Travel Destinations Nebraska A Weekend in Western Nebraska Cowboy culture makes this a place ripe for exploration, with its horses, living heritage, rugged landscape and, at night, a stirring display of stars in gunpowder-black skies. Check out our itinerary for a weekend in western Nebraska. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 9, 2023 Western Nebraska offers attractions and activities for many interests: beautiful natural landscapes that include prairie, rugged badlands and rock formations; outdoor rec; a rich history and culture; small-town charm; and adventure sports like rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Get a taste of the region on a weekend getaway. Best Nebraska Road Trips Toadstool Geologic Park. Courtesy of Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Games and Parks Commission Day One The archeologically packed Fossil Freeway leads to new appreciation of ancient times. Along the route: the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (and its bizarre fossilized beardog) and the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, where prehistoric people captured and killed countless bison near Crawford. (As of early 2023, the center itself is closed, but you can still take a one-third mile interpretive trail from the parking lot to learn about the area.) Toadstool Geological Park in Harrison displays otherworldly formations carved by badland erosion. High Plains Homestead. Courtesy of Nebraska Tourism Cowboy culture rules at Crawford's High Plains Homestead, with rustic cabins and RV park. A mercantile offers snacks for sale as well as locally crafted goods. Museum of the Fur Trade. Courtesy of Nebraska Tourism Day Two Beads, knives, kettles—even playing cards—\-illustrate the world of early trade at Museum of the Fur Trade, built at the site of an 1837 trading post in Chadron. The world of exploration awaits as well, with hiking at the western portion of the Nebraska National Forest near Chadron and the boundless Oglala National Grassland north of Crawford. Pronghorn deer and prairie dogs make occasional appearances along the way. More Parks to Explore Extend your western Nebraska adventure with an overnight stay (or longer) at two of Nebraska's most outstanding state parks. Courtesy of Visit Nebraska Chadron State Park Rugged buttes, stone cliffs and dead-end canyons beckon horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers to follow winding trails through Nebraska's oldest state park (established in 1921). Back at camp, cabins and swimming pools repay a day's journey. Fort Robinson State Park. Blaine Moats Fort Robinson State Park Why imagine the Old West when you can live it instead at Fort Robinson? Buildings from as far back as 1874 (when the original fort existed) remain in use, many for lodging. Stagecoaches tour the impressive buttes. Bison and bighorn sheep graze the 22,000 acres. And the mountainous Pine Ridge scenery creates a timeless backdrop for paddling, golfing or gazing into the past. Top Things to Do in Nebraska's Panhandle Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit