45 Awesome Road Trips From Omaha In 2026

Home to one of my favorite places to hike in the Loess Hills of Iowa, Honey Creek is my go-to destination on a sunny weekend day. Hike at Hitchcock Nature Center or, if it's cold enough, ski at Crescent Hill.

Tip: Don't skip the visitor's center at Hitchcock Nature Center. It's full of interactive exhibits for kids. In the winter, you can rent snowshoes there. It's next to the lookout tower.

Distance from Omaha: 17 miles

Fort Calhoun is Omaha's friendly neighbor to the north. It's worth stopping in the town for a number of reasons, but the biggest one is to see Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. It's a living history experience from May to October, when there are re-enactments on the first weekend of each month. It's interactive, so it makes it really fun for kids.

Distance from Omaha: 17 miles

Louisville is a small town that packs in a lot of big outdoor adventures. Between Platte River State Park and Louisville State Recreation Area, there's horseback riding, a sandy lake beach, archery, hiking, paddleboating, an epic sprayground, and an even more epic inflatable obstacle course.

In town, you can get a burger at Heron Bay right by the river or grab cone at Mrs. T's Dari Creme.

Distance from Omaha: 20 miles

Home to the Sarpy County Fair in the summer and just south of Omaha, Springfield is an easy day trip for Omaha families. I usually pair a visit to Springfield with a trip to a nearby state park.

You could visit Louisville SRA for water time at the beach and inflatable obstacle course. Or, hike Schramm Park.

Get a sweet treat at the Springfield Old Fashioned Soda Fountain. It was a favorite stop of my kids when they were young and I was sad to see it close. And I'm excited to go back now that a new owner has revived it!

Distance from Omaha: 20 miles

Glenwood, Iowa is a small town with a lot to offer, but I'm focusing on this perfect little getaway just outside of town: Best Nest Farm. You can stay in luxury covered wagons! Stays include access to kayaks to explore the lake on the property, and a whole of cute farm animals to meet.

If you do venture into town, there's a great brewery called Keg Creek, as well as a great candy/ice cream shop called The Sugar Makery. I created an itinerary for a visit to Glenwood if you're interested!

Distance from Omaha: 25 miles

Enjoy a mix of history and nature on a visit to Ashland, Neb. Exit 420 off Interstate 80 will take you to three of the state's big attractions: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, Wildlife Safari Park, and Mahoney State Park. Just beyond those attractions, you'll find Platte River State Park (look for the waterfall!).

If you're visiting in the summer, Mahoney State Park offers a full day of activities, including horseback trail rides, an aquatic center with a wave pool and water slides, and putt-putt golf.

Tip: Ashland is home to a winery, a brewery and a cidery. My favorite, Glacial Till, has a tasting room on the main street of town. Try a flight of cider if you're 21+

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Distance from Omaha: 30 miles

It doesn't matter the season, Nebraska City is a favorite day trip for my family. We'll spend a few hours at an apple orchard like Kimmel, and a few more hours at Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure. You can also tack on a visit to Arbor Lodge to explore the historic mansion.

Tip: Have a blast exploring the Treetop Village tree houses tucked inside the Tree Adventure.

Distance from Omaha: 45 miles

Looking for a camping or RV site near Nebraska City?

Most Nebraskans make the trek to Lincoln at least once, if only to attend a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Huskers volleyball or football game. The city has a college town feel to it, with affordable local restaurants, charming shops, and plenty of museums.

Learn about Nebraska's unique history and see giant Mammoth fossils at Morril Hall. If traveling young kids, a stop at the Lincoln Children's Zoo and Lincoln Children's Museum is a must.

Tip: Don't skip the charming Haymarket district with fun shops and restaurants!

Recommended Hotels: Graduate Lincoln or Drury Plaza for prime locations

Distance from Omaha: 60 miles

There aren't too many lakes in Nebraska with sandy beaches, but this is one of them. Bring your RV or tent for a low-key, beachy getaway. If you're among the 21 and older crowd, you're not far from Nebraska's oldest winery, James Arthur Vineyards.

Tip: Branched Oak is a large enough lake for boating.

Distance from Omaha: 75 miles

For such a small town, Brownville packs in a lot of history and arts. Cute shops, galleries, and one excellent winery can found in the town of a population just over 100, as well as a vibrant seasonal music and theater scene.

Tip: Brownville is pretty close to Indian Cave State Park, which has great hiking trails and an interesting little living history area.

Distance from Omaha: 75 miles

For a relaxing lake getaway, Lake Icaria near Corning, Iowa, is a well-known secret to Omaha families. This is the place for fishing and water fun in the summer. The cabins are affordable, but RV and tent camping is also available.

