Hubbard NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hubbard, Nebraska.
1. Chief War Eagle Monument
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBUTE
Chief War Eagle Monument honors a significant Native American leader in the region's history. The monument offers visitors a chance to learn about indigenous heritage and the contributions of Chief War Eagle. Visitors appreciate the cultural significance and scenic views from this historical site.
2. Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
HISTORICAL NATURE EXPERIENCE
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve combines historical significance with natural beauty. The preserve features historic buildings alongside trails winding through native prairie landscapes. Visitors can experience both Nebraska's natural heritage and pioneer history in this well-maintained site.
3. The Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation
REGIONAL TRANSPORT HISTORY
The Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation showcases the region's rich aviation and transportation history. Exhibits feature vintage aircraft, automobiles, and interactive displays telling the story of Midwestern travel evolution. The museum offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages interested in the development of transportation.
4. Robidoux Trading Post
OREGON TRAIL HISTORY
Robidoux Trading Post is a reconstructed historical site located in the Wildcat Hills near Scottsbluff. The trading post represents a crucial stop along the Oregon Trail where over 400,000 emigrants passed through on their journey westward. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to experience this important piece of Nebraska's pioneer history.
5. Scotts Bluff National Monument
ICONIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument stands as an impressive natural landmark rising over 800 feet above the North Platte River. This distinctive formation served as a crucial landmark for travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails during westward expansion. Visitors can explore hiking trails, a visitor center with historical exhibits, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit.
6. Willa Cather State Historic Site
LITERARY HERITAGE CENTER
The Willa Cather State Historic Site preserves the childhood home of the renowned Plains author. Visitors can tour the home and learn about Cather's life and literary contributions to American culture. The site offers a meaningful glimpse into the environment that shaped one of Nebraska's most celebrated writers.
7. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
ARBOR DAY ORIGINS
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park features the grand 1850s mansion of J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. The estate includes beautifully preserved period furnishings, outbuildings, and an extensive arboretum showcasing Morton's passion for trees. Visitors can explore the 52-room mansion and walk through gardens that honor Nebraska's tree-planting heritage.
8. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
ANCIENT NEBRASKA WILDLIFE
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is a working paleontological research site featuring remarkably preserved ancient animal fossils. Visitors can watch student paleontologists unearth new discoveries and view fossils in their original positions. The park offers a unique opportunity to witness the ongoing scientific study of animals preserved by volcanic ash approximately 12 million years ago.
9. Carhenge
QUIRKY AUTOMOTIVE MONUMENT
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction replicating England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles. The cars are arranged in the same pattern as the ancient stones and painted gray to resemble the original monument. This quirky landmark has become one of Nebraska's most photographed attractions and represents American creativity and humor.
10. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
PIONEER JOURNEY EXPERIENCE
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument spans Interstate 80 and commemorates the historic trails that shaped America's western expansion. Inside the impressive structure, interactive exhibits chronicle the journeys of pioneers, settlers, and travelers who followed the Great Platte River Road. Visitors experience an immersive historical journey through multimedia displays and authentic recreations of pioneer life.
11. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer recreates life on the Nebraska plains during the pioneer era of the late 1800s. The living history museum features costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and authentic artifacts from Nebraska's settlement period. Visitors can experience pioneer life through hands-on activities and seasonal events throughout the year.
12. Lauritzen Gardens
URBAN BOTANICAL RETREAT
Lauritzen Gardens is Omaha's premier botanical center featuring unique four-season plant displays and themed gardens. The living museum maintains diverse collections ranging from rose gardens to tropical conservatories, all maintained to high environmental standards. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, educational programs, and peaceful walking paths throughout the 100-acre property.
13. Henry Doorly Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is nationally renowned for its leadership in animal conservation and research. Major exhibits include the Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Kingdoms of the Night, Scott Aquarium, and primate habitats like Hubbard Gorilla Valley. The zoo consistently ranks among America's top zoos for its innovative habitats and commitment to wildlife preservation.
14. Joslyn Art Museum
PREMIER MIDWEST COLLECTION
The Joslyn Art Museum is Nebraska's largest and most distinguished art museum featuring works from antiquity to contemporary pieces. The collection emphasizes 19th and 20th-century European and American art housed in an impressive Art Deco building constructed of Georgia marble. Visitors can explore permanent collections alongside rotating exhibitions in this cultural cornerstone of the region.
15. Old Market
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
The Old Market is a charming turn-of-the-century marketplace featuring brick streets and historic buildings in downtown Omaha. This vibrant district houses a variety of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops in beautifully preserved warehouses. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performers, and seasonal events that make this area a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike.