Pioneer Village

Went hair for a few hours and had an awesome time. There is so much to see that you need at least one entire day. I will be coming back to visit again and see whatever else I can. We spent over 3 hours just perusing the cars and motorcycles. Kudos to Harold for collecting and assembling this awesome museum. I don't believe there is anywhere else like this in the United states, and there are many things here that you will only see at Pioneer village

What an incredible place! So much effort has gone into preserving all this history. The displays were absolutely mind blowing and it really felt like you were stepping through time.  The houses,church and shop buildings were definitely my favorite part. We were in awe at every turn. We spent just over an hour here but i would say to give yourself at least 3 hours to really take it all in. This place is MASSIVE.

Great place to visit. Give yourself 3-5 hours to go through this place. It's heard to believe how much history is displayed here. They are upgrading buildings and by next year will have the carousel running and the diner will be functional again. We will definitely be back. We were limited in time and made it through in 2 hours, so we were limited in being able to look at everything in detail. I was impressed with the car and truck collection. Also, the airplanes were interesting. Being a retired agriculture teacher, the farming equipment was fun to look at. They also had the first motor home someone made 10 years before any were being manufactured.  They stamp your arm, so you can leave for lunch and come back to finish. Great for kids and adults. Adult admission is $15. Well worth the money. Highly recommend.

This place is an absolute pleasure to visit.   I am blown away by the sheer volume of things to see.  Huge facilities complete with everything from old cars, over 300, and historical tools for the home and farm.  I loved this museum and can't wait to go back when we have more time.  We walked the grounds quickly and still spent 2.5 hours on site.  I would recommend a four hour minimum so you can stop and read some of the historical information that is on all of the displays.

I personally loved the agricultural implements.  Old sod cutters, tractors, harvesting alongside some very rare corn harvesting devices. There are tons of cool things to learn about our agricultural heritage.

I also loved the buildings on display.   Very cool sod home.  The buildings are Aldo historical.  Cool church and an old diner that they were updating to offer actual food in 2024.

There is an entire area devoted to showing how American homes changed over the years.  These are full-sized vignettes of American homes with everything related to the decade they are showing.  There are kitchens and bedrooms with period items used.  Very cool!

I highly recommend this location for all ages.  It is a collection of Americana that should not be missed.

Wow, so many things to see here - it really could be done over multiple days to see everything. Loved how they have similar items grouped together, chronologically.

It was over 100 the day we were there, however, due to all of the shade trees it was very doable.  The place is well cared for and very clean; it was amazing to me how everything was so clean for all they have.

There must be over 500 antique cars here, most were in original condition and in good shape. This is a must see place for sure; we found it driving back from Ft. Kearney and decided to pull in; it didn’t disappoint!!!

I can’t think of anything from the past they did not have, so many times we said “I’ve never seen that before.”

Stolley Park

Love it! The new splash pad perfect for the little ones to have some fun and parents to distress, great job on this new addition to the park it’s nice and clean! Let’s keep it that way, so we can all have fun in the community. Will be coming back this hot summer!!

Lately people leaves trash on grass everywhere, restrooms are nasty, the four stars ate for the new splash area for little kids, the new play ground and the work for trying to keep the park looking good by doing landscape work but people that visit the park does not know where to put the trash they produce that is definitely not acceptable.

We like many, absolutely love this park, from playing at kids kingdom, riding the train to the soccer fields and tennis courts and the fresh air from the long week exhaled lol 😂  it's always a good day when u visit this park! :)

Love taking my kids here they seriously get lost in all the fun they can have here. The whole park a an adventure. Kids are so friendly.

My kids have always loved this park and now my grandchildren can enjoy it! The bonus is the train ride :-) lots to do with different age groups.

Sunset Zoo

Absolutely great zoo experience. The trail layout is nice. The exhibits are wonderful and the park is a nice place for kids to play. Feeding the tortoise was a fun experience. It was exceptionally hot the day we went but they had misters set up throughout the zoo which was a pleasant surprise. They have information on all the animals. The concessions have a wide variety of food and drinks, both hot and cold. Overall a really great zoo.

I enjoyed my time at this zoo. It isn't very large but it is easy to walk, the landscaping is pretty, and the animals are easy to view. One of the pelicans was playing with a pair of sticks which was interesting to watch and the gibbons were very playful with one another on the day I visited. We paid to feed the tortoise and my daughter loved it.

