Here in Nebraska, we are quite familiar with bitter cold winters featuring high winds, blowing snow, and chilly temperatures. However, despite the cold, there’s no reason we need to stay cooped up indoors. In fact, winter is one of the best times to get outside and explore the Cornhusker State. There are things to do for everyone from holiday events to hiking and even fabulous getaways. And with so many options, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to creating your Nebraska winter activities bucket list. Fortunately, that’s where we come in. Below are just 15 fun things to do in Nebraska in winter.
Holiday Events in Nebraska
The best holiday events in Nebraska are sure to put the grumpiest Scrooge into the most joyful mood. From twinkling lights to Christmas trees to even holiday festivals, there are plenty of Christmas events in Nebraska that are going to fill you full of joy. Below are just four holiday events that are magical in every way.
1. Tour the Historic Arbor Lodge Mansion
Location: Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Nebraska City, Nebraska
Popularity: Can be busy
Price: $9 for adults, $7 for children
A favorite holiday tradition in Nebraska is to explore and admire the Historic Arbor Lodge Mansion in Nebraska City over the holidays. During this time of the year, the mansion is decked to the nines in period-appropriate Christmas décor and you can admire it all on a tour. In fact, all 52 rooms are decorated to take you back in time. Take a moment to admire the special holiday-themed collections throughout the mansion as well — there’s really nothing quite like it.
2. Enjoy the holidays at the Stuhr Museum
Location: Grand Island, Nebraska
Popularity: Several holiday events sell out
Price: Varies by holiday activity.
There is nothing quite like Christmas at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. Each year, the museum hosts several incredible holiday events such as the popular Fantasy of Trees display. On select nights, you can participate in the North Pole Express and Christmas Past and Present, where you can celebrate the holidays similar to how it would be celebrated decades ago.
3. Enjoy the Durham Museum Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Popularity: Popular
Price: $15 for adults, $8 for children, free for children under the age of 2
You’ll immediately feel the holiday spirit when you attend the official tree lighting ceremony at the Durham Museum in Omaha. Each year, the museum hosts the popular Christmas at Union Station event where Santa himself comes to join in on the fun. And, it all starts with the annual tree lighting ceremony where the tree becomes aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Even better, the tree is donated by a local family and it’s one of the largest indoor trees in the area — you will be sad to miss it.
4. Attend the Holiday Lights Festival
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free
If you love Christmas lights, there’s nothing quite like Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival. All around the city, in places like the Old Market area, North Omaha, and South Omaha, you’ll get to enjoy some dazzling festive displays with colorful, twinkling lights, garlands, holiday décor, and so much more. You’ll want to visit the Holiday Lights Festival official website for specific destinations throughout town. And don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your favorite free things to do in Nebraska in winter.
Christmas Towns in Nebraska
We love the small towns in Nebraska and when the holidays arrive, many of these charming places transform into winter wonderlands full of twinkling lights, family-friendly activities, and annual festivals. You may even spot Santa Claus himself in these magical destinations. The best Christmas towns in Nebraska are a must-visit destination every holiday season.
5. Minden, Nebraska
Location: Minden, Nebraska
Popularity: Activities can become quite popular
Price: Varies based on activities
Did you know that Nebraska has a Christmas City? It’s true and it’s the town of Minden. As Christmas approaches, Minden goes all out with an incredible holiday light display and a long list of holiday activities including “The Light of the World, a popular Christmas pageant.
6. Seward, Nebraska
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Popularity: Very popular
Price: Varies based on activity
When searching for the best Christmas towns in Nebraska to visit, Seward must be on the list. This town sure knows how to get into the holiday spirit with a Main Street that is brightly lit each night and a holiday parade to make even Scrooge himself excited for Christmas morning. Seward is also home to Magical Lights of Seward, the largest Nebraska Christmas light show.
7. Creighton, Nebraska
Location: Creighton, Nebraska
Popularity: Popular
Price: Free but donations are welcome
Creighton is home to SantaLand, an annual Christmas light display that is magical in every way. Located in Bruce Park throughout the entire month of December, this annual light display features Santa’s workshop where you can see the elves hard at work preparing for Christmas Eve. In addition to the light display, the town also hosts Winter Family Fun Day, a parade of lights, and visits with the big man himself — Santa Claus.
Outdoor Activities
Yes, winter in Nebraska is cold but when you find delightful activities, you’ll find this time of year is best spent outdoors. All over the Cornhusker State, you’ll find winter activities for every interest, group size, and budget. Whether you are searching for family-friendly outdoor activities or even cheap things to do in Nebraska in winter, there are plenty of options. Below are just four of our favorites.
