but it was certainly a neat spot to zip like climb cargo nets do obstacles and in a forest setting, there is also an acorn area for kids to play in a acorn inspired playground Forest filled with trails flat hilly wraps around well defined - each trail with a little of history - boardwalk leads to overlooking the Missouri Plenty of signs to figure where you are at - very safe for solo and group travelers The raptor refuge was a pleasant surprise and also sad as multiple birds have had some type of Incident occur that would not allow them to go back into the wild but really glad they are taken care of by passionate staff individuals Steve shared with us Aero - great storyteller indeed Really would recommend to anyone who just wants to explore the outdoors and see a little bit of everything from water to bridges and tree line paths and hear the silence to enjoy the scenery Due note if you have to leave, you are able to come back (so yes to in and out privilege)

When we were choosing to purchase the Fontenelle Forest TreeRush tickets, we were originally hoping…read moreto head to a competitor (who we had tried before) but I'm super glad we ended up at TreeRush! We had purchased our passes ahead of time because we were a party of 8 and wanted to make sure we were all together. We bought the family pack which includes climbing gloves, which are a requirement. If you have 4 people attending, this is your best deal. They do also offer some "try it" deals that seem to be a good value. So keep your eye peeled if you're looking to save some cash. After check in, the staff sends you to the harness area where you get strapped in and watch a short safety video. Then a guide teaches you about your mechanism as you're responsible for all your moves on the course. (You can call for staff if you need assistance while on the course. They had a lot of available staff.) The kids did a ton of different courses. I did the black first (with the kids, who left me in the dust). It is highly recommended that you don't do black first, but here I was ... well I completed the entire course so I guess there's some bragging rights but next time I'll stick to the other [easier] courses.

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.

Beautiful rolling hills, nature and water. The East Butler High school clears a path for the cross…read morecountry team that is great for walking or running. It's a nice uphill 3 mile loop. I saw deer, turkeys, butterflies, and a ground squirrel. Nice breeze.

Great place to walk your dog! My corgi loved it. Very fun looking play structures for kids.read more

This lovely park in southwest Lincoln was my last stop as I was leaving Lincoln. At 28 acres, it's…read moreone of the larger parks in the Lincoln parks system. Lots of parking, a hiking/bike trail, picnic tables (some with shelters, some without) and a number of playgrounds. The park is very well shaded and a bit set back from the busy road. You won't be able to escape civilization but you'll at least be able to put some distance between you and it. As always, never hike alone! [Review 11396 overall, 1173 of 2019.]