My only complaints are water availability and the amount of shade in the enclosures. My daughter was thirsty but the two vending machines we found were out of stock, one water fountain was out of order, and the gift shop had a full refrigerator with every drink but water. We eventually found a working water fountain. A number of animals were up against the glass which made for great viewing but the reason it happened was because it was the spot with the most shade at that time of day so I'd love to see more shady areas provided for them. I'll still definitely make another visit as we enjoyed the zoo overall a lot.

This is a great small zoo for families. It has a nice assortment of animals. We visited at the end of October so it wasn't busy.

CHEAP and such good zoo. They had cool close animals. They definitely care about these animals too because all animals looked respected and guarded for them to stay safe as well.

Two visits during the day in warm winter. Tigers and chimpanzees are especially interesting. The animals are active and small, but full zoo. The red panda is so cute. I plan to go there frequently this year as a member of the year.

Wildlife Safari Park

🌎The Wildlife Safari Park in Nebraska is a nature lover's paradise. This park offers an exceptional opportunity to get close to a variety of North American wildlife species in a spacious and well-maintained natural setting.
The park's design allows for a unique experience of observing animals in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitats. From bison and elk to white-tailed deer and waterfowl, you'll encounter a diverse range of wildlife as you drive through the park. The open-air safari adventure gives visitors a chance to see these animals up close and in a relaxed state, making it a photographer's dream.
🧑🏻‍🏫The park also hosts educational programs and exhibits, making it an excellent destination for families. The knowledgeable staff provides valuable insights into the behaviors and conservation efforts related to the animals on display.
One standout feature of the Wildlife Safari Park is the walkable 🐺Wolf Canyon area, where you can observe wolves in a more intimate setting and even witness their playful interactions.
The park's commitment to conservation and environmental education is evident throughout. It's heartening to see their efforts in raising awareness about these remarkable creatures and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
In conclusion, the Wildlife Safari Park in Nebraska is a fantastic destination for those who appreciate wildlife and want to learn more about North American species. It's an immersive and educational experience that's perfect for a family day out or a peaceful day in nature.🦅🐺🐏🦢highly recommended.

We always visit the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland in the height of summer and all the animals are super lethargic because of the heat. This time we went mid-September and while it was still pretty hot, at least hiking was easier. They have a cute little petting zoo with goats and bunnies which was fun. The staff are friendly and helpful. The hiking paths are well maintained and not overly long, great for most ages. They have bison and deer herds you can see while driving through, several different birds they are rehabbing or housing permanently due to injuries (eagles, owls, pelicans, and more), a few beautiful wolves and bears, who are usually sleeping. The short hike to the frog pond is our favorite, sadly, this time the pond was completely dry (it hasn’t rained in a month and a half).
The visitor center offers a variety of toys and other souvenirs, including a bunch of Native- inspired stuff made in China. They have a Black Elk quote in front of the door near the little prairie dog town (so cute!). While I understand that they need to sell the same merchandise as the zoo since the two are owned by the same organization, it’s a shame they don’t also support the Native American community by offering Native-made jewelry, etc.
The Jurassic experience they have at the park this year was awesome, we loved looking for all the dinosaurs and reading info about them on the signs. They all move and make sounds, too! It’s only there this season (until October 1).
Overall would recommend the Wildlife Safari Park for the whole family. We visit yearly and are never disappointed.

Fun trip for kids and adults. The safari park has a driving trail and a walking trail. I recommend going in the morning before it gets too hot because the animals are more active.

Great safari park. Animals have lots of areas to roam. Great short hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and explore. Have gone with both my kids and alone with friends and have always had fun. Highly recommend the overnight camping adventures as the are really a great time.

Beautiful and fun for the whole family. Seeing the animals up close and personal while still giving them the 'in the wild' space they need is great. Right now (Summer 2023) they have dinosaurs on display all throughout the park as well. Definitely worth the drive.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

I went to the zoo with my girlfriend during the Christmas festival and had a great time. We enjoyed walking around looking at the Christmas lights and hearing Christmas music. We also got to go through the aquarium and kingdom of the night while we were there. The animals are very active at night! Very cool and only $23 to get in. We had a great time. Highly recommend.

I used to come here all the time and it has been about 5 years since I was last here. Normally, this place is 5/5 for me. However, with all of the construction inside the zoo and about 50% of the animals present, it’s a 3/5. You’ll find many exhibits are closed and some of the animals missing from the smaller buildings. It doesn’t help that the two food trucks and most of the restaurants were either closed and only sold drinks/chips. I went on a Friday afternoon. Admission prices should be less if they have less to offer the public. Basically a ghost town once you get inside. I recommend not coming here this year.

