Henry NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Henry, Nebraska.
1. Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery
LOCAL WINE AND VIEWS
Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in a picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and learn about the winemaking process from the friendly staff. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Homesteaders Museum
PIONEER HISTORY PRESERVED
The Homesteaders Museum showcases the rich pioneer history of the region through authentic artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore displays that tell the story of early settlers who shaped the area's development. The museum offers an educational glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of homesteading in Nebraska.
3. Farm Girls Boutique
LOCAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Farm Girls Boutique is a charming local shop offering unique merchandise with a rural Nebraska flair. Shoppers can browse through a selection of clothing, gifts, and home decor items that reflect the area's agricultural heritage. The boutique provides a personalized shopping experience with items carefully curated by local owners.
4. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument towers 800 feet above the North Platte River and served as a landmark for pioneers traveling west. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding plains and historic Oregon Trail. The monument's visitor center features exhibits on the area's natural history and significance to westward expansion.
5. Chimney Rock National Historic Site
OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Chimney Rock National Historic Site features the iconic 325-foot spire that served as a landmark for travelers on the Oregon Trail. The visitor center offers educational exhibits about the site's geological formation and historical significance. This natural formation remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the American westward migration.
6. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium houses the world's largest indoor desert, jungle, and nocturnal exhibits across its 160-acre facility. Visitors can touch stingrays, ride camels, and explore numerous immersive habitats featuring animals from around the globe. The zoo offers additional attractions including an IMAX theater and the Glacier Bay Landing area modeled after an Alaskan seaport.
7. Strategic Air Command and Space Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Strategic Air Command and Space Museum displays an impressive collection of aircraft and space artifacts that highlight America's military aviation history. Visitors can view iconic planes like the SR-71 Blackbird and learn about the Strategic Air Command's role during the Cold War. The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
8. Lauritzen Gardens
BOTANICAL URBAN OASIS
Lauritzen Gardens invites visitors to explore more than 100 acres of botanical beauty featuring diverse plant collections and seasonal displays. The gardens include themed areas such as the Victorian Garden, Japanese Garden, and the Model Railroad Garden that appeal to various interests. Indoor exhibits in the conservatory allow for year-round enjoyment regardless of weather conditions.
9. Joslyn Art Museum
FINE ART COLLECTION
Joslyn Art Museum houses an extensive collection of fine art spanning from ancient to contemporary works in its impressive Art Deco building. Visitors can admire European masterpieces, Native American art, and the museum's renowned collection of Western American art. The museum offers educational programs, special exhibitions, and a sculpture garden that enhances the cultural landscape of Nebraska.
10. Boys Town
HISTORIC YOUTH COMMUNITY
Boys Town stands as a national historic landmark and functioning community dedicated to the care and education of at-risk youth since 1917. Visitors can tour Father Flanagan's house, the Hall of History museum, and the world's largest ball of stamps. This unique attraction offers insight into the groundbreaking work of Father Edward Flanagan and the ongoing mission of Boys Town.
11. Old Market
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
The Old Market in Omaha features cobblestone streets lined with restored 19th-century warehouses now housing shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can browse unique boutiques, sample local cuisine, and enjoy street performers in this vibrant district. The area's preserved historic character makes it a charming destination for shopping and dining throughout the year.
12. Riverfront
URBAN WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE
Omaha's Riverfront offers a revitalized urban space along the Missouri River with walking paths, public art, and recreational areas. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the river while experiencing various seasonal events and activities held throughout the year. The area connects to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, allowing people to walk between Nebraska and Iowa states.
13. Nebraska Sandhills
NATURAL PRAIRIE LANDSCAPE
The Nebraska Sandhills represent one of the largest intact grassland ecosystems in North America, covering about 20,000 square miles of stabilized sand dunes. Visitors can experience the rolling hills, lakes, and diverse wildlife while driving the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. This unique landscape offers opportunities for bird watching, photography, and connecting with Nebraska's natural beauty.
14. Carhenge
QUIRKY AUTOMOTIVE MONUMENT
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction that replicates England's Stonehenge using 39 vintage American automobiles painted gray. Created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987, this quirky monument has become one of Nebraska's most photographed landmarks. Visitors can walk among the car sculptures and explore the additional automotive art pieces in the surrounding Car Art Reserve.
15. Toadstool Geologic Park
BADLANDS FOSSIL BEDS
Toadstool Geologic Park features otherworldly rock formations that resemble mushrooms or toadstools created through millions of years of erosion. Visitors can hike the one-mile interpretive trail to view ancient fossil beds and the unique badlands landscape. The park offers a glimpse into prehistoric Nebraska with fossilized evidence of ancient mammals that once roamed the area.