Nebraska is a state with a lot of hard-working people, but never let it be said Cornhuskers don't know how to party! Summer in Nebraska is a great time, when the state's parks and waterfronts are at their most beautiful, and all the best festivals and fairs are in full swing. There are so many great things to do in Nebraska in summer that it can feel overwhelming, so we created this list to help you plan your perfect summer adventure. Nebraska has some amazing vacation destinations, some crystal-clear waterfronts perfect for recreation, and unique cultural activities that make for a memorable day out. And that's even before we talk about all the amazing festivals and fairs that will give you every opportunity to ride some crazy rides and try some deep-fried everything. Come with us and discover the key to a perfect Nebraska summer.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Nebraska

Nebraska might not be known for its massive amusement parks like some states, but it has some real hidden gems waiting for summer fun - including a huge waterpark and carnival, a hidden-gem amusement park and go-kart track, and a laid-back marina campground filled with good food, good music, and good times. The best part? All of these are within an hour's drive of the biggest two cities.

1. Fun-Plex

Location: Omaha.

Popularity: Very popular - this is Nebraska’s top summer amusement park.

Need To Know: Any-day tickets are $35 at the gate or $32 online, with kids and seniors getting a $2 discount. Monday to Thursday tickets are available at a reduced rate. All activities are included besides Cabanas.

Nebraska’s largest waterpark, Fun-Plex is full of attractions including waterslides, rapids, and a wave pool. It’s also Nebraska’s largest amusement park, thanks to an attached ride park with 12 flat rides ranging from a gentle merry-go-round to the thrilling new-for-2024 Wipeout. The kids will love it - and so will the grownups, thanks to Breakers Bay! This is Nebraska’s best swim-up bar and has a variety of Tiki-themed drinks and live entertainment regularly. It all comes together into the most fun you can have in Omaha.

2. Papio Fun Park

Location: Papillon.

Popularity: Moderately popular - located on the outskirts of Omaha, it hasn’t gained quite the attention of Fun-Plex yet.

Need To Know: Ticket prices range between $11 and $25 depending on how many activities you want to do. Season passes are available for $125.

Papio Fun Park is a combination of several unique attractions under one complex, and it’s the best way to spend a sunny summer day in the state if you don’t want to get wet! The headliner attraction here is definitely the go-karts,which give kids the chance to zip around the tracks. The batting cages are a fun and adrenaline-packed way for aspiring sluggers to test their skills, and a mini-golf course offers 18 holes themed to the various regions of the United States. There are plenty of indoor attractions for a rainy day too, including pool, arcade games, and even laser tag.

3. Cottonwood

Cove Marina & RV Resort

Location: Blair.

Popularity: Popular - this is the best resort campground near Omaha.

Need To Know: Contact the resort directly for details on rates. The resort is gaining a lot in popularity among those not staying there thanks to its restaurant and entertainment.

If you’re looking for a unique getaway in Nebraska with a tropical twist, you won’t do any better than Cottonwood Cove. This charming marina and RV park in Blair is only an hour away from Omaha and has an amazing on-site restaurant serving casual fare. The outdoor pool is a great way to spend a summer day - and it even has a swim-up pool bar! RV lots and cabins are rented by the season, so this is a great long-term vacation spot if you’re looking to escape the big city.

Best Beaches, Lakes, And Rivers To Visit In Nebraska This Summer

Freshwater lakes and rivers are just as stunning as the beaches, and Nebraska's best lakes are especially great for anyone who wants to fish the summer away. Located within three of Nebraska's best state recreation areas, these lakes are crystal-clear and surrounded by stunning landscapes. The water is just the start, and you'll definitely want to carve out some time this summer to explore them.

4. Center Lake

Location: Bridgeport.

Popularity: Moderately popular - This is very far from any major city, but has gained a reputation among fishing aficionados.

Need To Know: Requires a Nebraska State Park Permit to enter - $30 for an annual permit, $15 for a second-vehicle pass, or $6 for a daily pass. Camping and fishing are allowed on the grounds.

There are five lakes in Bridgeport State Recreation Area, but Center Lake is by far the most beautiful. Park of the lake is set apart for swimming, but the rest of the lake is popular with anglers who will be able to take in some of the catch from the heavily stocked lake. Center Lake is the only lake in the park where powered boats are allowed, assuming they’re under the 5mph speed limit. The park has beautiful sunsets, and is a great place to pitch a tent and enjoy some classic primitive camping.

5. Lake Maloney

Location: North Platte.

