Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of Nebraska field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Nebraska field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
Chimney Rock National Historic SiteBayard
Chimney Rock has become one of the most famous landmarks in the American West. Viewing the rock is available from several places, including from the site's visitor center. This center houses a museum with interpretive and interactive exhibits about this natural feature and the emigrant trails. It also contains a small theater with a video presentation about the Great Migration West and a bookstore. Modest admission is charged.
Homestead National Monument of AmericaBeatrice
The Homestead Act of 1862 granted free land to men and women willing to help the Unites States with westward expansion. Visit our museum, watch the park film, research your family's connections to homesteading, visit a cabin of the time, and learn more about technological changes of the homesteading era, and hike through the restored tallgrass prairie.
Fort Hartsuff State Historical ParkBurwell
Unlike many of the 1800s military posts, Fort Hartsuff still stands today. It is one of the most complete examples of the small prairie forts. The fort’s buildings were constructed of a concrete mixture and many original structures survived. Acquired as a state historical park in 1961, park staff restored existing buildings and reconstructed others based on research and archeology. Today, visitors can stroll the gravel path around the parade ground, follow along the white picket fence that surrounds the fort, and explore buildings staged in the 1870s era.
Fort Robinson MuseumCrawford
The museum at Fort Robinson is home to exhibits from the Red Cloud Agency (1874-77) through the housing of World War II German POW's (1943-46).
Trailside Museum of Natural HistoryCrawford
The Tertiary deposits near Fort Robinson are now world famous. For over one hundred years scientists from all over the world have collected geological data and fossil vertebrates in western Nebraska.
Fort Robinson State ParkCrawford
This historic outpost served from the days of the Indian Wars until after World War II. This was the site of the 1879 Cheyenne Outbreak and the death of famed Sioux Chief Crazy Horse. Over the years, the fort served the Red Cloud Indian Agency, as a cavalry remount station, K-9 dog training center, POW camp and beef research station.
Rock Creek Station State Historical ParkFairbury
Deep ruts, carved by the many wagons that traveled the Oregon/California and Pony Express Trails, are plainly visible there. Attractions include reconstructed historic buildings, living history demonstrations, and a visitor center.
Fort Atkinson State Historical ParkFort Calhoun
The first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River. The fort was important to the early fur trade, river traffic and Indian relations. Much of the historic outpost has been reconstructed, and interpretive work continues. Living history demonstrations are scheduled periodically during the summer.
Genoa Indian School Interpretive Center MuseumGenoa
The Genoa Indian School was the fourth non-reservation boarding institution established by the Office of Indian Affairs. The facility was open from 1884 - 1934. The students that came to the Genoa Indian school were from all over the United States and over 40 tribes. In time the school grew from the original 74 students to an enrollment of 599, and encompassed over 30 buildings on 640 acres.
Scotts Bluff National MonumentGering
Scotts Bluff is a natural landmark which served as the path marker for those on the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails. Check out the exhibits in the visitor center or walk the Oregon Trail Pathway past the replica covered wagons.
Agate Fossil Beds National MonumentHarrison
Agate is more than fossils - During the 1890s, scientists rediscovered what the Lakota Sioux already knew - bones preserved in one of the most complete Miocene mammal sites in the world. Yet, Agate is a landscape that reflects many players -- from early animals roaming the valleys and hills, to tribal nations calling the High Plains home, to explorers and ranchers passing through or settling in the American West.
Prairie Loft CenterHastings
The center offers programs for all ages to schools, summer programs, home school groups, and other educational organizations.. All classes are hands-on and active, with a variety of experiences in every session. Activities may include free choice time, nature hikes and farm exploration, art and science projects, animal studies, discovery in the gardens, fields, and pasture, and more. The cost for a 90-minute field trip learning experience for 10-25 individuals is generally $3 per participant ($30 minimum for groups with fewer than 10). For school and youth field trips, adults participate at no charge.
Fort Kearny State Historical ParkKearney
Built to protect Overland Trail travelers, Fort Kearny SHP near Kearney was a stage station, home station for the Pony Express, outfitting depot for Indian campaigns and home of the Pawnee Scouts. The stockade, parade grounds and blacksmith shop have been rebuilt.
Ash Hollow State Historical ParkLewellen
Ruts etched by west-bound wagons are visible on the bluffs at Windlass Hill. The history, archaeology and paleontology of the area are interpreted at the visitor center, Ash Hollow Cave and exhibits and structures.
International Quilt Study Center & MuseumLincoln
This museum houses world-class collections, first-class exhibitions, a virtual gallery, and experiences for all ages. Offering the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world, dating back to the early 1700s to the present, and representing more than 25 countries.