8. Go sledding at Pioneers Park
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Popularity: Can be very busy
Price: Free
Pioneers Park in Lincoln comes alive with sledders of all ages after fresh powder falls during the winter in Nebraska. While there are several excellent sledding destinations, Pioneers Park is easily one of the best. In fact, this was named one of the top sledding hills in the USA. There are stairs you will have to climb to reach the top of your “hill” but the ride will certainly put a smile on your face. Just be patient if you visit on a busy day — you’ll likely have to stand in line. And don’t forget the hot chocolate for after your ride! This may become one of your favorite family things to do in Nebraska in winter.
9. Explore Rock Bluff Run Trail at Indian Cave State Park
Location: Indian Cave State Park, Shubert, Nebraska
Popularity: Not very popular
Price: Resident day pass is $6, Non-resident day pass is $12
One of my favorite Nebraska winter activities is a hike and there are few better than Rock Bluff Run Trail at Indian Cave State Park. This is a six-mile loop trail where you can enjoy gorgeous views along the way. Plus, it offers a bit of a challenge as there are some steep portions of the trail you must climb. However, along the way, you will find an Adirondack shelter where you can light a fire, warm up, enjoy lunch, or even camp.
10. Ice skate at Moylan Iceplex
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Popularity: Can become quite busy
Price: $7.95+
There’s something special about spending a winter day out on the ice. While one of the best ice skating rinks in Nebraska is actually indoors, the temperature and type of activity will make you feel like you're outside. Moylan Iceplex in Omaha is an ice skating rink that is quite large. In fact, the rink is actually 15 feet wider than a standard NHL rink and is where you can play a game of hockey, learn to ice skate like the professionals, or just spend some time with your family — you can’t go wrong.
11. Hike to Frozen waterfalls at Platte River State Park
Location: Platte River State Park, Louisville, Nebraska
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: Resident day pass is $6, Non-resident day pass is $12
Winter in Nebraska is beautiful, especially when the land turns into an icy, frozen wonderland. While you can always stop into the visitor center to learn and explore, one of the best views during the winter is the falls at Platte River State Park. While these falls are some of the most photographed in the entire state, in the winter the ice looks almost unreal and is well worth a visit.
Winter Getaways
When searching for romantic things to do in Nebraska in winter, there is nothing quite like a getaway. You may consider spending your day outdoors snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ice fishing, but the perfect day ends as you head back to a warm accommodation that is cozy, beautiful, and perfect for some time away.
12. Go glamping at Kimberly Creek Retreat
Location: Ashland, Nebraska
Popularity: Can become quite busy
Price: $125+
Every Nebraskan deserves a chance to de-stress, unwind, and relax and Kimberly Creek Retreat in Ashland is the perfect place. Here you will find glamping cabins and domes for some time away and each is packed with amenities like an ensuite bathroom with private shower, temperature controls, small kitchen areas, and more. It truly is luxury in the middle of the woods.
13. Stay at Gracie Creek Cabin at Calamus Lake
Location: Calamus Reservoir,
Popularity: Can become busy
Price: $240
Calamus Reservoir is tucked away in Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills and is a dreamy destination regardless of the time of year. Gracie Creek Cabin is located on the northwestern end of the lake and is charming in every way. The large cabin boasts six bedrooms and can sleep up to 15 guests and you’ll even have your own personal pond where you can spend some time outdoors if you wish.
14. Relax at Crofton Cabin
Location: Crofton, Nebraska
Popularity: Not too busy
Price: $370
Crofton Cabin is a charming vacation rental in Nebraska located right on the shores of Lewis and Clark Lake. This cabin sleeps up to nine guests and offers both indoor and outdoor living. You can spend plenty of time in the hot tub, sit on the large deck to admire wintry scenery, or curl up indoors with a good book.
15. Spend time immersed in nature at this rustic log cabin
Location: Steinauer, Nebraska
Popularity: Not very popular
Price: $180
Enjoy a winter getaway in Nebraska at The Covey, a rustic log cabin that’s situated on 182 acres. Here, you can spend some time outdoors with some of Mother Nature's stunning creations surrounding you. This property sleeps up to seven guests and has everything you need for some time away from home including a small kitchen area. I recommend you spend lots of time on the covered deck — it's the perfect place to start your day.
When you create the ultimate winter activities bucket list, you are sure to find fun things to do in Nebraska in winter. In fact, don’t be surprised if the winter months become one of your favorite times of the year. While we could not list all of the fun winter activities in the Cornhusker State, make sure to check out our collection of Nebraska winter articles for even more ideas and inspiration. And, no matter what activities you’ve placed at the top of your list, always be prepared! Before you head on your first winter adventure, make sure to check out our ultimate winter packing list.
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