Outdoor adventures await you in Nebraska

Earlier this year, Nebraska was named one of the top five most affordable vacation destinations in the United States, and summer provides a great opportunity to explore some of the outdoor adventures Nebraska has to offer.

Destinations in western Nebraska are within a day’s drive and provide plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking, to hunting and water sports, the terrain is different from many areas in eastern Nebraska, and features the comforts of home with welcoming people and affordable things to see and do between adventures.

Near Chadron and Crawford in the northwest corner of the state are more than 70 miles of mountain bike routes running through Fort Robinson and Chadron State Parks and the Nebraska National Forest. This area has been highlighted as one of the country’s best for mountain biking.

The Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska is one of the most popular areas for water activities and has been ranked among the nation’s top 10 canoeing rivers. More than 90 waterfalls cascade into the river, which passes through Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, east of Valentine.

Chimney Rock, located 25 miles outside of Scottsbluff, still captivates travelers. On any given day, the visitor’s center parking lot features license plates from across the country. The 300-foot-high marker signaled to travelers headed west that they were halfway through their journey.

Thirty miles west, near Gering, another rock formation rises 800 feet above the North Platte River and the arid, rocky soil that surrounds it. The flat-topped cliff known as Scotts Bluff National Monument features hiking trails that wind along, taking visitors to the top to survey the view.

Lake McConaughy near Ogallala provides the largest area for water sports in the state. The Fremont Lakes are another popular destination for family fun around the water. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Division of Travel and Tourism Web site, available at www.VisitNebraska.org, features all kinds of information on planning a road trip. Starting out in any corner of the state, Nebraska’s scenic byways will connect you with these destinations, and provide opportunities to visit communities along the way.

We also have great hunting and fishing adventures. Pheasants thrive in a band stretching from the southwestern corner of our state to eastern Nebraska, and there are more than 800,000 acres of state and federal land open to pheasant hunters.

One of my favorite vacation activities is golf, and with nearly 200 golf courses in our state, you can play a round in communities from Scottsbluff to Omaha.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the top tourist sites in our state - the world renowned Henry Doorly Zoo. Located in Omaha, it is home to the world largest indoor rainforest, an IMAX theatre, an aquarium where sharks literally swim above your head, and the new desert dome.

The VisitNebraska.org Web site can help plan a vacation to any area in the state. It features an interactive map, plotting a variety of attractions, recreation opportunities and lodging options all across the state. The options for those interested in staying at a local inn or guest ranch are growing in communities across the state. In addition, options for hotels and motels are plentiful and even more choices exist for those interested in a campground or stay at a state park.

While using the VisitNebraska.org site to plan your visit, be sure to sign up for updates about traveling in Nebraska. The Destination Nebraska e-mail is designed to help travelers make the most of their vacations with information on upcoming special events. It features attractions across the state, as well as information on one of the state’s scenic byways.

For many Nebraskans, outdoor excursions are available within the day’s drive and provide added incentive to get out and see something new in our state this summer. I encourage you to explore some of the endless possibilities for outdoor adventures in Nebraska.

Dave Heineman of Fremont is governor of Nebraska. He can be reached at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln NE 68509-4848, (402) 471-2244, fax: (402) 471-6031 or e-mail at his Web site, www.gov.state.ne.us.