Absolutely beautiful zoo. Plenty of walking area. Even though it was a rainy day they were misters that are probably amazing in the summer for those hot days. My boyfriend told me they also have splash pads they open in the summer. They were also accommodating for the cold, all the animals were still in viewing areas just brought inside which I’ve never seen at a zoo. Not to mention the aquarium and butterfly garden. Both out of this world some of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen

The best zoo in the world! If you’re visiting Nebraska it’s a must see!
If you’re from Omaha and haven’t been here in awhile or in many moons like some of my family members, you should definitely go!
Downside currently being the orangutang and gorilla exhibit is currently under construction.

Awwwwwwwsome! Now I know why this place is known as the best zoo in the entire country!! I stopped by a little later in the day, so I only got to see maybe only a fourth of the entire zoo and that was enough to make me want to come back for a special trip (we live in Idaho). This is NOT your average zoo! It’s more like a giant family playground with many cool animals in it. It is highly interactive and you’re free to climb into most of the water features!! See a stream? Don’t just look at it…get in it!!! See a water fountain? Don’t just take pictures in front of it…get in it!!!
We were here for only an hour or so, but we all had a blast!! …. Even though it rained! This is truly the best zoo in the country and I have no doubt about it.
So forget about Omaha’s over-glorified steaks! THIS ZOO IS WHAT PUT OMAHA ON MY MAP. Tons of fun for old n young!
Omaha is only 17 hours from Idaho so get going!! … and tell Mr. Buffet I said hi.

Prairie Park Nature Center

Fantastic experience! The space was very well designed with lots of excellent signage and tactile opportunities for kids of various ages. It was cool to see black-footed ferrets as well as many other Kansas natives. Additionally, all of the animals seemed to be healthy and engaging with their habitat with little to no signs of stress.

They also had excellent signage for how to care for orphaned animals you may find as well as on the impact of pollution.

The only gripe I might have would be the gift shop selection, but that did not negatively impact our experience in the least.

My family really enjoys the trails to walk on. It is a nice little jaunt around Mary's lake and back up to the nature center.

Inside the nature center itself, they have all kinds of different animals as well as taxidermy and furs to feel. There is a classroom and they teach kids about different local animals.

Highly recommend going at least once! Extremely friendly and informative folks there.

Great place to take a walk and/or fish. My family love walking around the "lake". More like a big pond.

The live bird area at the center is unbelievably good. This place is really the gem of Lawrence. I loved looking at the owls and the majestic bald eagle. Moonshine and Sova are literally the cutest owls. I have visited this place 5-6 times after finding out about it couple of months ago.

I absolutely love this place!! First off, it is free to explore. The animals are amazing! I could have spent all day just chatting with them. The grounds are nicely kept up with moved paths, paved areas and the beautiful lake! I think this is now my favorite place in Lawrence and I cant wait to come back here and bring my husband!

Museum of Danish America

The staff were amazing. Super knowledgeable and really care about the history of the museum and its contents. Unique exhibits and the kids LOVED the Lego wall and Lego play area. Outdoor paths looked well maintained, and we would love to go back when it’s warmer weather to enjoy them. Family admission was $15 for our family of 5.

Don't miss taking a stroll in the adjacent prairie recreation garden/park to experience how the prairie looked before/when it was settled by Danes. When I was there (July 2020), it was full of flowers and smelled fantastic. Now there's majestic corn fields all around, in themselves also quite a sight.

Quaint museum with Danish American artists and also the history of Danish Mormon immigrants. I had hoped for more textiles. Some one else had hoped there would be sweets and coffeee. There was a spinning wheel.

Interesting museum about Danish history in a small town (pop 540) in Iowa. Just off I 80. Has a very interesting exhibit about tattoos.  Combine visit with stop at the Danish Windmill.

The Museum of Danish America is a fun place to visit to reconnect with your Danish roots! The museum “celebrates Danish roots and American Dreams”. Established in 1983 it houses a grand piano from Victor Borge, old portraits, and artifacts and historical exhibits from Danish culture in America.  Don’t forget to stop by the cute gift shop that sells Danish items as well as from local artists. There is an impressive prairie garden that is worth while walk. As a Dane living in United States, experiencing the museum brought back lots of good memories and makes one feel homesick for the “old country” for sure!