Popularity: Moderately popular - this is another out-of-the-way destination that can get crowded on nice days in the summer.

Need To Know: This is a popular spot for fishing with some basic camping spots available. Requires a Nebraska State Park Permit to enter - $30 for an annual permit, $15 for a second-vehicle pass, or $6 for a daily pass.

The centerpiece of the recreation area of the same name, Lake Maloney is a stunning blue lake of 1,100 acres. It gets pretty busy in the summer as anglers come from hours away to try their luck at the catch of the day. Boaters and kayakers love this lake too, but even if you don’t want to get on the water, this area is well worth visiting. The trails around the lake offer some of the most beautiful views in all of Nebraska, and the camping here is top-notch - you can either pitch a tent, or park in the available RV spots.

6. Calamus Reservoir

Location: Burwell.

Popularity: Not popular - this is one of the most remote parks in Nebraska without a major town for many miles around. That makes it the perfect hidden gem.

Need To Know: This massive state recreation area is popular for fishing, boating, and hiking. There are 122 modern campsites to rent, and the area requires the same park permit.

Calamus Reservoir is one of the most stunning spots to get on the water in Nebraska, mostly thanks to its beautiful white sand beach. You’ll feel like you’re on the ocean here, but this freshwater lake is perfect for classic camping activities like fishing - the lake is nicely stocked. The best part of this area might be the views, though - this is located in the Sandhill region, which is full of beautiful dunes that feel a million miles away from the normal prairies of Nebraska.

Parks To Visit In Nebraska This Summer

The best state parks in Nebraska are a diverse set, including a tiny fort that has been transformed into an educational institution, a gorgeous natural landscape filled with some of the most diverse geology in the state, and a riverfront park that offers stunning views of not one but two of Nebraska's best waterways. All these parks can be found far away from the big metropolises, but are well worth the trip.

7. Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park

Location: Burwell.

Popularity: Moderately popular - this unique historic site is in a very isolated area of the state.

Need To Know: More an attraction than a park, this historical site charges admission of $4 for adults and $1 for children 3-12 to visit the interpretive center, in addition to the park fee.

The smallest state park in Nebraska, Fort Hartsuff National Historical Park is a military fort that has been transformed into a living museum. It was erected in 1874 as white settlers arrived in Nebraska in large numbers, and today it’s a popular day trip for those who want to learn about the history of the region and see how people lived. You can tour the historic buildings and get a good look at the ins and outs of day-to-day military life in the region. The buildings have specific hours for entry, so make sure to check ahead.

8. Niobrara State Park

Location: Niobrara.

Popularity: Popular - located along the Missouri River and a major highway, this is one of the most well-known parks in Nebraska.

Need To Know: Requires a Nebraska State Park Permit to enter - $30 for an annual permit, $15 for a second-vehicle pass, or $6 for a daily pass.

Niobrara State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the region, and one of the most beautiful. This park is located at the junction of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers and offers some of the most beautiful views in the state. It’s a very popular place for kayaking and canoeing among the impressive river bluffs, and there are three trails to explore while you’re walking through the park. There are several old metal bridges that allow you to cross the river for some of the best photo ops in Nebraska.

9. Chadron State Park

Location: Chadron.

Popularity: Moderately popular - the isolated location keeps crowds down, but it’s gained quite a fanbase among nature lovers.

Need To Know: Same rules for park entry apply as Niobara State Park.

Over a century old, Chadron State Park is the oldest state park in Nebraska, and it’s located in a wooded and hilly area with some incredible views of the region. There are some challenging hikes here that take you to unique geological formations, and the camping is top-notch. The park is beautiful any time of year, but summer is an especially great time to visit because the fauna and flora is at its more active. There are cabins available for rent on the ground, so you don’t even have to rough it if you’d like to stay here.

Best Free Summer Activities

Summer on a budget can be challenging, but the Cornhusker State has you covered! The best free things to do in Nebraska include a unique roadside attraction and time capsule, a beautiful garden in the big city, and one of the most unique museums anywhere in the country. All of these are free to enter, but if you have some cash to spare, donations are often welcome to keep these attractions running.

10. Fort Cody Trading Post

Location: North Platte.

Popularity: Popular - this is one of the best roadside stops along Route 80 in Nebraska, so you can expect company.

Need To Know: While all attractions are free, the gift shop has many items and souvenirs for sale.

