Clarks NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clarks, Nebraska.
1. The Plainsman Museum
JOURNEY THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY
The Plainsman Museum is a highly-rated educational site and history museum near Clarks that showcases the rich heritage of Nebraska's plains. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits featuring pioneer artifacts, agricultural equipment, and local memorabilia that tell the story of early settlement in the region. The museum offers an immersive experience that brings the past to life through thoughtfully curated displays and knowledgeable staff.
2. Edgerton Explorit Center
HANDS-ON SCIENCE DISCOVERY
Edgerton Explorit Center is a popular science museum that makes learning interactive and fun for visitors of all ages. The center features numerous hands-on exhibits focusing on physics, biology, and other scientific principles presented in an engaging way. Families appreciate the educational value combined with entertainment as children can conduct experiments and explore scientific concepts through play.
3. Anna Bemis Palmer Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
Anna Bemis Palmer Museum houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia significant to the region's development. The specialty museum showcases period furniture, clothing, and photographs that provide insight into Nebraska's past generations. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for local history through the well-preserved items and informative displays.
4. Clayton Museum of Ancient History
ANCIENT WORLDS UNCOVERED
Clayton Museum of Ancient History offers an unexpected journey into ancient civilizations right in the heart of Nebraska. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Biblical times, including pottery, coins, weapons, and everyday items from the ancient Near East. Visitors are transported thousands of years back in time through expert curation and educational displays that make ancient history accessible.
5. Pawnee Plunge Water Park
AQUATIC FUN FOR ALL
Pawnee Plunge Water Park provides refreshing entertainment with its variety of water slides, pools, and splash features for families visiting the Clarks area. The water park features multiple attractions including speed slides, a lazy river, and dedicated areas for younger children to enjoy safely. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and affordable pricing that makes it a popular summer destination.
6. Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial
HONORING A WAR HERO
Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial pays tribute to the Columbus native who designed the landing craft that President Eisenhower credited with winning World War II. The memorial features a full-sized replica of the famous Higgins boat alongside interpretive displays explaining its crucial role in amphibious landings during the war. Visitors can learn about this remarkable contribution to American military history in a peaceful setting that encourages reflection and appreciation.
7. Lee's Legendary Marbles and Collectibles
NOSTALGIC TREASURE TROVE
Lee's Legendary Marbles and Collectibles houses an astonishing collection of vintage marbles and other nostalgic items that delight collectors and casual visitors alike. The specialty museum showcases thousands of rare and beautiful marbles alongside other collectibles that span decades of American culture. Visitors often remark on the owner's extensive knowledge and passion for preserving these small pieces of history.
8. Wessels Living History Farm
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Wessels Living History Farm offers an immersive look at how farming evolved throughout the 20th century in rural Nebraska. Visitors can explore authentic buildings including a farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings filled with period-appropriate equipment and furnishings. The farm hosts seasonal demonstrations of traditional agricultural practices that connect modern visitors with the farming heritage that shaped the region.
9. Prairie Creek
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Prairie Creek stands out as a premier dining destination near Clarks, offering an upscale American menu complemented by a thoughtful wine selection. The restaurant prides itself on creating dishes that accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options made with locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Diners appreciate the elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and carefully crafted meals that make special occasions memorable.
10. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
PREHISTORIC TREASURES PRESERVED
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park showcases remarkable 12-million-year-old fossils preserved by volcanic ash that fell on northeastern Nebraska. Visitors can observe paleontologists at work in the Hubbard Rhino Barn, where skeletons of ancient rhinos, horses, and other animals remain exactly as they were found. The park combines scientific discovery with educational exhibits that help visitors understand the ancient ecosystem that once thrived in the region.
11. Homestead National Monument of America
PIONEER SPIRIT CELEBRATED
Homestead National Monument of America commemorates the Homestead Act of 1862, which granted 160 acres of free land to claimants and transformed American expansion. The site features the Homestead Heritage Center with interactive exhibits explaining how this pivotal legislation impacted the development of the United States. Visitors can also explore the Palmer-Epard Cabin and hike through the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Park Service.
12. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
SPANNING AMERICAN HISTORY
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is an impressive structure that spans Interstate 80, commemorating the historic trails that helped shape America. Inside, visitors experience an immersive journey through time with exhibits on the Oregon Trail, Pony Express, transcontinental railroad, and highway system development. The monument effectively tells the story of how transportation corridors through Nebraska played a crucial role in westward expansion and national development.
13. Nebraska State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL PRAIRIE LANDMARK
Nebraska State Capitol stands as an architectural masterpiece with its distinctive 400-foot tower visible for miles across the prairie landscape. The building's interior features stunning mosaics, murals, and detailed stonework that tell the story of Nebraska's natural and cultural history. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours to appreciate the artistic details and learn about the state government housed within this National Historic Landmark.
14. Carhenge
AUTOMOTIVE STONE CIRCLE
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction that replicates England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles painted gray and arranged in the same pattern as the ancient monument. Created by artist Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father, this quirky landmark has become one of Nebraska's most photographed sites since its completion in 1987. Visitors enjoy the whimsical blend of ancient inspiration and modern materials in this free attraction that celebrates American car culture with a sense of humor.
15. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument features impressive natural formations that rise over 800 feet above the North Platte River and served as an important landmark for travelers on the Oregon Trail. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding prairie and the historic Oregon Trail route below. The monument's visitor center offers exhibits on the geological significance of the bluffs and their role in westward migration during the 19th century.