Safari Zoological Park

This place was outstanding from start to finish. The Visitor Center was great, and the staff met us with a smile and were also holding some of the babies from the zoo. Mind you, it costs a pretty penny to pet and hold them. We got two adult passes and two waters with two feed sacks for less than forty dollars. It was truly not a bad price for a two hour guided tour that didn't disappoint. Great place for small children. Just be mindful its alot of walking, so be ready. We will return because of the great experience.

Amazing place to visit! Our tour of the grounds was about 90 mins and the tour guide was Awesome! We were able to get much closer to the animals than in a regular zoo. This is not a petting zoo, they are real lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) Tour guide interacted with the animals so we could see how fun they are. Our almost 8 year old granddaughter Loved it! Definitely recommend for all ages.

We had a wonderful morning with our granddaughter (7). If you love animals you will love a visit here. VERY up close.

Very personable and intimate experience. VIP experience is the way to go! Well worth the money. They didn’t rush the animal encounters. Able to take pics with own phone for additional charge.

Worked well with people with disabilities and young children. They were very accommodating and descriptive with my friends who are blind.

Able to feed many animals provided bags of crackers and a banana. Plus, viewed the tour guide feed raw chicken to larger animals.

General admission has approximate an hour and one half tour guide to see animals. Variety of VIP experiences available to encounter lots of animals. Can pet, hold, cuddle (just has to be below the neck).

Friendly staff answered all questions. They really care about the animals and you can tell.

Extremely under rated place. A real hidden gem 💎!

Cold water available to purchase or you can bring in your own.

Wagons available for little legs that get tired.

Me and my wife had a great time and beat the large crowd thank goodness. All the animals were very exciting to see so close up and they were very well taken care of. Very clean environment, I recommend checking this park out. Their staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I like big cats the most but all the exhibits were cool in their own way. I hope this place keeps getting bigger and better. Thanks for a great time.

Polk City Town Square

Very good place to stop for a break when biking, although I just don't come down here very often. ( hint hint wink wink ) the sandwiches here from raising sun are great. If you buy food from a restaurant, eat it here at the square. Thanks for the good time!

First time actually stopping and experiencing the Square! We went with our friends and joked that you could live in the park! They have everything around... breakfast and lunch Cafe, pizza for supper, a bank, insurance, massage, salon, beer and ice cream! And it's all nicely kept!

The Polk City Square is super quaint. We love all the events and activities that go on here, everything from the Farmers Market on Thursday evenings throughout the summer and the Sounds on the Square events, to the Four Seasons Featival. The Square is perfect for those activities as it is in full shade most of day. The playground is also pretty good, but it is geared towards smaller kids. There are quite a few good places to eat surrounding the square too. So come visit, amd enjoy your time at The Square!

Farmer's Market every Thursday from 3 to 7 pm through mid September.  Homemade jellies and jams, fresh honey, sweet corn, kettle corn and more!

A nice little park for my grandkids to play and   get an ice cream cone from the Creamery!

Blue Mounds State Park

Had a fantastic time camping here. Large campground, but it was quiet and peaceful the entire time. Spot 60E was great because it was right by both bathrooms, the dump station, water, and dumpster. We went on the north hiking trails the first day and had a blast. Saw many different animals and even an owl!! Next day we did the southern part of the hiking trail. It was very long and there wasn't too much to see except the prarie and the large stone area.

Good camp ground, water dam, prairie, bison, cactus, prairie, rock outcroppings, quarry, and more.  Take the bison herd tour, as we were able to get fairly close to the herd and our guide, Tiffany, took no bull : ).  Well worth the ride in the open safari tour truck, and they even provided binoculars for everyone.  Could see for miles on top.

Great camp ground with awesome facilities. Beautiful prairie and nearby Luverne was a surprisingly vibrant little town! A favorite state park for my family, worth the drive from the cities!

Blue Mounds is often referred to as the Stonehenge of Minnesota because of an east/west alignment of stones. It is named after the cliffs, which must look blue from afar but are more of a dark red. The rock is a local quartzite used in nearby building construction that yields to pipestone further down. The pipestone was traditionally used by Native Americans to make pipes.

There is a herd of bison that grazes & will stare back at you if you get too close.

This is probably my favorite park in Minnesota just because it is so calm. You could go to the Grand Canyon (not in Minnesota) & experience beauty, but it is very crowded & filled with restaurants & gift shops. Blue Mounds is just a beautiful, peaceful place with a mysterious history of its own.

We took a beautiful 5 mile hike. Saw the Bison herd, the Rock alignment as well as the quarry. What a magical place.

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