Travelers looking to plan a trip in Nebraska in 2024 now have another resource to help: the state’s official “not at all what you thought” travel guide.
This year’s cover features Chimney Rock, one of Nebraska’s most recognizable landmarks and a National Historic Site since 1956. Located in Bayard, the estimated 325-foot-tall monument now includes a museum and a hiking trail to experience its beauty up close.
The travel guide also showcases beautiful Nebraska landscapes, unique stops and a variety of attractions, according to Nebraska Tourism Executive Director John Ricks.
Nebraska’s Native heritage is also highlighted within the guide in the form of original artwork and writing, as well as opportunities to learn about Native history in the state.
The travel guide also features road trip ideas, agritourism, culture, history destinations and more.
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Those interested can order the free 2024 Travel Guide or download the online version. Guides can also be found at visitor centers and tourism destinations across Nebraska.
Here’s a list of the best Nebraska state parks to visit for various outdoor activities.
Photos: Nebraska State Parks
Fort Robinson State Park
Bison roam the canyons, hills, and grasslands of Fort Robinson State Park in northwest Nebraska.
Fort Robinson State Park
Rick Brandt of Roca, Nebraska, saddles his mules at the Peterson Wildlife Management Area in Fort Robinson State Park.
Fort Robinson State Park
Bighorn sheep are dropped gently at a site in Fort Robinson State Park near Chadron, Nebraska. The sheep were collected and airlifted to the park as part of an ongoing wildlife conservation and tracking effort.
Fort Robinson State Park
Texas longhorns from the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Red Cloud Buttes at Fort Robinson State Park.
Fort Robinson State Park
Rain hits Saddle Butte at Fort Robinson State Park in Dawes County, Nebraska.
Chadron State Park
Mule deer weather a snowstorm on U.S. Forest Service land near the Black Hills Overlook on the west edge of Chadron State Park.
Chadron State Park
The West Ash fire burns at Chadron State Park near Chadron Neb., in Dawes County. In 2012, a pair of wildfires forced authorities to close the park, cancel classes, and evacuate about 150 residents.
Chadron State Park
Less than a year after the fires, green grass returns to the hillsides at Chadron State Park, but it will take decades to replace burned ponderosa pines.
Smith Falls State Park
Located about 25 minutes east of Valentine, Smith Falls State Park encompasses trails, campgrounds, and riverbanks along both sides of the scenic Niobrara River.
Smith Falls State Park
A historic iron footbridge leads to a boardwalk and the base of Smith Falls.
Smith Falls State Park
Smith Falls is the highest waterfall in Nebraska, standing at 70 feet tall.
Niobrara State Park
Overlooking the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers, Niobrara State Park gives visitors a panoramic view of the rivers and valleys below.
Niobrara State Park
Using GPS coordinates, geocachers at Niobrara State Park go in search of hidden treasures.
Niobrara State Park
A young whitetail buck can be seen through the trees along the road to Niobrara State Park. The winter months offer an exceptional opportunity to view wildlife in the park.
Ponca State Park
At the entrance to Ponca State Park stands the Towers of Time monument, featuring three towers, a fountain, waterfall, and reflecting pool. The monument is a celebration of the region’s natural and cultural environment.
Ponca State Park
Alicia Wielgus of Columbus, Neb., lifts a common carp out of a water tank at the Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park.
Ponca State Park
Jonathan Wood of Roxbury, N.Y., prepares a barn owl for a demonstration during his Extreme Raptor show during the Missouri River Outdoor Expo. Wood showed falcons, owls, a bald eagle, and other raptors from around the world.
Ponca State Park
Birds take flight at Ponca State Park in Ponca, Nebraska.
Eugene Mahoney State Park
An aerial photo of Eugene Mahoney State Park, Nebraska’s most popular state park.
Eugene Mahoney State Park
Ace, the horse, shows Melynda Schmit, of Kearney, Neb., how much he wants to be fed just before the horseback riding begins.
Eugene Mahoney State Park
Rainy weather doesn’t deter Kylee Batchelor, left, and Trent Barnes from enjoying Memorial Day weekend as they kiss on a paddle boat in E. T. Mahoney State Park.
Platte River State Park
Geese ignore a sign at Platte River State Park.
Platte River State Park
Fifth graders from Plattsmouth Middle School take part in an archery lesson. Nearly 2,000 school children participated in the Outdoor Discovery Program at Platte River State Park, trying out activities such as fishing, archery, kayaking, shooting, and other outdoor activities.
Platte River State Park
Students from Fairview Elementary School kayak at Platte River State Park as part of the Outdoor Discovery Program.
Platte River State Park
The state recently added three glamping cabins.
Indian Cave State Park
Park visitors climb the stairs to the cave at Indian Cave State Park.
Indian Cave State Park
Emily Welch, age 6, and her mother Lisa Welch of Hamburg, IA, visit Indian Cave at Indian Cave State Park. On the cave walls, petroglyphs carved by Native Americans thousands of years ago can be seen.
Indian Cave State Park
In 2011, high water from the Missouri River closed the lower roads along the river at Indian Cave State Park. Due to statewide flooding during March of this year, access to the cave and river has once again been restricted.