University of Nebraska State MuseumLincoln
Visitors to Morrill Hall will find interactive exhibits featuring Nebraska’s past and present biological diversity, and its cultural heritage, with a dedicated First Peoples of the Plains gallery. The four-level, 70,000 square foot museum is located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus near the corner of 14th and Vine Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. Morrill Hall is known for its paleontological collections, especially its iconic Elephant Hall, where visitors will see the world's largest articulated fossil Columbian mammoth alongside a unique collection of Nebraskan fossil elephants. Also featured are interactive paleontology exhibits, including a Jurassic dinosaur gallery. In addition to these iconic paleontology exhibits, the recently renovated fourth floor includes a Smithsonian-inspired Visible Lab, hands-on Science Exploration Zone, and Sustainable Earth gallery with a 5-foot diameter digital globe. The on-site Mueller Planetarium provides visitors with additional opportunities to explore our Universe and our place in it. In addition to the permanent galleries, the museum hosts temporary exhibits on diverse topics. The museum offers discounts for large group visits. Groups must book at least 1 week in advance, and payment must be submitted in one installment via one payment method.
Nebraska History MuseumLincoln
12,000 years of history! Many people and cultures have made Nebraska their home. Come see fascinating artifacts and hear amazing stories from our rich past.
Bowring Ranch State Historical ParkMerriman
Bowring Ranch is a Hereford demonstration ranch. The visitor center interprets ranching, homesteading, geology, and wildlife in the area.
Lake Minatare State Recreation AreaMinatare
Home of Nebraska's only lighthouse and a federal waterfowl refuge.
Mormon Pioneer National Historic TrailMulti-state
70,000 Mormons, led by Brigham Young, traveled from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah between 1846 to 1869 in order to escape religious persecution. "There are a number of ways to enjoy the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, including auto-touring, visiting interpretive sites, hiking, camping, biking or horseback riding along trail segments, and visiting museums and interpretive centers. Depending on which segment you would like to explore, some or all of these activities may be available. Although the word "trail" is used in the name, the Mormon Pioneer NHT is not necessarily a hiking trail. With 1,300 miles of the original route now in the hands of various private and public entities, access to trail segments depends upon the permission of the land owner. Some segments are open to the public for hiking and other means of recreation, while others are not."
Lewis & Clark National Historic TrailMulti-state
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean.
Oregon National Historic TrailMulti-state
The Oregon Trail was for fur traders, gold seekers, missionaries, and others, the pathway to the Pacific. Wagon ruts and landscape scars can still be seen from that time.
Arbor Lodge State Historical ParkNebraska City
This beautiful estate was home to J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. Authentic furnishings and displays capture the life and times of this visionary man.
University of Nebraska Lincoln and Kimmel Orchard & VineyardNebraska City
Bee Tour This hands-on adventure begins with an introduction to the fascinating world of honey bees, where you'll suit up in protective gear and step into the apiary for an up-close look at a working hive. As we explore the hive, you'll witness thousands of bees in action—tending to brood, storing nectar, and communicating through their mesmerizing dances. Along the way, you’ll learn about hive dynamics, the vital role of pollinators, and sustainable beekeeping practices. You'll even get a chance to spot the queen and experience the hum of the colony firsthand! Honey Extraction and Tasting Tour Step into the sweet side of beekeeping with a behind-the-scenes look at the honey extraction process! This interactive tour takes you from hive to jar as you explore how raw honey is harvested and processed. You'll start by learning how beekeepers remove and transport honey from hives. Watch as golden honey flows from the combs, ready to be bottled and enjoyed. Discover the fascinating science behind honey production and where honey gets its unique color and flavors Best of all, you'll get to taste different types of honey as well as fresh, raw honey straight from the comb—an experience you won’t forget! Please visit the Kimmel Orchard website for available tour dates! Group discounts are available ($10 per person) for groups larger than 20.
University of Nebraska Lincoln and Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard website
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical ParkNorth Platte
Home of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP gives us a glimpse of the life and career of the famed Pony Express rider, Army scout and buffalo hunter turned showman.
Omaha Performing ArtsOmaha
Group Sales at Omaha Performing Arts is the perfect way for your group to see the best Broadway musicals, plays, dance events, and concerts in Omaha. We handle group sales (10+) for both The Orpheum Theatre and The Holland Center in downtown Omaha. Groups save money on the ticket price and handling fees and get early access to the best available seats before the general public. Please visit our website for more information. You can also email us at groups@o-pa.org or call us at 402-661-8516.
Vesper ConcertsOmaha/Council Bluffs
Vesper Concerts is a performing arts series that offers seven concerts per season. All concerts are free and open to the public. They present world-class local, national, and international talent and all genres of music--from classical to jazz to bluegrass. The opportunity to see professional musicians perform in a small setting fosters a personal connection to both the music and the performer. Visit their website for concert dates and times. The concert season typically runs on a September - May schedule, but concerts can take place any time of year.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical ParkRoyal
National Geographic has called it the Pompeii of prehistoric animals. Interpretive facilities, include a visitor center and rhino barn. Picnicking is available at Grove Lake WMA near Royal. Admission is charged in addition to the Park Entry Permit.
Indian Cave State ParkShubert
Indian Cave is the main geologic feature of the state park and bears prehistoric Native American petroglyphs of unknown date and origin. View them from the ADA-accessible boardwalk, with seating, information signs and an 8-foot-wide viewing deck that is just below the cave opening. Guests can also view the Missouri River from the boardwalk. History buffs will enjoy the restored schoolhouse and general store from the old river town of St. Deroin, where old-time crafts are demonstrated during living history weekends throughout the summer and fall.
