Loomis NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Loomis, Nebraska.
1. The Tassel Performing Arts Center
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Tassel Performing Arts Center in Loomis offers a variety of cultural performances and events for visitors and locals alike. The venue has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from reviewers, indicating its popularity and quality of programming. Visitors can enjoy theater productions, musical performances, and other cultural events in this charming small-town venue.
2. Lost Way Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Lost Way Brewery provides a taste of local Nebraska craft beer in the small town of Loomis. With a solid 4.0 rating, this establishment offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy handcrafted beverages. The brewery likely serves as a gathering spot for both tourists and residents looking to experience local flavors.
3. Nebraska Prairie Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Nebraska Prairie Museum preserves the rich history of the prairie lands and pioneer life in the region near Loomis. With an impressive 4.8 rating from 62 reviewers, this museum offers comprehensive exhibits on local history, agriculture, and settlement. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring Nebraska's past to life.
4. Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles
MILITARY HISTORY COLLECTION
The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles houses an extensive collection of military vehicles, equipment, and memorabilia from various conflicts throughout American history. With a 4.7 rating from 86 reviewers, this museum offers an educational experience about military service and technological developments. Visitors can view well-preserved tanks, jeeps, aircraft, and other military artifacts in this specialized museum.
5. Carhenge
UNIQUE AUTOMOTIVE MONUMENT
Carhenge is a quirky roadside attraction that replicates England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles. The cars are arranged in the same pattern as the ancient stones, painted gray to resemble the original monument. This unique artistic installation has become one of Nebraska's most recognizable landmarks and a popular stop for travelers seeking unusual photo opportunities.
6. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC NATURAL LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument towers 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 plains and learn about the area's geological and historical significance. The monument's visitor center contains exhibits about the westward migration and the natural history of the region.
7. Chimney Rock
OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Chimney Rock is a distinctive natural spire that rises nearly 300 feet from the surrounding plains and served as a key landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail. The visitor center provides historical context about the westward migration and the significance of this geological formation. This iconic Nebraska landmark is depicted on the state's commemorative quarter and remains one of the most recognized natural features in the Great Plains.
8. Ash Hollow Cave
ANCIENT HISTORICAL SITE
Ash Hollow Cave is an archaeological site that contains evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The cave and surrounding area were used by Native Americans and later served as a stopover point for pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Visitors can explore the cave and learn about its significance through interpretive displays at the nearby Ash Hollow State Historical Park.
9. Willa Cather House
LITERARY HISTORICAL SITE
The Willa Cather House preserves the childhood home of the renowned American author who captured the spirit of prairie life in her novels. As part of the Willa Cather State Historic Site, the house offers visitors insight into the environment that shaped Cather's literary perspectives. Tours of the property provide context for understanding the landscapes and communities that inspired classics like 'My Ántonia' and 'O Pioneers!'
10. William Jennings Bryan House
POLITICAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The William Jennings Bryan House, now operating as the Bryan Museum, preserves the home of the famous orator, politician, and three-time presidential candidate. Visitors can tour the residence and learn about Bryan's significant impact on American politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum features personal artifacts, historical documents, and exhibits detailing Bryan's career and political philosophy.
11. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
HISTORIC MANSION GARDENS
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park showcases the magnificent 1850s mansion of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. The 52-room mansion is filled with authentic furnishings and memorabilia from the Morton family, offering a glimpse into 19th-century affluent Nebraskan life. The surrounding arboretum features hundreds of varieties of trees and plants, honoring Morton's legacy of environmental conservation.
12. Nebraska State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL GOVERNMENT LANDMARK
The Nebraska State Capitol stands as an architectural masterpiece in downtown Lincoln, distinguished by its innovative tower design completed in 1932. Constructed of Indiana limestone, this third iteration of Nebraska's capitol building was specifically designed with a tower to create a beacon effect across the level landscape. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building's history, art, and architectural significance.
13. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft, missiles, and aerospace artifacts related to America's strategic air power. Exhibits chronicle the history of aviation, the Strategic Air Command, and aerospace technology from the early days of flight through the Cold War and beyond. Visitors can view restored aircraft, participate in interactive displays, and learn about Nebraska's important role in America's defense history.
14. The Durham Museum
HISTORICAL UNION STATION
The Durham Museum is housed in Omaha's historic Union Station, once a vital transportation hub for the region. The museum features a stunning collection of artifacts and exhibits that preserve and interpret Nebraska's unique cultural history. Visitors can explore permanent and rotating exhibits, participate in daily events, and enjoy specially organized programs including summer camps for children.
15. Henry Doorly Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXHIBITS
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is consistently ranked among the world's best zoos, featuring innovative habitats and conservation programs. Highlights include the Desert Dome (the world's largest indoor desert), the Lied Jungle (one of North America's largest indoor rainforests), and the Kingdom of the Night (the world's largest nocturnal exhibit). Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems and encounter thousands of animals from around the globe in naturalistic settings designed for both animal welfare and educational impact.