You’ll Be Blown Away By These 2 Amazing State Forests In Nebraska
Nebraska's national forests, including the Nebraska National Forest and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, offer unique outdoor experiences despite the state's sparse tree coverage.
It's no secret that Nebraska is much less wooded than many (okay, most) other states. But that doesn't mean we're totally lacking in trees. We actually have two national forests, and one of them, Nebraska National Forest, was once the largest hand-planted forest in the world. It's since been surpassed in terms of the number of trees it holds by a forest in South Africa, but it's still the largest in the U.S.
Nebraska's national forests include the Nebraska National Forest (made up of the consolidated Dismal River, Niobrara, and North Platte National Forests) and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.
Nebraska National Forest is split into two ranger districts: the Bessey Ranger District in the Sandhills and Pine Ridge Ranger District in Thomas, Dawes, Blaine, and Sioux counties. Together they encompass nearly 142,000 acres.
The Pine Ridge District is where you'll find Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and Soldier Creek Wilderness, both very popular places for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.
The Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is found in the north-central region of the Sandhills. The forest clocks in at just over 116,000 acres containing grasslands and pockets of pine forests.
The 2,300 wooded acres in McKelvie were mostly planted by hand. Besides the Ponderosa Pines everyone seems to recognize, the forest also holds Scots Pines and Eastern Junipers.
Nebraska's forests are certainly different than those located in other states. They're on the small side, and they look sparse when compared to those in more naturally wooded states. But keep in mind that this is the Great Plains, and the fact that we have forests at all is remarkable. Besides being fantastic places for outdoor fun, the forests also provide homes for a huge population of Nebraska animals and plants.
Have you visited Nebraska's forests? Which area is your favorite to explore? Let us know in the comments.
There is just so much to love about Nebraska in the fall! From glorious fall foliage to fun and exciting festivals to the coolest pumpkin patches around, we've got abundant ways to celebrate the season. We'd like to save you some time searching for "fall activities near me" and give you some of our best ideas for fall fun.
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Nebraska Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Nebraska For Fall Foliage
We are starting things off with the best times and places to soak in vibrant Nebraska fall foliage. The leaves usually start turning in the north around the beginning of October with peak viewing toward the end of the month. Here are some amazing places to enjoy some leaf-peeping:
Wow Factor: A 1,500-acre National Natural Landmark with an Adventure Park!
Need To Know: Admission is $15 for adults and $9 for children (under age 2 free). Rentals are first-come, first-served.
Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest has been a superb place to enjoy this state’s beautiful natural landscapes for more than 100 years. A host of unique trails run through the forest, from long hikes to gentle walks. The Riverview Boardwalk Trail, for one, leads to the historic Constitution Tree and its stunning fall leaves. For a particularly thrilling fall experience, head to the TreeRush Adventure Park for a birdseye view of the forest foliage. Visitor Services offers a variety of rentals to make the most of your visits including binoculars and Forest Exploration backpacks full of self-guided activities. Visitors may also take advantage of free power scooter, wheelchair, and stroller rentals.
Wow Factor: Magnificent hardwood forest with a large sandstone cave.
Need To Know: Vehicle entry permit is required ($7 per day)
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Revel in some of the state’s most vibrant fall foliage at the incredible Indian Cave State Park. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping are wonderful ways to explore and enjoy the remarkable fall show put on in the park. Visit the park’s main geologic feature, the sandstone cave where you can observe prehistoric Native American petroglyphs. If you love history, visit the restored schoolhouse and general store and watch demonstrations of old-fashioned crafts.
Wow Factor: A family-friendly park with some of the state’s prettiest fall colors.
Need To Know: Open to the public. Shelter rentals are available through October each year.
Nebraska City’s Steinhart Park is a lovely spot with picnic facilities, a playground, and a jogging course - and some of the most striking fall leaves you’ll see all season. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a long afternoon picnic, or do a little fishing in the pond for a perfect fall day in the park. Or perhaps plan a seasonal party in one of the well-equipped picnic shelters!
Wow Factor: An under-the-radar spot to see incredible fall colors!
Need To Know: Open to the public from dawn til dusk.
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If you are not familiar with this arboretum, and the purpose behind it, you are in for a real treat. And if you are already familiar with it, you may just be in for a real surprise! Primarily a park designed by the Omaha Public Power District as an “Outdoor Learning Area” and a way to try and blend power lines into the landscape, the arboretum is an incredibly underrated fall foliage wonderland. Walk beneath the spectacular green, gold, and red-colored trees, collect some fiery-hued leaves, and watch and listen for the many birds who call this place home.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Nebraska
We know how much families love visiting a great pumpkin patch, and we have some fantastic spots for you! Have you been to these outstanding locations before?
