When most families start dreaming up Midwest road trips, destinations like Chicago, St. Louis, or the Wisconsin Dells usually top the list. But tucked away in plain sight, Nebraska quietly offers a surprising mix of history, quirky attractions, cowboy legends, beach days, and one-of-a-kind wildlife experiences.
On my recent FOX59 segment, I shared highlights from our family’s summer road trip along Interstate 80 — stretching from Grand Island to Ogallala, with stops in North Platte and beyond. Whether you’re traveling with restless toddlers, curious grade-schoolers, or teens who crave a bit of adventure, Nebraska is full of unexpected gems.
Here’s an extended guide to planning your own unforgettable family trip across the Cornhusker State.
Getting There
For Indiana families, the easiest way to reach Nebraska is by airplane or by car. Today, we’re going to share a road trip. From Indianapolis, it’s roughly an 11-hour drive to Grand Island, our first stop. We broke up the trip by overnighting in the Quad Cities, which made the drive much more manageable.
If road trips aren’t your family’s thing, you can also fly into Lincoln, Omaha, or Grand Island and rent a car from there. But honestly? Half the fun is in the journey, with all the quirky roadside attractions along the way.
Grand Island: Pioneer History and Playful Parks
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
Think of it as Nebraska’s version of Conner Prairie, only with a distinctly western twist. The Stuhr Museum is a living history museum where costumed interpreters reenact pioneer life. Families can wander through authentic buildings, learn about daily life in the 1800s, and see firsthand how settlers shaped the region.
Even if you’ve visited Conner Prairie in Indiana, the history here feels different; it’s rooted in wagon trails, homesteading, and the gritty spirit of western migration. It’s an eye-opening stop that combines history lessons with immersive fun.
Island Oasis Water Park
After a morning of history, cool off at Island Oasis Water Park. Part of Grand Island’s public park system, this affordable destination has a wave pool, waterslides, and splash areas for little ones. Admission is just a few dollars per person, making it a budget-friendly way to entertain kids for hours.
Stolley Park
If trains are a hit with your kids, Stolley Park is worth a stop. In addition to playgrounds and splash pads, families can take miniature train rides through the park. It’s a charming mix of simple fun and natural beauty.
Sandhill Crane Migration
Grand Island is world-famous for something you won’t see anywhere else: the Sandhill Crane Migration. Each spring, more than a million cranes stop along the Platte River during their northward journey. The sights and sounds are breathtaking, making it one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
If you can plan a trip in March or April, add this to your bucket list. Viewing blinds and guided tours are available to help families get a front-row seat to the action.
Nebraska State Fair
Grand Island also hosts the Nebraska State Fair, a summertime celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and food. Think carnival rides, concerts, livestock shows, and quirky exhibits (like the world’s largest denim overalls). It’s the kind of state fair that feels both classic and uniquely Nebraskan.
Don’t Forget to Eat: Runza
Before leaving Grand Island, grab a meal at Runza, a local fast-food chain famous for its namesake sandwich. Imagine a warm bread pocket stuffed with seasoned beef, cabbage, and onions — like a cross between a Sloppy Joe and a hot pocket. It’s beloved across the Midwest and an absolute must-try.
North Platte: Tanking, Trains, and Buffalo Bill
Tanking on the River
If there’s one Nebraska experience your family will never forget, it’s tanking. Locals take oversized livestock water tanks, outfit them with benches (or lawn chairs), and float them down the Platte River.
It’s equal parts ridiculous and relaxing, plus it’s fun for all ages. Our kids loved helping paddle, but honestly, this might be even more fun as a grown-ups-only outing with friends, snacks, and cold drinks.
Golden Spike Tower
Train lovers will be fascinated by the Golden Spike Tower, which overlooks Bailey Yard, the largest rail yard in the world. From the observation decks, you can watch trains being sorted and switched across hundreds of tracks. The visitor center also shares stories about the history of railroads in America.
Buffalo Bill Ranch and Fort Cody Trading Post
North Platte is the hometown of Buffalo Bill Cody, and his ranch is now a state historic park. Families can tour the grounds, learn about his legendary Wild West shows, and explore a slice of frontier history.
For a kitschy stop, check out the Fort Cody Trading Post, which mixes roadside souvenir shopping with Wild West displays. It’s part history, part funhouse, and totally kid-approved.
Dinner at Pizza Ranch
Cap off the day with a stop at Pizza Ranch, a regional buffet chain with all-you-can-eat pizza, fried chicken, and a family-friendly arcade. It’s casual, affordable, and exactly what road-tripping families need after a long day of adventures.
Ogallala: Cowboys, Culture, and Beaches
Petrified Wood Gallery
Nebraska may not be the first place you think of for fossils, but Ogallala’s Petrified Wood Gallery is a fascinating stop. Families can explore collections of ancient wood, arrowheads, and artifacts that highlight the region’s natural and cultural history.
Tri-Trails Park and Pony Express Re-Ride
Ogallala sits at the crossroads of multiple historic trails. At Tri-Trails Park, you can still see wagon ruts left behind by pioneers. Each year, the Pony Express Re-Ride commemorates the historic mail route, with riders carrying letters all the way to California.
Front Street Crystal Palace Revue
Step back into the Wild West at the Front Street Crystal Palace Revue. Outside, actors stage a cowboy shootout in the street. Inside, you’ll find a museum, dinner, and a live music-and-comedy show where kids can even get pulled up on stage. It’s equal parts history and entertainment, and it was one of our kids’ favorite experiences.
Lake McConaughy
End your Nebraska adventure with a day at Lake McConaughy, the state’s largest reservoir. Known as “Lake Mac,” it boasts white sand beaches, fishing, boating, and camping. Families can park right on the sand, set up for the day, and enjoy the kind of beach experience you don’t expect in the middle of the Midwest.
Planning Tips
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Best time to visit: Spring (for the cranes), summer (for water parks and Lake Mac), or early fall (for festivals).
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Budget: Nebraska is wallet-friendly, many attractions cost just a few dollars, and meals are reasonably priced.
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Road trip hack: Break up long drives with quirky stops (World’s Largest Ball of Twine, anyone?).
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Local eats: Don’t miss Runza, Pizza Ranch, and roadside diners.
If you’re craving a family vacation that blends learning with play, Nebraska delivers. You’ll leave with sun on your face, sand between your toes, and stories your kids will be talking about long after you’ve unpacked.
For more family trip ideas and itineraries, visit IndyWithKids.com and follow along on social media.
