Emmet NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Emmet, Nebraska.
1. R.F. Goeke Variety Store
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
R.F. Goeke Variety Store is a highly-rated shopping destination in Emmet with a 4.7/5 rating from visitors. The store offers a charming small-town shopping experience with a variety of goods that cater to locals and tourists alike. Visitors appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and friendly service that captures the essence of rural Nebraska.
2. Nebraska Elk Velvet
UNIQUE LOCAL PRODUCT
Nebraska Elk Velvet boasts an impressive 4.9/5 rating, making it one of the most highly-regarded attractions in the Emmet area. This unique establishment specializes in elk velvet products, offering visitors insight into this distinctive local industry. Visitors can learn about elk farming practices and purchase specialty products made from locally-raised elk.
3. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
ANCIENT FOSSIL DISCOVERY
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is a remarkable paleontological site near Emmet where visitors can observe fossils of ancient animals preserved in volcanic ash. The park features a covered excavation called the Rhino Barn where visitors can watch ongoing fossil excavations and see complete skeletons exactly as they were found. With a 4.6/5 rating from 133 reviewers, this educational attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Nebraska from 12 million years ago.
4. Niobrara Adventures
SCENIC RIVER EXPERIENCES
Niobrara Adventures provides outdoor enthusiasts with exciting river excursions along the scenic Niobrara River near Emmet. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or tubing while taking in the beautiful natural landscapes of this picturesque waterway. With a solid rating of 3.9/5, this attraction offers memorable outdoor recreation opportunities for those looking to experience Nebraska's natural beauty.
5. Elkhorn River
PRISTINE WATERWAY ESCAPE
The Elkhorn River is a scenic waterway flowing through Holt County near Emmet, offering outdoor enthusiasts various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing along its peaceful shores. The river's natural beauty showcases the lush landscapes characteristic of this region of Nebraska.
6. Carhenge
QUIRKY AUTOMOTIVE MONUMENT
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction that replicates England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles. This artistic installation, created by Jim Reinders in 1987, has become one of Nebraska's most photographed landmarks and a must-visit for road trippers. Visitors can walk among the gray-painted vintage cars arranged in the same pattern as the ancient stones of Stonehenge, creating a quirky blend of modern Americana and ancient mystique.
7. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
HISTORIC WESTWARD EXPANSION
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is an impressive structure spanning Interstate 80 that commemorates the historic trails that helped shape America. Inside, visitors experience interactive exhibits chronicling the nation's westward expansion from the Oregon Trail era to modern times. The monument offers an educational journey through history with state-of-the-art displays and immersive audio presentations that bring pioneers' experiences to life.
8. Nebraska State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL STATE TREASURE
The Nebraska State Capitol is a remarkable limestone structure constructed between 1922 and 1932, distinguished by its working tower design that creates a beacon effect across the level Nebraska landscape. As the third capitol building in the state's history, it was intentionally designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue to stand out against Nebraska's horizontal terrain. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building's architectural significance and historical importance to the state.
9. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a towering natural landmark that served as an important navigational aid for travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Rising over 800 feet above the North Platte River, this impressive formation contains hiking trails, a visitor center with historical exhibits, and a summit road offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Visitors can explore the rich history of westward expansion while enjoying the natural beauty of this iconic Nebraska landmark.
10. Chimney Rock
ICONIC PIONEER LANDMARK
Chimney Rock is a prominent geological formation that served as a landmark for pioneers traveling west along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The distinctive spire rises approximately 300 feet from its conical base and was one of the most mentioned landmarks in pioneer journals. Visitors can learn about its significance at the Chimney Rock Visitor Center, which houses exhibits detailing the rock's geological formation and historical importance.
11. The Durham Museum
HISTORIC TRAIN STATION MUSEUM
The Durham Museum is housed in Omaha's historic Union Station, offering a stunning collection of artifacts and exhibits that preserve and interpret the region's cultural history. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, daily events, and special programs including summer camps for children. Located in downtown Omaha, it serves as a gateway to other city attractions including art galleries, restaurants, and the renowned Henry Doorly Zoo.
12. Henry Doorly Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL CONSERVATION
The Henry Doorly Zoo is an internationally recognized facility featuring world-class exhibits including the largest indoor desert and nocturnal exhibits in the world. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems from the African grasslands to Asian highlands, with immersive habitats housing thousands of animals from across the globe. The zoo's conservation efforts and research initiatives have earned it a reputation as one of the premier zoological parks in North America.
13. Ash Hollow Cave
ANCIENT NATIVE SHELTER
Ash Hollow Cave is a significant archaeological site that provided shelter to various Native American groups for thousands of years. Located within Ash Hollow State Historical Park, the cave contains evidence of human habitation dating back over 6,000 years. Visitors can explore this historic shelter and the surrounding park, which also features pioneer-era sites including a one-room schoolhouse and the remains of wagon ruts from the Oregon-California Trail.
14. Willa Cather House
LITERARY HERITAGE SITE
The Willa Cather House preserves the childhood home of one of America's most significant literary figures, offering visitors insight into the formative environment that influenced her prairie novels. This restored 1878 home contains many original family belongings and period furnishings that provide context for Cather's writing about frontier life. The site serves as the centerpiece of the Willa Cather Historical Center, which includes multiple buildings related to the author's life and works.
15. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft, missiles, and aerospace artifacts that document America's strategic air power and space exploration. The 300,000-square-foot facility features restored aircraft from various military eras, interactive educational displays, and special exhibits on aerospace technology. Visitors can experience flight simulators, participate in STEM activities, and learn about Nebraska's significant role in America's military aviation history.