Wow Factor: An Old West ghost town, a huge tree house, and much more!
Need To Know: Admission includes daytime activities and attractions. Kids under 2 are free.
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Bellevue has events throughout the year from berry picking to lively festivals to campfire parties. Come fall, this may be one of the most fun and unique pumpkin patches in the state. Tour a re-creation of a real Old West ghost town or explore the giant treehouse. Kids have a blast discovering “How the West Was Fun” with slides, zip lines, climbing nets, bounce pillows, and so much more. Plus, take a hayrack ride to the pumpkin fields to pick your own.
Wow Factor: Home of the largest fall festival in the state!
Need To Know: General admission includes all attractions and weekend festival entertainment. Children 2 and under are free.
Pumpkin season at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is not only perfect for finding your perfect pumpkin, but the month-long Vala’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival makes every weekend in October a celebration of all things pumpkin! Look for pumpkin-themed and spiced everything (almost) including kettle corn, coffee, donuts, pies, bars, and cookies. Don’t miss six different takes on pumpkin fudge at Lolo’s Fudgery. And visit the Exit Barn gift shop to snag some pumpkin decorating and carving supplies.
Wow Factor: An affordable adventure with over 20 family-friendly attractions!
Need To Know: Admission to the farm includes all on-site attractions. Kids 2 and under are free.
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Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-run farm business where the young and the young at heart will have a blast. Test your skills with the carnival games in the Sports Barn, walk through an enchanted forest, ride the tractor train, race down the massive Dragon slide, or hang out on the giant spiderweb. Kids will love flying down the 50-foot zipline, face painting, bouncing on the jumping pillows, or playing in the corn pit. Grab a beer at the little saloon or a caramel apple at the cafe. There is so much for everyone to do!
Wow Factor: Tons of fun fall activities and over 150 acres to explore!
Need To Know: Single-visit tickets are available online. Individual and family season passes can be purchased for unlimited access to the farm.
Pearson’s Pumpkin Place offers families an incredible day of “small-town feel with big-time fun.” Wander the massive property, climb hay bales and fly down slides, run in giant hamster wheels, visit the pond, play games, play on a giant jumping pillow, and let the kids play in the corn box. Hayrack rides are available to take you around the farm to the various activities, and you can cut your own perfect pumpkins right off the vine yourself. Fuel up for fun with delicious snacks, meals, and adult beverages you can take with you as you explore. You can even reserve a fire pit and choose a s’mores package to create a memorable family evening.
Best Fall Festivals In Nebraska
If you’re wondering where the coolest events are happening this year to celebrate the season, check out a few of the best fall festivals in Nebraska.
Wow Factor: Named one of the best fall harvest festivals in America by USA Today!
Need To Know: The main festival takes place along Central Avenue from 3rd to 5th Streets, with some featured events and activities in nearby locations.
Celebrate the beginning of the harvest season in the (unofficial) apple capital of Nebraska at the renowned Applejack Festival. This historic event draws tens of thousands of visitors and has been named a top Fall Destination by HGTV. Enjoy a fun run, an extreme bull riding tour, water barrel fights, a parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts, a flea market, a classic car show, and tons of food! The Apple Jamboree features tons of fun for kids of all ages and everyone will love the downtown Cider Stroll. Take advantage of your time in town to visit local orchards and pick some fresh apples for yourself!
Wow Factor: A 2 week-long food and music extravaganza!
Need To Know: Festival takes place during the second half of September at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.
Head back to Vala’s in Gretna for the annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival! The event lasts over two weeks and features the farm's signature Applewood smoked Nebraska barbecue including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and delicious blueberry cobbler to top it all off. Food specials can be found throughout the farm and you’ll enjoy some of the state’s best Bluegrass bands on the Cider Mill Stage.
Crete’s Great Pumpin Festival, also known as the Crete Pumpkinfest, is a community-wide event on the first full weekend in October. Downtown Crete essentially turns itself into “Pumpkin Town,” with local shops and businesses invited to participate. Stroll through town and enjoy a full day of family-friendly activities like carnival games, carving demos, a car show, arts and crafts, contests, shopping, lots of food, and live entertainment. And be sure to take home your own *great gourd* from the Pumpkin Display!
Wow Factor: One of the best junk, music, and food festivals in the country!
Need To Know: The festival is on a working farm, so wear comfy shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Kids 12 and under are free.
