When life starts getting stressful or frustrating, sometimes you need to leave it all behind for a while. Luckily, Nebraska is full of wonderfully peaceful spots where you can get away from everything and collect your thoughts. Whether you need an hour away or a whole week, these are some of the best quiet spots to visit.
- Panorama Point, near Kimball
By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons The highest point in Nebraska also happens to be pretty secluded - it’s out in a field on private property. You can visit for $1 to sign the visitors register and view the monument, but be careful not to disturb the resident bison herd that roams the land.
- Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, near Anselmo
Google Local/Rachel Kulik This verdant oasis is located almost right in the middle of the state, and generations ago it was prized for the clear spring water that bubbled up from the ground. Drinking the water now is discouraged, but the recreation area remains one of Nebraska’s treasures.
- Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, Enders
By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons This may actually be the busiest place on this list, but Enders Reservoir is not a busy place by most standards. Part of the land here is a designated wildlife refuge, which has prevented it from being as developed as most of the other recreation areas in Nebraska. As such, visiting here is always a peaceful escape into nature.
- High Plains Homestead, near Crawford
Google Local/Andre Hoyt This quaint recreated Old West village offers the perfect panhandle getaway for nature lovers, hunters, anglers, or anyone who just needs to unplug. You’ll find some of the comforts of modern life here, but mostly what you’ll get is a serene getaway in a somewhat untamed part of Nebraska.
- Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area, near Cozad
Google Local/Joseph Garton If you’re looking for truly primitive camping, this is it. There are no concrete pads, no electricity, no toilets, and no water. But there’s a wooded campground, a lake with some of the best fishing in the state, and a truly magical spot to spend an afternoon or a weekend.
- Scott Lookout Tower, Halsey
US Forest Service Nebraska’s lone functioning fire tower offers what may be the most incredible view in the whole state. Climb the stairs of the 50-foot tower to look out over the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest and revel in how spectacularly peaceful it is up there.
- Gilman Park Arboretum, Pierce
By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons Pierce itself is a sweet little city of just over 1700 people, and life there is pretty peaceful already. But taking a walk through the arboretum, you’ll feel even more secluded. Get lost in nature as you visit the Butterfly Garden, Historic Bridge Garden, Wildflower & Ornamental Grass Garden, and more. A 1.2-mile walking trail takes you through the gardens and around the lake.
- Lord Ranch Resort, near Valentine
TripAdvisor/Dedra R For those who want to get out into a peaceful area but don’t necessarily want to rough it, this ranch with its comfy cabins is just right. It’s perfect for stargazers, being in an area of very little light pollution.
- Steer Creek Campground, near Nenzel
Nebraska Tourism This hidden gem isn’t far away from Merritt Reservoir, but you’d swear you were out in the middle of nowhere. It’s right on Steer Creek and populated with some of the most gorgeous ponderosa pines you’ll see in Nebraska.
- RuJoDen Ranch, near Chadron
RuJoDen Ranch This may just be the ultimate in secluded getaways. You see that little spot of white on the right side of the picture above? That’s a sheep wagon - a tiny caravan parked out on the ranch land where you can really get away from it all - like, literally away from everything - and just enjoy nature.
These are far from all of Nebraska’s peaceful places. Where’s your favorite spot to relax in peace in the Cornhusker State?
By Ammodramus [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons
The highest point in Nebraska also happens to be pretty secluded - it’s out in a field on private property. You can visit for $1 to sign the visitors register and view the monument, but be careful not to disturb the resident bison herd that roams the land.
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
This verdant oasis is located almost right in the middle of the state, and generations ago it was prized for the clear spring water that bubbled up from the ground. Drinking the water now is discouraged, but the recreation area remains one of Nebraska’s treasures.
This may actually be the busiest place on this list, but Enders Reservoir is not a busy place by most standards. Part of the land here is a designated wildlife refuge, which has prevented it from being as developed as most of the other recreation areas in Nebraska. As such, visiting here is always a peaceful escape into nature.
Google Local/Andre Hoyt
This quaint recreated Old West village offers the perfect panhandle getaway for nature lovers, hunters, anglers, or anyone who just needs to unplug. You’ll find some of the comforts of modern life here, but mostly what you’ll get is a serene getaway in a somewhat untamed part of Nebraska.
Google Local/Joseph Garton
If you’re looking for truly primitive camping, this is it. There are no concrete pads, no electricity, no toilets, and no water. But there’s a wooded campground, a lake with some of the best fishing in the state, and a truly magical spot to spend an afternoon or a weekend.
US Forest Service
Nebraska’s lone functioning fire tower offers what may be the most incredible view in the whole state. Climb the stairs of the 50-foot tower to look out over the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest and revel in how spectacularly peaceful it is up there.
Pierce itself is a sweet little city of just over 1700 people, and life there is pretty peaceful already. But taking a walk through the arboretum, you’ll feel even more secluded. Get lost in nature as you visit the Butterfly Garden, Historic Bridge Garden, Wildflower & Ornamental Grass Garden, and more. A 1.2-mile walking trail takes you through the gardens and around the lake.
TripAdvisor/Dedra R
For those who want to get out into a peaceful area but don’t necessarily want to rough it, this ranch with its comfy cabins is just right. It’s perfect for stargazers, being in an area of very little light pollution.
Nebraska Tourism
This hidden gem isn’t far away from Merritt Reservoir, but you’d swear you were out in the middle of nowhere. It’s right on Steer Creek and populated with some of the most gorgeous ponderosa pines you’ll see in Nebraska.
RuJoDen Ranch
This may just be the ultimate in secluded getaways. You see that little spot of white on the right side of the picture above? That’s a sheep wagon - a tiny caravan parked out on the ranch land where you can really get away from it all - like, literally away from everything - and just enjoy nature.
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Address: Panorama Point, Bushnell, NE 82082, USAAddress: Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, 43400 State Hwy 21A South, Anselmo, NE 68813, USAAddress: Enders, NE 69027, USAAddress: 263 Sandcreek Rd, Crawford, NE 69339, USAAddress: Eustis, NE 69028, USAAddress: Scott Lookout Tower, Halsey, NE 69142, USAAddress: Pierce, NE 68767, USAAddress: 38946 NE-12 #16B, Valentine, NE 69201, USAAddress: Cody, NE 69211, USAAddress: 61 Country Club Rd, Chadron, NE 69337, USA
