Exploring Nebraska by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Nebraska’s landscape, wide and varied, invites travelers to experience it from unusual perspectives that reveal the state’s understated beauty. Near Omaha, just a short drive northwest, the historic Durham Museum offers a fascinating entry point to the state’s railroad heritage. Housed in the stunning Art Deco former Union Station, the museum’s exhibits vividly revive the golden age of train travel. Visitors can explore restored passenger cars, dioramas, and vintage artifacts that tell stories of the transcontinental railroad and the role it played in shaping the American West. The building itself, with its soaring ceilings and intricate tile work, makes this stop a unique blend of history and architecture. Spring and fall, with clearer skies and mild temperatures, provide perfect conditions to soak in the nostalgia and imagine Nebraska’s railroads bustling with travelers long ago.
Heading west, the Niobrara River near Valentine, about a three-hour drive northwest of Omaha, offers a serene setting for paddlers and nature lovers. The Niobrara National Scenic River is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, quietly threading through towering bluffs and dense woodlands. Canoeing or kayaking here is a tranquil adventure where you might spot bald eagles, river otters, and the occasional white-tailed deer along the banks. The stretch between Borman Bridge and Red Willow Falls is particularly popular, about 20 river miles of gentle currents winding through a landscape that shifts with the seasons. Summer mornings are ideal, when the water is warm and the wildlife active, offering a peaceful, immersive way to experience Nebraska’s riverine wilderness without the crowds common in other Midwest waterways.
For a truly elevated view of Nebraska’s vast horizon, head to the Sandhills region near Valentine, specifically around the town of Atkinson, roughly two and a half hours west of Omaha. This area is famous for hot air ballooning, providing unparalleled, sweeping vistas of the rolling dunes covered in grasslands that make up the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere. Balloon rides typically ascend early in the day when winds are calmest, offering peaceful flights over this unique ecosystem. From above, the patchwork of ranches, waterways, and open prairie creates a mosaic of natural and human history rarely seen from the ground. The Sandhills’ isolation and low light pollution also make it a prime spot for stargazing after landing, especially in late summer and early fall.
Back toward the eastern part of the state, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa, just across the Missouri River from Omaha, delves into the legacy of the railroad empire that helped build Nebraska. The museum’s detailed models, historic locomotives, and interactive exhibits bring to life the challenges and triumphs of early railroading. Visitors can follow the story of the transcontinental railroad’s completion at Promontory Summit but through the lens of Nebraska’s critical role in the network. The museum’s proximity to Omaha makes it an easy day trip that deepens an understanding of the region’s rail history, with the best visits during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy more personalized tours.
For a combination of boating and historical exploration, the Missouri River near Bellevue, just south of Omaha, offers a captivating experience. The Bellevue Riverfront Park provides boat ramps and access to the wide river, where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or river cruises that explore the waterways shaping Nebraska’s eastern border. From the water, you can glimpse remnants of steamboat traffic that once thrived here, and the park features interpretive signs about Lewis and Clark’s expedition along this route. Late spring and early summer are ideal for boating, when the river is navigable and the surrounding parks burst into bloom. The blend of history, wildlife, and gentle currents makes this part of the Missouri a dynamic yet restful way to engage with Nebraska’s natural and cultural landscape.
In the heart of Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln, the Union Plaza Park is an unusual place for a balloon launch or festival, often serving as a starting point for hot air balloon events that attract pilots from across the region. Situated about an hour southwest of Omaha, this urban park provides a striking contrast between the open skies needed for ballooning and the city’s lively downtown backdrop. Watching balloons ascend above Lincoln’s skyline, especially at dawn during the annual Nebraska Balloon Festival, offers a blend of urban energy and outdoor adventure. Early morning light creates a magical atmosphere, and the event is a colorful reminder that Nebraska’s fascination with flight extends well beyond its rural edges.
Finally, the Cowboy Trail, the longest rails-to-trails conversion in America, runs from Norfolk to Valentine across northern Nebraska, near the Sandhills region. This 195-mile gravel trail traces the old Chicago and North Western Railway route, inviting cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders to traverse a scenic corridor of grasslands, small towns, and river valleys. The segment near Niobrara State Park, roughly two hours north of Lincoln, is especially scenic, featuring gentle hills and views of the Missouri River valley. The trail’s flat terrain makes it accessible for all skill levels, and its length offers a unique way to experience the vastness of Nebraska’s countryside while reflecting on the railroad that once connected these remote communities. Autumn is a standout season here, when the prairie grasses turn golden and the weather cools, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for a multi-day adventure.