Hendley NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hendley, Nebraska.
1. Prairie Dog State Park
WILDLIFE AND NATURE ESCAPE
Prairie Dog State Park offers visitors a chance to observe prairie dog colonies in their natural habitat. The park features hiking trails that wind through pristine prairie landscapes where visitors can also spot other native wildlife. Picnic areas throughout the park provide perfect spots for families to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Nebraska plains.
2. Nebraska Prairie Museum
PIONEER HISTORY PRESERVED
Nebraska Prairie Museum showcases the rich pioneer history of the region through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore recreated historic buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and pioneer home that transport them back to Nebraska's early days. The museum's collection includes antique farm equipment, historical photographs, and personal items that tell the story of prairie life.
3. Knowlen & Yates
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GIFTS
Knowlen & Yates is a charming local shop offering handcrafted gifts, home decor, and artisan products. The store specializes in items made by Nebraska artists and craftspeople, showcasing the region's creative talents. Visitors appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere and opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs that reflect authentic local culture.
4. Museum of the High Plains Historical Society
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Museum of the High Plains Historical Society preserves and presents the cultural heritage of southwestern Nebraska. Its extensive collection includes Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, and exhibits detailing the development of agriculture in the region. The museum offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into how the High Plains region has evolved over centuries.
5. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN EXPANSION
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument spans Interstate 80 and commemorates the historic trails that helped shape America's western expansion. Inside the impressive structure, visitors experience interactive exhibits chronicling the journey of pioneers, Pony Express riders, and transcontinental railroad builders. The monument's innovative design and comprehensive historical displays make it one of Nebraska's most distinctive attractions.
6. Nebraska State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
The Nebraska State Capitol stands as an architectural marvel with its distinctive 400-foot tower and Art Deco design. Inside, visitors can admire the ornate mosaics, murals, and marble work that illustrate Nebraska's history and natural resources. Free guided tours provide fascinating details about the building's construction, symbolism, and significance as the center of state government.
7. Carhenge
QUIRKY AUTOMOTIVE MONUMENT
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction replicating England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles painted gray. Created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987, this quirky monument consists of 39 vehicles arranged in the same pattern as the ancient stones. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at this unusual blend of ancient mysticism and American car culture.
8. Toadstool Geological Park
OTHERWORLDLY ROCK FORMATIONS
Toadstool Geological Park features unique mushroom-shaped rock formations created by erosion over millions of years. Hikers can explore marked trails through the badlands landscape and discover fossilized remains of ancient animals. The park's otherworldly appearance provides photographers with stunning opportunities to capture Nebraska's natural geological wonders.
9. Memorial Stadium
HUSKER FOOTBALL TRADITION
Memorial Stadium is home to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and holds the NCAA record for consecutive sellouts dating back to 1962. The stadium, which can seat over 85,000 fans, transforms on game days into Nebraska's third-largest 'city' filled with passionate fans dressed in red. Tours of the facility allow visitors to explore the impressive architecture and learn about the storied history of Husker football.
10. Golden Spike Tower
RAILROAD OBSERVATION POINT
The Golden Spike Tower provides visitors with a panoramic view of Bailey Yard, the world's largest railroad classification yard. From the eighth-floor open-air observation deck, guests can watch as thousands of rail cars are sorted daily in this massive Union Pacific facility. The educational center inside offers exhibits about the history and importance of railroads in America's development.
11. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument rises 800 feet above the North Platte River and served as a landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for spectacular views of the surrounding plains and historic trail routes. The monument's visitor center features exhibits on the natural history of the area and the experiences of westward travelers who passed by this imposing formation.
12. Prairie Trails Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Prairie Trails Museum documents the history of Ogallala and the surrounding area through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum highlights the region's cowboy heritage, including its days as the end point of the Texas cattle drives. Visitors particularly enjoy the recreated historical buildings such as a one-room schoolhouse, general store, and blacksmith shop.
13. Harold Warp Pioneer Village
AMERICANA THROUGH TIME
Harold Warp Pioneer Village features over 50,000 historical items displayed in 28 buildings on 20 acres. The extensive collection traces American progress through exhibits of antique automobiles, aircraft, farm equipment, household items, and technological innovations. Visitors often spend an entire day exploring this comprehensive museum that shows the evolution of American life from pioneer days to the modern era.
14. Ole's Big Game Steakhouse
EXOTIC TROPHY RESTAURANT
Ole's Big Game Steakhouse combines dining with an unusual museum-like atmosphere featuring over 200 exotic animal trophies from around the world. The restaurant, established in 1933, serves hearty steaks and burgers beneath the watchful eyes of lions, elephants, and other big game animals. Travelers along I-80 have made stopping at this unique establishment a tradition for generations.
15. Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles houses an impressive collection of restored military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms from multiple eras. Visitors can get up close to tanks, jeeps, helicopters, and other equipment used by American forces throughout history. The volunteer staff, often veterans themselves, provide knowledgeable commentary about the exhibits and personal insights about military service.