Nebraska offers a wide variety of adventures for families, from stagecoach rides in the west, to canoeing in the north, and a world-class zoo in the east. And while you’re out venturing to each of those corners to the state, you’ll need a place to stay. I’ve been planning mini getaways for my family (checking off things on my Nebraska Bucket List), and I’ve started coming across some unique places to stay in Nebraska.
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My hope is to eventually spend at least one night in each of these. I’ll report back to you all with a review of the accommodations so you can decide if it’s right for you and your family. Take a look at some of the cool inns, B&Bs, and, well, quirky places you can stay in Nebraska:
The Corn Crib
Where: Crab Orchard, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 people
Why: You’re staying in a unique “cottage” that screams “Nebraska.” The Corn Crib is just that, a corn crib, but it’s been remodeled into a guest cottage, complete with a balcony overlooking a lake. It’s located on the estate grounds of Sheah Blue Vineyard.
Former Officers’ Quarters
Where: Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 to 20 people
Why: This state park’s accommodations are pretty unique. You can stay in former officers quarters that date from 1874 to 1909. While they’re not cabins, They’re equipped like them: They have a kitchen and bathroom, and some of the larger ones have living rooms. And it’s full housekeeping, so they have linens and all the kitchen utensils you might need.
A Restored 1920s Gas Station
Where: Ainsworth, Neb.
Sleeps: 4 people
Why: While The Philing Station is from the 1920s, the interior of this rental has been restored to a funky 1950s vibe that’s straight out of a sitcom. Accommodations include a queen bed, two twins, and a futon. Ainsworth is near some of the best recreational spots in the state, too: Biking the Cowboy Trace Trail and canoeing the Niobrara River come to mind.
Glamping At A Winery
Where: Slattery Vintage Estates & Tasting Room, Nehawka, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 people
Why: Slattery was the first place that introduced the concept of glamping in Nebraska to me. Glamping tents are set up within walking distance to the tasting room (and of yeah, you can request wine and snacks to be waiting upon your arrival).
Note: This is one overnight you’ll want to leave the kids at home. Also note that, due to its location, you cannot bring outside alcohol with you when you’re glamping here.
Restored 1900s Barn
Where: Near Seward, Neb.
Sleeps: 2
Why: This gorgeously restored barn once housed animals but has been updated to sleep two in a queen bed in the barn’s loft. Indoors, relax in the soaking tub; outdoors, relax by the fire-it.
Glamping At A State Park
Where: Platte River State Park, Louisville, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 people
Why: The three glamping sites at Platte River State Park have been a hot item to reserve ever since they first opened in 2018. They’re modern and outfitted with all the amenities you’d want (namely air conditioning and a comfy bed). Snagging a weekend reservation is tough, though.
Note: This is one overnight you’ll want to leave the kids at home.
Girlfriend Getaway in Lincoln
Where: Lincoln, Neb.
Sleeps: 6 people
Why: For those planning a girls’ weekend, this fabulously decorated home has pink chandeliers, a tuba for a sink, and the most charming bedroom decor.
Teepee Village
Where: Platte River State Park, Louisville, Neb.
Sleeps: 8 people
Why: While we’re talking about Platte River State Park, let me tell you about the teepees there. The Pawnee TeePee Village at Platte River State Park consists of four teepees situated on top of platforms, so at least your not sleeping on a ground.
It’s a step above camping, but not on par with even a yurt. I’m pretty sure the only reason why you’d want to stay in one of these is to say you’ve stayed in one.
A Writer’s Yurt & Crane Spotting Haven
Where: Near Gibbon, Neb.
Sleeps: 3 people
Why: While designed to be a creative retreat in rural Nebraska, the real draw of this yurt is its location: It’s one mile from the Audubon Rowe Crane Sanctuary where about a million Sandhill Cranes visit during their spring migration. According to the yurt’s owner, “This is the only accommodation in Nebraska where you can roll out of bed and witness the cranes fly over from your own private deck.” Truly spectacular!
Kottage Knechtion Treehouse
Where: South Sioux City, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 people
Why: The Kottage Knechtion Treehouse is a B&B nestled between two cottonwood trees. It’s not far from downtown Sioux City, which I had fun exploring with my husband.
Covington Cottage
Where: South Sioux City
Sleeps: 4 people
Why: It looks like a Hobbit home, right? Who wouldn’t want to stay the night there? The cottage, incidentally, is located next door to the treehouse.
One-Room School House
Where: Arnold, Neb.
Sleeps: 5 people
Why: Facebook fan Laura S. recommended Center School B&B and Museum, saying “We stayed there on the last night of our Sandhills trip. The apartment is clean and serviceable but the museum is AMAZING. Berni, the owner, is putting so much work into making it as authentic as possible and she has so many great stories to tell about the building and one room schoolhouses in general! As a teacher myself, I appreciated the care and detail in the museum so much!”
Note: This lodging does not have air conditioning, but the host notes that guests stay in the basement, which stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
River Inn Resort
Where: Brownville, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 people (possibly more)
Why: Here’s your chance to stay in a floating B&B! This 18-room floating inn is located on the Missouri River (and near one of my favorite towns in Nebraska).
Safari Tent Camp
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha, Neb.
Sleeps: 2 people
Why: While zoo offers a variety of camping options for the whole family, it was the Safari Tent Camp for adults-only that caught my eye – you stay in the safari tents near the African Grasslands.
Tents include an electrical outlet, nightstand with a lantern, area rug, dining table, two director chairs, and oscillating fan. There are only a few nights offered each year, so you’ll have to plan ahead.
Vintage Caboose
Where: Two Rivers State Recreation Area, Waterloo, Neb.
Sleeps: 6 people
Why: Ever since we saw the cabooses on our first camping trip to Two Rivers SRA, I knew that one day, we’d have to stay there. First off, they’re REAL cabooses, outfitted with bunkbeds and two mattresses in the cupola. But more important, unlike camping in a tent, they have air conditioning.
Note: Two Rivers is catch-and-release fishing spot more than anything else, though there is a small beach at one of the lakes. If you’re looking for hiking, this ain’t your park.
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Kylee
Thursday 25th of July 2019
I'm from Nebraska and adding all of these to my lists! The glamping one has been on my radar for a while though!
Kim
Friday 26th of July 2019
I've only done the vineyard glamping, but both the vineyard and Platte River glamping spots fill up QUICKLY. The Platte River spots book a year in advance of Slattery starts booking in January (and I hear the summer weekends fill up by March).
Stephanie Taleghani
Saturday 16th of February 2019
I want to stay in the caboose!!!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids
Tuesday 12th of February 2019
These are all so cool! My family would love the Caboose in Waterloo. Looks like we need to make a return trip to Nebraska soon!
Kim
Thursday 14th of February 2019
Stay tuned! I booked a few nights in one of them this summer, so I'll let you know how it goes.
Emily Hines
Saturday 9th of February 2019
Glamping at a winery? Sign me up!
Kim
Sunday 10th of February 2019
Right? That sounds like a match made in heaven.