Palmyra NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Palmyra, Nebraska.
1. Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE AND CIDER
Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a taste of Nebraska's growing wine industry with locally produced wines and hard ciders. Guests can enjoy tastings in a rustic setting with beautiful vineyard views and often live music events. The winery also hosts seasonal festivals and special events throughout the year that showcase the best of local culture and produce.
2. Woodland Hills Golf Course
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Woodland Hills Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and scenic 18-hole experience near Palmyra. The well-maintained course features rolling terrain, strategic water features, and beautiful tree-lined fairways. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere, reasonable rates, and the clubhouse facilities available after a round.
3. Palmyra RV Park
COMFORTABLE RURAL CAMPING
Palmyra RV Park provides travelers with a convenient and comfortable place to stay while exploring the area. The park offers essential amenities for RV enthusiasts including hookups and basic facilities in a quiet rural setting. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Palmyra and nearby attractions.
4. Deer Springs Winery
FAMILY-OWNED WINE EXPERIENCE
Deer Springs Winery is a family-owned establishment located near Lincoln, a short drive from Palmyra. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines in a restored 100-year-old barn surrounded by beautiful countryside views. The winery regularly hosts events including live music, food trucks, and seasonal celebrations that draw visitors from throughout the region.
5. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
J. STERLING MORTON ESTATE
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park preserves the magnificent 52-room mansion that once belonged to J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. The park encompasses 65 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds featuring historic trees, formal gardens, and walking trails. Visitors can tour the lavishly furnished mansion to learn about Nebraska history and the Morton family's influence on American conservation.
6. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
ANCIENT FOSSIL DISCOVERIES
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park offers visitors a remarkable window into prehistoric Nebraska with one of the most significant fossil sites in North America. The park preserves an extraordinary collection of perfectly preserved ancient animals that were killed and buried by volcanic ash 12 million years ago. Visitors can observe ongoing excavation work in the Rhino Barn and explore interactive exhibits in the visitor center that bring Nebraska's ancient ecosystem to life.
7. Sunken Gardens
URBAN FLORAL PARADISE
Sunken Gardens is a stunning public garden in Lincoln featuring annual flower displays, cascading water features, and themed garden areas. The meticulously maintained gardens contain over 30,000 individual annual plants arranged in breathtaking designs that change each year. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, relax on benches, and enjoy one of the most photographed spots in the region.
8. Pioneers Park Nature Center
WILDLIFE AND PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM
Pioneers Park Nature Center offers visitors 668 acres of tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands just a short drive from Palmyra. The center features eight miles of hiking trails, wildlife displays, and interpretive exhibits about Nebraska's natural history. Visitors can observe bison, elk, and white-tailed deer in natural enclosures while exploring this beautiful preserve.
9. Nebraska State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Nebraska State Capitol stands as an architectural masterpiece with its distinctive 400-foot tower and ornate interior featuring marble columns, mosaic floors, and murals depicting Nebraska history. Completed in 1932, the building was designed by architect Bertram Goodhue and is considered one of the most impressive state capitol buildings in the nation. Free tours allow visitors to explore the legislative chambers, observation deck, and learn about Nebraska's governmental history.
10. Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
SEASONAL FRUIT EXPERIENCE
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard offers visitors a chance to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, wines, and farm-to-table products in a picturesque rural setting. The orchard features u-pick experiences for apples, cherries, and pumpkins depending on the season, along with a market store selling local goods. Visitors particularly enjoy the famous apple cider donuts and wine tasting opportunities available year-round.
11. The Mill Coffee & Tea
ARTISAN COFFEE EXPERIENCE
The Mill Coffee & Tea provides coffee enthusiasts with expertly crafted beverages in a warm, inviting atmosphere not far from Palmyra. This beloved local establishment sources high-quality beans from around the world and roasts them in-house for the freshest possible flavor. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, locally-made pastries, and community-oriented space perfect for both work and relaxation.
12. Haymarket District
HISTORIC SHOPPING AREA
The Haymarket District is Lincoln's vibrant historic warehouse district featuring brick streets lined with restaurants, galleries, and unique shops. This charming area has been beautifully preserved and transformed into a cultural hub with regular events, farmers markets, and nightlife. Visitors can explore local boutiques, sample diverse cuisine, and experience the authentic character of Lincoln in this walkable neighborhood.
13. Lee's Legendary Marbles & Collectibles
NOSTALGIC TOY MUSEUM
Lee's Legendary Marbles & Collectibles houses an impressive collection of vintage marbles, toys, and memorabilia that delights visitors of all ages. The museum displays thousands of rare and handmade marbles alongside nostalgic toys from various eras. Visitors can learn about the history and craftsmanship of these tiny glass treasures while experiencing a unique slice of Americana.
14. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum showcases an impressive collection of military aircraft, missiles, and aerospace artifacts spanning from the Cold War era to modern times. The 300,000 square foot facility houses over 30 aircraft including iconic planes like the SR-71 Blackbird and B-29 Superfortress. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, participate in educational programs, and learn about America's strategic air and space capabilities throughout history.
15. Lauritzen Gardens
BOTANICAL URBAN OASIS
Lauritzen Gardens offers 100 acres of stunning botanical displays including rose gardens, Victorian gardens, and a four-acre arboretum. The year-round attraction features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, with seasonal displays and special events throughout the year. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, enjoy the model railroad garden, and experience the tranquil beauty of this urban sanctuary.