Tip: Food trucks stop by on the weekends, seasonally. We lucked out and found a barbecue truck on the Saturday we were there.

Recommended stay: If you can't snag a cabin at the park, stay in town at a cozy rental home.

Distance from Omaha: 85 miles

Sioux City has two of my favorite things: A gorgeous state park in town, and museums. Stone State Park has wonderful trails and is near the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, which has a great nature playscape. For museums, families with young kids will want to go to LaunchPAD Children’s Museum.

Art lovers should check out the Grant Wood corn room at Sioux City Art Center and the downtown alleys with murals. And music lovers should check out the memorabilia scattered throughout the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Tip: Don't leave without a visit to Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe, home to the Twin Bing.

Recommended hotel: I've stayed at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Sioux City - and it's great - but I wouldn't recommend it for families. Check out the highest rated hotels for families on booking.com like the Courtyard.

Distance from Omaha: 95 miles

One of the most rare ecological landforms in the world is found along western Iowa – the Loess Hills. For some of you, simply viewing the bucolic scenes of the rolling hills will be enough reason to visit. For the rest of, you’ll want some fun or historical stops for the trip.

Tip: For great weather for hiking, late May isn't too rainy or hot, and October is great for seeing fall colors.

Distance from Omaha: Varies (5 miles to about 100 miles)

The town nestled in midst of Madison County is Winterset, Iowa – and there’s a lot more to do than just see its famous bridges. If you have kids, seek out Clark Tower for your own Rapunzel-like experience or any of the nearby parks.

Without kids? Check out the wineries and breweries in town or a museums. And plan an overnight in a B&B.

Tip: The Iowa Theater, which dates back to 1899, is still showing movies,

Distance from Omaha: 125 miles

Indoors or outdoors, Des Moines has a lot for young (and young at heart) to enjoy. Favorites of my family include the Science Center of Iowa, Adventureland, and Living History Farms.

Tip: One location of my favorite Des Moines restaurant, Fong's Pizza, is within walking distance of the science center. If you time it right, the large Des Moines farmer's market takes place in front of Fong's in the summer.

Hotel recommendation: There is no shortage of hotels in downtown Des Moines, but if you're looking for a hotel near Adventureland, we liked the Fairfield Inn (technically in Altoona).

Looking for an RV or campsite near Des Moines?

Distance from Omaha: 135 miles

Boone is your winter and summer destination for activities, and the Hotel Pattee in Perry is where you'll want to stay. We've been to Boone in the summer to wander around the beautiful Ledges State Park and ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. We've even "biked" on the railroad tracks! In the winter, we had a blast skiing and tubing at Seven Oaks Recreation.

Tip: Hotel Pattee's rooms are all themed, and you can request specific family suites with fun themes.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Pattee in Boone

Distance from Omaha: 155 miles

Ames is a college town, so no doubt you can catch an Iowa State game somewhere. But, if sports isn't your thing, visit a quirky shop, stroll around Reiman Gardens, or drop by a museum or art gallery.

Tip: If you’re craving pizza, Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. is an Ames institution.

Distance from Omaha: 170 miles

Sioux Falls is an affordable family getaway with several kid-friendly attractions, like the Great Plains Zoo, Kirby Science Discovery Center, and of course, Falls Park. The waterfalls in downtown Sioux Falls are well-known (and deservedly so), and kids will like walking on the rocks near it.

There are a few lesser known gems in the city I recommend (especially with kids in tow). First, the Butterfly House & Aquarium, and near that building, the free Outdoor Center.

Tip: There is a cafe overlooking Falls Park, and while I wouldn't recommend ordering any meal there, I do recommend getting ice cream there! Go for a cone, since the plastic spoons are too flimsy for the very frozen treat.

Distance from Omaha: 180 miles

KCK is a great getaway for those who love shopping (Legends Outlets), racing (Legends Speedway), or indoor waterparks (Great Wolf Lodge). Kansas City, Kan. is also a surprisingly good destination for food, ranging from the Taco Trail to barbecue (of course).
I've timed my visits for holiday activities, and can say that Christmas time is enchanting and the Day of the Dead festivities are fascinating. No matter what time of year, though, you've got to plan a stop at Atlas9. It's hard to describe, but just trust me. Any age will love it.
Tip: Learn the history of the area on a guided tour by Urban Hiking. I've done the Strawberry Hill one, but they also have some coffee-centric tours.

Where to stay: If you have kids, you kinda feel obligated to stay at Great Wolf Lodge. I prefer Margaritaville, especially when the outdoor pool is open.