One of the most unique roadside attractions in Nebraska, Fort Cody Trading Post will transport visitors directly back to the Old West in style. This charming old general store is known for its elaborate Western decor, right down to the massive statue of the man himself outside. In addition to a large selection of goods and snacks, the highlight here is the attached museum, which includes unique taxidermy, artifacts from Buffalo Bill Cody’s famous Wild West show, and a motorized miniature display of the set of the show painstakingly recreated.

11. Sunken Gardens

Location: Lincoln.

Popularity: Very popular - this is one of the top attractions in Nebraska’s second-largest city.

Need To Know: Open seven days a week from 5 AM to 11 PM, this is one of the easiest attractions in the state to visit.

First established in 1930, Sunken Gardens might be the most beautiful spot in Lincoln - a 1.5-acre garden filled with flowers and butterflies. This is part of the city landscape and there’s no admission fee, which makes it a perfect place to spend a relaxing hour or two when you need a break from the big city. There are over 30,000 flowers planted here, among a richly curated garden filled with beautiful sculptures. Many of the plants are loved by butterflies, so you might just get some small visitors joining you while you look.

12. National Museum of Roller Skating

Location: Lincoln.

Popularity: Moderately popular - it’s a niche attraction, but one with some very fun details for guests.

Need To Know: Operates four days a week from Tuesday through Friday.

Who doesn’t love roller-skating? That’s what the people behind the National Museum of Roller Skating are betting on! A small museum with some amazing attractions, you’re greeted when you enter by a sculpture of two girls on skates having a great time. You’ll be able to trace the history of roller-skating from the very first models designed in the 19th century to the classics that you might have grown up with. This is the world’s largest collection of roller-skating items, so you might just get the urge to strap on a pair yourself!

Best Summer Events And Festivals In Nebraska

It wouldn't be summer without some great summer festivals! The best festivals in Nebraska include a unique historical event paying tribute to the early days of settlement in Nebraska, an amazing hot air balloon festival with national competition implications, and a massive state fair filled with rides and deep-fried foods. All of these are multi-day events, so you can pick the schedule that works best for you - or just stay for the whole thing!

13. Fur Trade Days

Location: Chadron.

Popularity: Moderately popular - this is a rural festival with a lot of fun attractions. You can expect a lot of guests in the surrounding area.

Need To Know: Takes place from July 11th to 14th in 2024. There is no admission fee, but plenty of activities and items are available for sale.

The best historical festival in Nebraska, Fur Trade Days is an amazing way to travel back in time and discover how things were done in the early days of settlement in Nebraska. While there are parades, carnivals, and other modern attractions, the big fun here is taking part in historic recreations. You’ll be able to take part in tomahawk throwing and archery, see how pelts were prepared, and visit an authentic fur trading post. This festival is run by the nearby Museum of the Fur Trade, and is staffed by well-versed volunteers.

14. Old West Balloon Fest

Location: Mitchell.

Popularity: Popular - while it takes place in a small town, the balloons attract guests from all around the state.

Need To Know: A combination ticket and parking pass is available on the website for $20. Takes place on August 7th to 10th in 2024.

The Old West Balloon Fest is an amazing display of hot air balloons in the small town of Mitchell, sending over eighty balloons into the air each year for a stunning showcase of color. This is also a competition - the best balloons go on to compete in a national competition, so you know everyone will be bringing their A-game. While the balloons are the main attraction, this is also a great festival featuring food vendors and competitions like cornhole and even wiener dog races, so you can easily spend all four days here and never get bored.

15. Nebraska State Fair

Location: Grand Island.

Popularity: Very popular - this is Nebraska’s top summer event, and is found in the state’s third-largest city.

Need To Know: A season pass for the entire event can be had for $60, with day passes ranging from $5 to $10. Tickets for various upcharge events are available like concerts and bull riding shows. The 2024 event takes place from August 23rd to September 2nd.

There’s no event like a state fair, and the Nebraska State Fair is one of the best in the Prairie States. This classic event is filled with fun attractions like carnival rides and bull-riding, live entertainment, and everything deep-fried you can imagine! One of our favorite attractions is the SkyTram, which allows people to ride high above the fair and get a look at the entire event - which might be very helpful in deciding which attraction you’re going to hit next! The concerts at the end of the night make for a great reason to make this a full-day trip - or more.

What are your favorite things to do in Nebraska in the summer? Do you have any summer traditions you want to tell us about? Let us know in the comments section! Summer is also an amazing time to explore Nebraska's best waterfalls and hike the beautiful nearby nature trails. If you're planning some hiking adventures this year, consider subscribing to AllTrails + - this interactive app provides downloadable trail maps with step-by-step instructions for when you're really headed off the beaten path.