Nebraska National Parks! We’ve got five incredible national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the cornhusker state.
Nebraska National Parks includes ancient fossil beds, incredible historic sites, magnificent monuments, gorgeous rivers and so much more.
Not to mention biking, boating, canoeing, hiking, rafting, riding, tubing and many more fun activities.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
We’re going to give you five reasons why you’ll want to make Nebraska your next vacation destination.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cornhusker State then one book I highly recommend is: Detour Nebraska: Historic Destinations & Natural Wonders by Gretchen M. Garrison.
To be clear, these are national park sites (as in managed by the National Park Service) but they are not capital letter National Parks. There are only 63 of those (so far).
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Nebraska National Parks Table Of Contents
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
- Homestead National Historical Park
- Missouri National Recreational River
- Niobrara National Scenic River
- Scotts Bluff National Monument
- Map Of Nebraska National Parks
- List Of Nebraska National Parks
- About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
- Meet The Parks Brothers
Nebraska National Parks
1. Agate Fossil Beds National Monumen
If you love history then it doesn’t get any better or older than full skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals.
This is what paleontologists unearthed in the hills of Nebraska. Through their efforts the age of mammals comes to life at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
Scientists discovered the bones of ancient mammals in the 1890s. Some of the most famous are the devil’s corkscrew burrows.
These corkscrew-shaped tunnels into the Earth’s core were built by prehistoric land beavers called Palaeocastors.
You Have To See It To Believe, And See it You Can At Agate Fossil Beds
Paleocastor had powerful clawed forelimbs for digging and long, curved teeth like modern beavers.
Herds of Stenomylus, gazelle-camels about two feet tall, grazed grasslands beside the three-toed, pony sized rhinoceroses Menoceras.
The most common mammal in the bonebed, Monoceras may have roamed these plains in large herds.
Fossil remains of the ancestors of the modern horse, Parahippus, have also been found in the waterhole. (Source: National Park Service)
Discovery Of The Fossils
Agate Springs Ranch, owned by James and Kate Cook, was the place where the original discovery of the petrified bones of a mammal was made. This happened in the 1880s.
In 1892, Professor Erwin H. Barbour of University of Nebraska arrived. He was the first scientist to examine the strange “Devil’s Corkscrews of Agate.” These were later identified as the fossilized burrows of Paleocastor.
It’s Not Jurassic Park, But Still Well Worth The Visit
Twelve years later, Olaf Peterson of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburg became the first professional paleontologist to excavate in the ‘great bonebed’ in the Fossil Hills.
Now you can travel back 23 millions years to see these incredible creatures. You will find them at the visitor center.
It’s not Jurassic Park, but it’s still well worth the visit. And, the best news of all is that you don’t have anything to fear from these creatures.
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“Archaeology is the peeping Tom of the sciences. It is the sandbox of men who care not where they are going; they merely want to know where everyone else has been.”
-Jim Bishop
Experience A Different Perspective On Native American History
Visitors can also see an amazing collection of Northern Plains Native American artifacts.
You can explore the Lakota and Cheyenne culture by checking out the James H. Cook collection of gifts from Chief Red Cloud.
These gifts were given by the Lakota to James Cook when they visited him at the Agate Springs Ranch.
While you’re there, you can see Chief Red Cloud’s shirt and moccasins.
There’s also other artifacts on display at the visitor center museum including as Crazy Horse’s whetstone, American Horse’s war club from the Fetterman Fight, and much more!
There’s Two Excellent Walking Trails
There’s two excellent walking trails. The one mile Daemonelix Trail features exhibits of the spiral corkscrew fossil of the Paleocastor, an ancient land beaver that lived here in the Miocene.
The 2.8 mile Fossil Hills Trail takes visitors to the historic dig sites. While you’re there you can explore the source of the famous fossil discoveries.
There’s also a boardwalk to take you over natural wetlands and the Niobrara river.
Nebraska National Parks
2. Homestead National Historical Park
So much history! So little time! But where to begin?
At the Homestead National Historical Park, the best place to begin is at the beginning (a.k.a. the Homestead Heritage Center).
This multipurpose facility brings the epic homestead story to life for visitors of all ages and demonstrates the true scope and importance of the Homestead Act of 1862.
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The Homestead Acts
If you’re unfamiliar with the history of this place then have no fear. As a retired history teacher, I’m also looking to do a quick history lesson. So, here we go!
The Homestead Acts were laws in the United States by which an applicant could acquire ownership of public land which was typically called a homestead.
It Allowed Nearly Any Man Or Woman A “Fair Chance”
By granting 160 acres of free land to claimants, it allowed nearly any man or woman a “fair chance.” It was our government’s way of giving its citizens the opportunity to have a better life and a brighter future provided they were willing to work the land.
The Homestead Acts opened up America’s public lands to homesteaders who were looking to build a place to live and work. One of the most famous was the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889.
