Road Trip!
Ready to “drive” into summer fun? Each spot on this map is less than 2 hours from Lincoln—whether you’re splashing at Pawnee Plunge, spotting bison at Wildlife Safari Park, or playing iSpy in the car, adventure is just down the road!
560 33rd Avenue, Columbus, NE 68601 (Estimated 1hr 15 min drive time)
Get ready to splash into fun at Pawnee Plunge Waterpark in Columbus! With something for everyone, this park features Nebraska's only FlowRider, water slides, a lazy river, and even a climbing wall! Little adventurers can enjoy the interactive ship and spray park, while the whole family can dive into the pool or race down thrilling slides. You can also relax by the snack stand or rent a party room for your next celebration. Daily admission includes access to both open sessions, from 12:00 PM-5:00 PM and 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Children 3 and under are free, 4 years and older are $10, and group rates are offered at $40 for 5 people or $70 for 10 people.
Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari
16406 North 292nd Street, Ashland, NE 68003 (Estimated 30 min drive time)
Take a wild ride through Nebraska’s very own safari! At the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, hop in your car and drive through a four-mile adventure, spotting elk, bison, and even pronghorn antelope! Don’t forget your picnic and grab a souvenir from the gift shop after your adventure. With nature trails to explore and amazing animals to discover, this is the perfect family day out. Plus, kids under 2 get in free! Nature trails allow for further exploration, and the park is group-friendly, offering group rates and requiring reservations for group visits. It also offers military discounts. Open daily from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM from April through October, the park provides a memorable outdoor experience for all ages!
Admission:
$12.00 Adults (12 and over)
$10.00 Children (3-11)
$11.00 Seniors (65 and over)
FREE for Children 2 and under
28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003 (Estimated 26 min drive time)
Adventure awaits at Mahoney State Park, where the whole family can explore, play, and relax! Hike or bike the scenic trails, cast a line in the Platte River, or splash around at the indoor aquatic center. Do you prefer the indoors? You can still have a blast with rock climbing, mini golf, and more! Stay in cozy cabins or camp under the stars and experience all this year-round park has to offer. Additional amenities include cabins, camping, a ropes course, mini golf, a nature conservatory, and more. Nebraska park permits for 2025 are $35 annually, with higher rates for non-resident vehicles. A park permit is required to enter; activities are an additional cost.
65296 720 Rd. Shubert, NE 68437-9801 (Estimated 1 hr 37 min drive time)
Step back in time and explore the amazing Indian Cave State Park along the Missouri River! Hike through scenic trails, discover ancient Native American petroglyphs, and enjoy picnicking with breathtaking views. Perfect for campers, hikers, and nature lovers, this park lets you explore the great outdoors while walking along the 22 miles of trails. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river and take in the petroglyphs from an ADA-accessible boardwalk.
Schramm Park State Recreation Area
21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE 68028 (Estimated 28 min of drive time)
The Schramm Education Center offers visitors a chance to explore Nebraska’s wildlife through interactive exhibits and displays. Dive into a world of Nebraska’s wildlife, from fish and reptiles to amphibians, this hands-on center is full of fun. Wander through the aquarium, learn about nature, and explore the nearby trails. It’s the perfect stop for animal lovers, with interactive exhibits and beautiful gardens to enjoy year-round. The surrounding Schramm Park State Recreation Area, a popular destination for birdwatching and outdoor activities, includes trails, a historic fish hatchery, and a geological outcrop. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and exploring the park’s pollinator gardens, with year-round naturalist programs and special events available.