Saturday, February 25, 2023 Spring Break road trips under three hours away

If you're looking to get away during spring break without hopping on a plane or spending several days in a car, consider exploring a destination closer to home. Whether you just want a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, check out these parks and cities that are only 3 hours or less from Lincoln.

Nebraska State Parks

Nebraska prides itself in having 72 state parks across the whole state, with four being less than three hours away from Lincoln. These four parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy such as hiking, fishing, trail rides, canoeing/kayaking, camping and more. With the purchase of a Daily Park permit, you could visit all four in one day, or you could choose the one that suits you best.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park | Ashland, NE
Duration from Lincoln: 30 mins east, via 1-80

Challenge yourself in the treetops rope course or the indoor climbing wall.

Platte River State Park | Louisville, NE
Duration from Lincoln: 40 mins east, via I-80

Climb the observation tower, try your hand at archery, or rent a paddle boat to tour Jenny Newman Lake.

Indian Cave State Park | Shubert, NE
Duration from Lincoln: 1 hour and 30 mins

Indian Cave State Park is well-known for its beautiful trail system and offers 22 miles of hike/bike trails, as well as 16 miles of equestrian trails.

Ponca State Park | Ponca, NE
Duration from Lincoln: 2 hours and 30 mins

Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas, great wildlife watching, Missouri river access and beautiful and varied lodging options.

Nebraska State Parks do require the purchase of a park permit in order to enter the park(s). Daily park permits are $6 for Nebraska licensed vehicles and $12 for non-Nebraska licensed vehicles, which gives you full access to any of the parks for one day.

Omaha, NE

Duration from Lincoln: 1 hour east, via I-80

Nebraska’s largest city is just a quick trip from Lincoln and is home to one of the top zoos in the country, farm-to-fork food and a thriving music scene.

Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo

Visit the Lied Jungle, Aquarium, Desert Dome, Butterfly and Insect Pavilion or take a ride on the Skyfari overlooking the African Grasslands. Adult tickets are $18.95 for a one day admission.

Explore the Downtown/Old Market

Take a stroll through the Downtown/Old Market area filled with local restaurants, boutiques, galleries and businesses. Grab some dinner at Upstream, M’s Pub, Spaghetti Works, or Le Bouillon then head over to Ted & Wally’s for ice cream. Or visit the Hollywood Candy store (12th & Jackson St.) and choose from a giant selection of retro candies, along with familiar treats too.

Des Moines, IA

Duration from Lincoln: 2 hours and 50 mins

Cross another capital city off your bucket list and explore the nature and art scenes in our East-neighboring state's largest city.

Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines lies a 12-acre public garden and provides an inspiring guest experience through education, exploration, innovation and experience. During spring break, visit the Botanical Garden for their ‘Dome After Dark’ event from 6 to 10 p.m March 17. Admission is $10 for adults.

Learn something new at the Science Center of Iowa

With interactive exhibits like the makers studio and an IMAX planetarium, every hands-on exhibit will teach you something new.

Grab a bite to eat

Combine your love of pizza and Chinese food and try the famous Crab Rangoon Pizza at Fong's Pizza and treat yourself to dessert at Snookies Malt Shop for homemade ice cream with epic toppings or pick up handmade chocolates for the ride home at Chocolate Storybook.

Kansas City, MO

Duration from Lincoln: ~ 3 hours

Famous for its vibrant art scene, shopping centers and BBQ joints, KC is a great option if you want to head south for spring break without the week-long beach destination.

Shop at Legends Outlets

Spend your day shopping at Kansas City’s premier outdoor shopping center, which includes more than 100 stores and restaurants. Legends is also in the heart of Village West and is surrounded by popular locations such as Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas Speedway and Sporting KC. Everything you could ask for within walking distance.

Visit A Museum

From art and music to sports and illusions, Kansas City has no shortage of cultural and interactive museums. Immerse yourself in the College Basketball Experience and shoot hoops in the 20+ interactive exhibits or trick your eye and expand your mind at the Museum of Illusions.

Explore the BBQ Scene

Whether you order at a counter, by the pound, in a platter, or splurge for upscale service, dining at BBQ restaurants in Kansas City is more than a meal — it's an experience. Embark on a trail to find joints by category like "As Seen on TV" or get the app to explore on your own.

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