At Homestead National Historical Park, visitors learn about many aspects of the homesteading story. An exhibit titled “Opportunity and Displacement” discusses how land laws affected Native Americans.
RELATED: 7+ (AMAZING) Oklahoma National Parks-Everything To Know
Things To Do At Homestead National Historical Park
There are some fascinating historic places to visit including the Palmer-Epard Cabin, built in 1867, by George W. Palmer.
There’s also the Freeman School which serves as a reminder of the role the old one-room schoolhouse played in the history of the prairie frontier.
And, if you want to see what an actual homestead looks like, I recommend a visit Daniel Freeman’s homestead claim. Today the claim is a part of the Homestead National Monument.
CHECK OUT: 5 MUST-SEE HISTORIC SITES IN MISSOURI
Nebraska National Parks
3. Missouri National Recreational River
The Missouri National Recreational River is a national recreational river that’s located on the border between Nebraska and South Dakota. With its sprawling boundaries, there are endless recreational opportunities in this national park.
Activities include the following: biking, bird watching canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, and kayaking.
I would recommend watching the park’s 18-minute film River of Change. Then it’s on to your adventure.
RELATED: 6 Missouri National Parks Worth A Stop On Your Next Midwest Road Trip
Biking And Hiking And Horseback Riding, Oh My
Close to the confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers, Niobrara State Park has 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along with a 160 acre area for horseback riding.
Ponca State Park is another great place for hiking. Thousands of Nebraskans and South Dakotans alike hit the trails at this popular state park right along the shores of the Missouri National Recreational River every year.
There’s Boating, Canoeing & Camping Too
The Missouri National Recreational River offers scenic views and a variety of river opportunities for all boaters.
If you want to explore the river the way that Lewis and Clark did then you ought to consider canoeing or kayaking. The Paddler’s Guide to the 39 and 59-mile district is a great way to prepare.
You can also visit the Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail and the Missouri River Outdoor Recreation Access Guide to get maps, resources and other helpful information.
Bird Watching
According to the National Park Service, the Missouri River ecosystem is a significant pathway for migratory birds. Migrating species benefit from bottomland, which serves as wintering, feeding, breeding, and staging grounds.
Nebraska National Parks
4. Niobrara National Scenic River
As the National Park Service proclaims, it’s 76 miles of free-flowing fun. The Niobrara National Scenic River is a place where you can canoe, tube, or kayak.
It’s a family friendly river and offers scenic views of waterfalls, wildlife, and the unique geology of the Niobrara River Valley.
However you decide to go down this magnificent river, however, be sure to have proper safety equipment.
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Or, You Could Take A Scenic Drive Along The River
The Lower Niobrara River Valley Scenic Drive travels along stretches of the lower Niobrara River and Verdigre Creek both located in the 39-Mile District of the Missouri National Recreational River.
There’s also the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway which is a beautiful route that includes hills, valleys, and jagged cliffs. It follows Nebraska Highway 12 from South Sioux City to Valentine for 231 miles.
The highway retraces much of the path where outlaws such as Doc Middleton, Kid Wade and their associates used to hideout.
Nebraska National Parks Guide
5. Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a geologic wonder. It towers 800 feet above the North Platte River and has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to Americans on a westward migration.
It’s chock full of geological and paleontological history. And human history too. There’s much to discover while exploring the 3,000 acres of Scotts Bluff National Monument.
CHECK OUT: 25 BUCKET-LIST FAMOUS HISTORIC LANDMARKS IN AMERICA (MUST-SEE)
Nearly Four Miles Of Hiking Trails
You will find almost four miles of hiking trails at the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Please remember to stay on the trails at all times however.
The rock along Summit Trails and Saddle Rock Trail is soft and crumbly; leaving the paved trails can be extremely dangerous.
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William Henry Jackson Collection
William Henry Jackson was an extraordinarily gifted photographer best known for his iconic images of Yellowstone National Park.
He was also a gifted artist whose drawings and paintings provide valuable insights to life in a time when America was suffering through the Civil War and venturing westward in search of a national identity.
Scotts Bluff National Monument houses the world’s largest collection of original William Henry Jackson sketches, paintings, and photographs. (Source: National Park Service)
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Seeing The Flora & Fauna At Scotts Bluff
Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the few places in the Panhandle of Nebraska where wildlife is protected in a natural environment.
There you will find various species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals and invertebrates.
Wildlife commonly seen include coyote, mule deer, prairie dogs and rattlesnakes.
You can also find a variety of plants including Plains Prickly Pear, Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Soapweed Yucca and Winterfat.
RELATED: 10 (FASCINATING) Yellowstone National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Map Of Nebraska National Parks
List Of Nebraska National Parks
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
- Homestead National Historical Park
- Missouri National Recreational River
- Niobrara National Scenic River
- Scotts Bluff National Monument
About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) absolutely LOVE the national parks and public lands.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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