There’s more to Nebraska than corn husking and cool-aid. The State is home to many wildlife parks, points of historical interests and educational activities. Many cities in Nebraska, such as Omaha and Lincoln, contain many family friendly activities. Much of Nebraska is rural and some of the most interesting places to visit in the State can be found in the outlying areas.
Heartland of America
The “Heartland of America” is a 31 acre public park in the city of Omaha. The city park lies between the Missouri river and Interstate 80 near downtown Omaha. The centerpiece to the park is a giant fountain surrounded by many smaller ones. Children may enjoy feeding the geese and swans that inhabit the waterways. The Lewis and Clark interpretive exhibit is an activity meant for both children and adults. The exhibit, which is staged in tents, involves actors acting scenes from the historical Lewis and Clark expedition.
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park is a unique experience for both children and adults. The drive through park is a located near the town of Ashland in rural Eastern Nebraska. The park is divided up into several North American ecosystems such as grasslands, wetlands, plains and canyon. Each exhibit contains a featured animal such as wolves, bears, bison, elk and various bird species. Certain animals, particularly the elk and bison, are always visible from the car. Last time I attended the park I had hoped to see one of the few wolves but unfortunately they’re not always exhibited to the public.
University of Nebraska State Museum
If you wish for an educational activity for your whole family the University of Nebraska State Museum offers many hands on exhibits. This natural history museum in the city of Lincoln contains one of the largest collections of prehistoric fossils in the United States. As a fan of natural history and fossils I thought the fossil collection surpassed all the other natural history museums I’ve been to. About a year ago I went with my sister and her niece who has a special fondness for elephants. My niece was initially terrified, but later amazed, at the huge Mammoth fossil. The university of Nebraska State Museum has many hands-on exhibits for children to enjoy.