Gross NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gross, Nebraska.
1. Gross General Store
HISTORIC TRADING POST
The Gross General Store serves as the centerpiece of this tiny village, offering visitors a glimpse into rural Nebraska's past. Visitors can explore this historic building that once served as the commercial hub of the community. The store represents the resilience of small-town America despite the town's population decline over the decades.
2. Old Market
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Old Market is a historic entertainment district in downtown Omaha featuring cobblestone streets and converted warehouses now housing shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while exploring the many boutiques, eateries, and cultural venues. The area preserves the charm of Omaha's past while offering modern amenities and experiences.
3. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
ICONIC RIVER CROSSING
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River, connecting Nebraska and Iowa with its distinctive S-curve design. Visitors can stand in two states simultaneously at this popular landmark that offers spectacular views of Omaha's skyline. The 3,000-foot cable-stayed bridge has become one of the city's most photographed attractions since its opening.
4. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
HISTORIC OVERPASS MUSEUM
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument spans Interstate 80 near Kearney, celebrating the historic trails that shaped America's westward expansion. Inside, visitors experience interactive exhibits chronicling the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, and transcontinental railroad through immersive displays and audio presentations. The unique structure stands as a testament to the pioneers who traveled through Nebraska on their journey west.
5. Henry Doorly Zoo
PREMIER WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Henry Doorly Zoo is Nebraska's most popular tourist attraction, welcoming over 1.1 million visitors annually. The zoo features world-class exhibits including the largest indoor desert, indoor rainforest, and one of the world's largest indoor swamps. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems and encounter thousands of animals in naturalistic habitats designed for conservation and education.
6. Carhenge
AUTOMOTIVE STONE CIRCLE
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction replicating England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles painted gray. This unusual monument stands amid the grasslands of the Great Plains, drawing car enthusiasts, artists, and curious travelers alike. The site also features additional automotive artworks that complement the main circle of stacked and arranged vehicles.
7. Cowboy Trail
HISTORIC RECREATIONAL PATH
The Cowboy Trail follows an old railway line through northeast and north-central Nebraska, offering a 192-mile recreational route for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Travelers cross hundreds of bridges along the gravel and crushed limestone path, with the Valentine Bridge providing particularly spectacular views. The trail provides an authentic experience of how cowboys traversed the Great Plains during Nebraska's early days.
8. World's Largest Time Capsule
MONUMENTAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The World's Largest Time Capsule stands as a massive pyramid in the center of Seward, created by businessman Harold Davisson to preserve 1970s memorabilia for future generations. The capsule contains two rooms and an underground section housing two cars, a motorcycle, and numerous cultural artifacts from 1975. Sealed on July 4, 1975, this unusual landmark is scheduled to be opened on July 4, 2025, exactly 50 years after its dedication.
9. World's Largest Ball of Stamps
QUIRKY POSTAL COLLECTION
The World's Largest Ball of Stamps resides in Boys Town as a unique attraction for philatelists and curiosity seekers alike. This unusual sphere consists of millions of canceled postage stamps collected and assembled over many years. Visitors can marvel at this colorful oddity while learning about its creation and significance to the local community.
10. World's Largest Collection of Clowns
COLORFUL CIRCUS MEMORABILIA
The World's Largest Collection of Clowns in Plainview showcases an extraordinary assemblage of clown figurines, artwork, and memorabilia. Visitors can view thousands of colorful clown-themed items gathered from around the world in various sizes and styles. This whimsical attraction celebrates the art and history of clowning while providing a unique roadside stop for travelers.
11. World's Largest Collection of Marbles
SPHERICAL GLASS TREASURES
The World's Largest Collection of Marbles in York features an impressive array of these colorful glass spheres in countless varieties and designs. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship and artistry of marbles from different eras and manufacturers displayed throughout the collection. This distinctive attraction appeals to collectors, nostalgia seekers, and anyone fascinated by these miniature glass treasures.
12. Chimney Rock
ICONIC PIONEER LANDMARK
Chimney Rock is a prominent geological formation that served as a landmark for pioneers traveling west along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Rising approximately 300 feet above the surrounding North Platte River Valley, this natural spire was mentioned in more pioneer journals than any other landmark. The visitor center nearby offers exhibits detailing the site's significance in America's westward expansion.
13. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument towers 800 feet above the North Platte River, serving as a crucial landmark for pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the historic Oregon Trail corridor. The monument's visitor center features exhibits on the natural history of the area and its significance to America's westward migration.
14. Sandhill Crane Migration
NATURAL WILDLIFE SPECTACLE
The Sandhill Crane Migration brings hundreds of thousands of these magnificent birds to central Nebraska's Platte River Valley each spring. Visitors from around the world come to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon as the cranes rest and feed during their northward journey. Viewing blinds and platforms along the river provide optimal observation points for this breathtaking wildlife display that typically peaks in mid-March.
15. College World Series
PREMIER COLLEGIATE BASEBALL
The College World Series has been hosted in Omaha since 1950, bringing the nation's top collegiate baseball teams together for the NCAA championship tournament. The event contributes significantly to the local economy, generating over $33.8 million according to economic studies. Baseball fans flock to the state-of-the-art stadium each June to experience this prestigious sporting tradition that has become synonymous with Omaha.