Distance from Omaha: 180 miles

My family has had many great adventures to Kansas City, from wild rides at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, to hours on end spent at Science City and Nelson-Atkins Art Museum. Oh, and the barbecue is pretty tasty too!

Tip: The City Market is a lively year-round farmer's market that's free to explore.

Recommended hotel: For the location and the sweet rooftop pool, stay at Sheraton at Crown Center.

Distance from Omaha: 185 miles

Rathbun Lake is one of Iowa's largest man-made lakes, and nestled on its north shore is the family-friendly resort, Honey Creek Resort. During your stay, nearly every activity is included! That includes the indoor water park, the inflatable obstacle course on the lake, kayaks, SUPs, bikes, and daily children's activities.

Tip: While bile rentals are included, I highly recommend bringing your family's own bikes if you can. My kids struggled with the bikes provided.

Recommended hotel: Honey Creek Resort has both lodge and cabin options! UPDATE: The resort is under new ownership, and I'm uncertain if the quality of stay is as good as it once was.

Distance from Omaha: 190 miles

I found Excelsior Springs more of a couples or friends getaway than a family destination. Why? The gorgeous Elms Hotel has a fantastic spa with a grotto where you'll just want to relax the hours away.

The hotel is within walking distance of two great stops: A great barbecue joint that offers live music on some summer evenings and the excellent microbrewery, Dubious Claims Brewing Co.

Tip: There are a couple of wineries near Excelsior Springs, including Van Till Family Farm Winery. Order one of their artisan pizzas and a bottle of wine and grab a table on their covered patio for a low-key date.

Recommended hotel: You'll definitely want to stay at The Elms Hotel & Spa.

Distance from Omaha: 195 miles

I have so many childhood memories of canoeing the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska. This calm river flows through some scenic cliffs that will surprise you, plus the state's famous Smith Falls. I dare you to stick your head in the falls!

This is a popular river for tubers and can take on a bit of a rowdy, party atmosphere on some weekends. Which may or may not appeal to you.

It's not too far from Merritt Reservoir, Nebraska's only certified International Dark Sky Park.

Tip: While I prefer to stay in town when we're in planning a canoe trip, some outfitters offer campsites along the river.

Looking for a campsite near Valentine?

Distance from Omaha: 200 miles

This college town has a lot going on. Whether you love music, good food, or U.S. history, you'll find what you're looking for in Lawrence.

Start your visit on Massachusetts Street, the city's most vibrant street full of restaurants and locally-owned shops. It's locally referred to as Mass Street. A few shops I recommend: The Raven Bookstore, Love Sea & Sky Institute, and Wonder Fair.

Traveling with kids? Include a stop at Watkins Museum of History (also located on Mass Street).

Tip: Don't miss out on the pie at Ladybird Diner. It's totally acceptable to order a slice at breakfast.

Distance from Omaha: 206 miles

Abilene, Kansas has its place in America’s Old West history: It’s the end of the Chisholm Trail, that led cattle from Texas to Kansas for years. Learn all about it at Old Abilene Town, where reenactors will stage gunfights throughout the summer.

Explore the area's history and the city's most famous resident at Dickinson County Heritage Center and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

Tip: If you're traveling with kids, be sure to ride the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the heritage center! Each horse is hand-carved and hand-painted.

Distance from Omaha: 215 miles

Go to Waterloo for thrill rides, stay for the good food. Waterloo is home to the ultra-popular Lost Island Water Park, as well as the just-opened Lost Island Theme Park (opened in 2022). You'll be too tired to visit both in one day, so I highly recommend a two-day ticket.

Try breakfast at the old-school diner, Morg's. For lunch or dinner, I suggest Basal Pizza in the downtown area. While downtown, be sure to take a stroll the paved path along the river called RiverWalk.

Distance from Omaha: 245 miles

Fairfield is an anomaly, and a quirky one at that. For a town of its size, it should not have so many great ethnic restaurants, nor as big of an art scene as it has, but it does. It has a lot to do with the university in town (Maharishi International University), but there's more to it.

You'll have to visit to see what I mean. While you're there, enjoy great food at Fairfield Food Cooperative, Fishback & Stephenson Cider House, and Lunchbox. And for a taste of the arts scene, visit ICON Gallery and Fairfield Art Immersion House (this one's mind-blowing).

If you enjoy hiking and bird watching, include a stop at Jefferson County Park!

Distance from Omaha: 245 miles

Clear Lake is a lakeside town that does it right. The lake is reason to be there, but if you get bored with the beach or boating, there's the Surf Ballroom. I like the town because it's small but large enough to have a brewery and a distillery there.

If you want accommodations with lake views, be sure to make reservations early!

Tip: We visited during the Fourth of July festivities and loved the experience. Another great time to visit? In the winter for the Color The Wind Kite Festival. Really!

Distance from Omaha: 250 miles

For a unique getaway, head to Clarksville, Iowa, and stay a night or at a dairy farm. You'll get to tour the dairy and if you're up for it, you can take the Dairy Farmer Challenge (which involves both cute calves and shoveling cow poop).

Tip: Make it a weekend and add a visit to nearby Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch to feed bison and Rector Llamas to hike with a llama.

Distance from Omaha: 260 miles

A trip to North Platte might be in order if you love trains or railroad history. Or if you are fascinated by Buffalo Bill. Or if you're like me, you're curious about tanking and your heard Dusty Trails Outfitters is the way to go.

North Platte is the start of where Nebraska begins to feel more "West" than "Midwest." Perhaps it's the giant Fort Cody Trading Post you can't miss from Interstate 80?

Anyway, this Western Nebraska spot is a fun destination for families. Stops should include the Golden Spike Tower and Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, as well as the aforementioned tanking experience.

Distance from Omaha: 280 miles

Lucas earns the title of oddest road trip destination on this list, and I say that affectionately. It's a weird little town filled with more art by self-taught artists than you can imagine possible.

Must-see places include Bowl Plaza (the public restroom building is shaped like a toilet), Garden of Eden, Deeble House and Garden of Isis. They're weird creations, but in a good way.

Get the background on the artist who created the aforementioned places and see even more bizarrely beautiful artwork at Grass Roots Arts Center.

Distance from Omaha: 280 miles

This large city in Kansas is full of surprises, from the exciting children's garden at Botanica Wichita to the amazing animal encounters at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. I've made a long list of recommendations for things to do in Wichita, including my favorite restaurants and shops! If you don't feel like reading all that, get your food at Doo-Dah Diner and Nifty Nut House.

Tip: Make plans to watch the lighting of the Keeper of the Plains. This nightly program is awe-inspiring and free.

Distance from Omaha: 300 miles

Located along the Mississippi River and split between Iowa and Illinois, the Quad Cities are a getaway for families. We visited on a particularly rainy weekend, so we spent a fun weekend indoors at Putnam Museum and Science Center, the Family Museum, the John Deere Pavilion, and Figge Art Museum, which has a wonderful space for hands-on art activities for kids.

Tip: There’s a surprising amount of hands-on opportunities at the hidden gem, Fryxell Geology Museum, in Rock Island, Ill. And, bonus, it's free.

Recommended hotel: We've stayed at a few hotels in the Quad Cities. My favorite was the Element in Moline, Ill. I'm a sucker for exposed brick in rooms, but it had a pretty central location to the places we wanted to visit.

Distance from Omaha: 300 miles

Lake of the Ozarks is a giant, man-made reservoir in Central Missouri, and there's more than one place to pick as your home base to explore the area.

My home base for exploring the region was Osage Beach, which put my family near attractions like Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park, as well as plenty of restaurants.

Our hotel, Margaritaville Lake Resort, was lakeside - yay! But for rainy weather, we had the Jolly Mon Indoor Waterpark connected to the hotel to keep the kids happy.

Distance from Omaha: 330 miles

As much as I want to tell you all to go to Decorah for the outdoor experiences, the awesome dining there almost trumps the outdoors. I know!

OK, first the outdoors. Bike, climb a little waterfall, or kayak down one of the most scenic rivers in the Midwest. For food, have delicious wood-fired pizza on Luna Valley Farm, where the ingredients were grown and raised.

Tip: Decorah is home to microbreweries that bring in beer aficionados from around the Midwest, including Toppling Goliath. I particularly enjoyed having a beer after a long bike ride at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co.

Recommended hotel: I was on a girl's trip to Decorah, and we stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites. It was a good location for us, but not within walking distance to anything.

Distance from Omaha: 335 miles

Allamakee County is right in the heart of the Driftless Region - of those regions you never hear of until you’re in it and then you wonder why it’s so unknown. It’s a beautiful region of the Midwest, and in Iowa.

If you want to hike and take in the views, head to Effigy Mounds National Monument or Yellow River State Forest, both in Harpers Ferry.

Stay the night in a cabin at Upper Iowa Resort in Dorchester. It has its own kayak launch into the Upper Iowa River and a lake for swimming, plus it's ridiculously scenic there.

Distance from Omaha: 350 miles

If all my destinations could be as bike-friendly as the Twin Cities, I'd be a happy mama. One memorable place to bike around the park at Minnehaha Falls. Indoor fun includes Can Can Wonderland, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the hidden gem, the Bakken Museum.