Before anyone says, a flea market is not a festival, hear us out. Sycamore Farm’s Harvest Edition of Junkstock is far more than a flea market - it’s an epic annual junk, music, and food festival! This kid and dog-friendly event on a scenic old horse farm features over 250 vendors, more than 23 food trucks, and lots of awesome bands performing on the Junkstock Stage. There will even be a children’s area with lots of fun festival activities. You never know what incredible gifts and treasures you might find, so the farm provides a crew of “Junkhunks” who will help bring large items to your car for you - for free! You can also bring carts, wagons, and strollers, so get ready to shop your heart out.
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Free & Cheap Nebraska Fall Activities
Let’s face it - we can pack a lot more fun into the season with a few Nebraska fall activities that don’t cost much, or better yet, are free to enjoy. Here are a few of our best ideas:
Need To Know: One-day event in October. No charge for admission.
Every October, families can enjoy a day of food, fun, and exploration when they head to the storied Hummel Park Nature Center for FallFest. Take a guided nature hike, enjoy fall-themed crafts, try your hand at archery, and play lots of outdoor games. Indulge in yummy s’mores and other snacks and refreshments between fun activities.
Wow Factor: Easy, family-friendly hiking trails through the woods and a scenic pond
Need To Know: No fee for trails and river access; however, a park entry permit is required ($7 per vehicle per day or $35 for an annual permit.) Public restrooms and picnic tables available.
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The short, easy trails through the picturesque Schramm Park State Recreation Area make fall foliage incredibly accessible during the season. By fall, the air is crisp, the bugs are few, and the colors are stunning. On the trails, you’ll enjoy crossing bridges - including a cool suspension bridge - hiking around the pond, and even taking in gorgeous views from the bluffs of the Platte River. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day in this perfect fall oasis.
Wow Factor: A unique glimpse into the past (and gorgeous gardens!)
Need To Know: Admission to the museum is $5; free admission to the Victorian Garden and gift shop. Museum tours only operate through October; garden is open year-round.
At the
Wildwood Historic Center, you’ll step back in time when you take a highly-rated tour of the restored 1869 Victorian home of the Ware family, with guides in period attire that changes each month to reflect the season or an event. The museum houses many interesting and unusual artifacts, giving you a glimpse of daily life some 150 years ago. Take a stroll through the Victorian Garden or sit and relax while you enjoy the beautiful changing colors of fall. Be sure to stop by the gift shop in the original Ware barn!
With this handy guide to some of the best places to visit in Nebraska in the fall, all that's left is to start planning your adventures. Which of these places and activities will you and your family start with? Tell us about your favorite fall experiences, and get ready for an epic season!
Are you wondering "when do leaves change color in Nebraska?" It's a common question. Nebraska isn't really considered a fall leaf-peeping destination, but we who live here know that our state puts on a pretty great show every year. The lush river valleys are especially spectacular, but you can find bright fall colors almost anywhere in Nebraska. According to this interactive fall foliage prediction map released by SmokyMountains.com, here's when we can expect to see the best foliage all across Nebraska this season.
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According to this fall foliage prediction map, most of Nebraska won't start to see any significant color changes until mid October. According to this prediction map, the leaves should start to put on their show right around the middle of October. Foliage varies depending on what region of the Cornhusker State you're from, though. Northern Nebraska is generally a week or so ahead of the southern part of the state.
In fact, by the end of October, the northern region of the state will be wrapping things up as the leaves start to fall and the bright colors fade a bit. Those traveling through the southern and western parts of the state will see the foliage at its peak during this time.
In other words, peak fall foliage for Nebraska this fall will take place the week of Oct. 31 for Northern Nebraskans and the week of Nov. 7 for Southern Nebraskans.
So to answer the original question of "when will the leaves change in Nebraska?" -- the answer is, all throughout October! Between the beginning of and end of the month of October, it will be as if Mother Nature is slowly turning the dial up on the fall colors radio.
One of our favorite parts of fall is going to the highest point in my neighborhood and taking a picture every day to document the color changes. Some years it seems like nothing happens for ages, and then the leaves go from green to fiery orange overnight. In other words, YES, fall foliage happens in Nebraska, and it's downright delightful!
This map's predictions are just that: predictions. No one can say for sure when the leaves will reach their peak colors. It depends on temperature and precipitation, and we know that in Nebraska there are never any guarantees on those!
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What's your favorite foliage viewing spot in the fall? Share the best places in the comments so we can all get out there and see nature's most beautiful spectacle this year!