Oh, and there's a little place called Mall of America. Perhaps you've heard of it.

Tip: One of my all-time favorite brewery experiences was at Surly Brewing Co, where we had dinner and beer with friends. The large brewery is surprisingly family-friendly and if the weather is nice, you can enjoy the immense patio and green space.

Distance from Omaha: 375 miles

Live music and food are often associated with Branson, Missouri, but there’s a lot more to see and things to do when you’re there. The city has fun attractions like Silver Dollar City and The Shepherd of the Hills.

And restaurants! You will overeat in Branson, and that's OK. Kids will enjoy Dolly Parton's Stampede and Dinner and will be amazed by the size of the pancakes at Billy Gail's.

It's close to Table Rock Lake, so boating and jet skiing can be added to that list of fun.

Branson also has hundreds of hotels for every budget.

Tip: Because there are so many attractions vying for tourists, you can get some great ticket deals! Check ticketing sites like tiquets.com and viator.com before you go and while you're there.

Distance from Omaha: 394 miles

"Go for the mountain biking. Stay for the art." Tucked in the Ozark Mountains of Arksanas, Bentonville will surprise you with all that it offers. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, this is your place (it doesn't even matter your skill level)! Your first stop should be Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.

But, the arts & culture scene is equally a draw. World-class museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are a draw, as is smaller gems like Museum of Native American History. Both are free, too!

Tip: Plan a little time to stroll around Bentonville's downtown. The storefronts are colorful and charming, and the shopping is fantastic.

Distance from Omaha: 395 miles

There isn't a bad time to visit St. Louis, I've discoverd. Summer, of course, is full of special events and fun can be had at all the big attractions like the City Museum, Gateway Arch National Park, and pro soccer at CITYPARK.

And in the winter (especially around the holidays), there are magical experiences found at Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanic Garden, and Union Station, which is home to the Polar Express Train Ride.

Tip: I've had the luck at staying at several hotels in St. Louis over the years. Two kid-friendly ones are the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and for a real splurge (but worth it for that rooftop pool view), there's the Four Seasons St. Louis.

Distance from Omaha: 430 miles

A big reason people flock to Wisconsin Dells is the abundance of waterparks -- indoors and outdoors. And for good reason: It's the Waterpark capitol of the world. Some of the big ones to visit include Noah's Ark Waterpark, Wilderness Waterpark Resort, and Kalahari Waterpark.

Once you're done with the thrills of waterslides and wave pools, there's more fun awaiting at places like Tom Foolerys, Buffalo Phil's where food is delivered by train, and Take Flight.

Tip: If you want a break from all the touristy commotion, head to nearby Devil's Lake State Park to hit the trails or relax on the beach.

Distance from Omaha: 450 miles

A fun place to experience the west without leaving Nebraska, Fort Robinson has trail rides, jeep rides, and stagecoach rides, plus a chance to do a chuckwagon dinner or watch a rodeo.

Tip: Plan ahead if you want to stay at the state park. Their lodging fills up fairly quickly so you'll want to reserve your accommodations early.

Distance from Omaha: 460 miles

Perhaps you remember old family trips to Mount Rushmore, with a stop at Evans Plunge, the indoor water park that uses mineral water from nearby thermal springs. It's still open after all those years (with several updates) in Hot Springs!

Hot Springs is a less touristy stop in the southern Black Hills. Nearby, visit Mammoth Site is a must-visit.

Tip: Hot Springs is a short drive from two beautiful parks, Wind Cave National Park (10 miles away) and Custer State Park (20 miles away). Don't skip Sylvan Lake and the begging burros at Custer!

Recomomended hotel: Check out Hills Inn. Great location, and a budget-friendly motel option. And my kids liked the free donuts at breakfast.

Distance from Omaha: 490 miles

It's the quintessential summer experience: Road trip to Mount Rushmore. Head straight there or make stops along the way, as we did on our exciting western Nebraska and South Dakota road trip.

We explored everything from the fascinating Toadstool Geological Park in Nebraska to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City. Other stops on this road trip included Wall Drug, Badlands National Park, Mammoth Site, Chadron State Park, and Fort Robinson. It's a long trip and the distance below doesn't factor in the extra stops.

Tip: Everyone has to stop at Wall Drug, if only for the photo ops, right? While you're there, don't forget to order one of their fresh donuts.

Hotel recommendation: We opted to stay in Rapid City at the Comfort Inn & Suites since there was a lot we wantd to do in Rapid City. But if you're main intention is visiting the monument, check out this list of awesome hotels near Mount Rushmore.

Distance from Omaha: 545 miles