Daytrips

Norfolk is a great place to make your home away from home while visiting northeast Nebraska. Here are some great way to spend your days after visiting all the wonderful attractions in Norfolk!

 

Fish, Fossils and Winnetoon?

Travel to Royal Nebraska, located on hwy 20 just 50 miles from Norfolk. The Nebraska Fish Hatchery is an experience for kids of all ages. Be sure and take plenty of nickels so that you can feed the fish! Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Your next stop just a short distance away is Ashfall Fossil beds. This world known exhibit is the home to fossilized remains of mammals that died after a volcanic eruption about 10 million years ago. Allow 1 ½ hours

Travel north to the Worlds Only Winnetoon. Enjoy this boardwalk back in time with replicas of early Winnetoon businesses as well as prairie grass and wildflower gardens. The Carving Cowboy will delight everyone by sculpting his treasures with a chainsaw. Shops include: Village Outpost Antiques, Across the Street Antiques, Old Fashioned Post Office and Natural Foods Store.

 

Neligh and Beyond

Travel to Neligh. The Neligh Mill was built by the town’s founder John D. Neligh in 1873 and is the only complete flour mill in Nebraska today. This piece of Nebraska History mirrored that of many of the growing towns across the United States. Allot 45 minutes travel time and 1 hour for tour.

The Pierson Wildlife Exhibit is a new attraction to Neligh. Dr. Pierson spent his life hunting wildlife all over the world. His collection is now in its new home and on display for all to see. Enjoy a rare black rhino, zebras, elephants and other animals. Just a block away is the Antelope County Museum. Allot 1 hour for both.

Before returning to Norfolk a drive up to Niobrara river and Kreycik Riverview Elk Farm is a must see. Take a ride in the covered wagon for an up close and personal view of the Elk and Buffalo. These animals love to eat the corn right out of your hand. Tour the gift shop and learn about the healing powers of the Elk Antlers.

 

Native American to WWII History

Genoa is the Pawnee capital of Nebraska. Visit the U.S. Indian School Museum, learn the history of this boarding school that existed from 1884 – 1934, tours include original murals of the tack shop. A short drive uptown brings you to the Genoa Historical Museum that is loaded with Pawnee weapons, tools and artifacts found in the area, along with information about the Mormon Trail. Allot 1 1/2 hrs for both.

Travel to Columbus. Allot 30 minutes

The Platte County Museum building built in 1912 is home to WW II memorabilia and rich with local history. Make sure the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial located in Pawnee Park is on your list of things to do. The “Higgins Boat” was instrumental in bringing soldiers to show on the D-Day invasion of WW II. Allot 1 1/2 hrs for both

On your return to Norfolk be sure and stop at the Madison County Museum in Madison. They are home to the pioneer telephone communications display, HO scale model railroad and research center for Orphan Train Riders that came to Nebraska.

 

Wines and more

Travel to Pierce and Cuthills Vineyards. Tour the grounds, sample the award winning wines and browse the gift shop in this truly unique Nebraska experience.

Check out the Klown Doll Museum with over 2,000 clown dolls in Plainview. This is sure to make you smile! Allot 30 minutes.

Continue north on highway 81 then east on hwy 12 to St James and a visit to the original Catholic school now turned into a museum and market place.

While in the area, stop and visit the Corps of Discovery Welcome Center and the Lewis & Clark Visitors’ Center at the Gavin’s Point Dam north on Highway 81. Enjoy the scenic view from both centers. The Corps of Discovery Welcome Center has a hiking/birding trail around the center along with a gift shop and lots of other visitor information. Tour the Lewis & Clark Visitors center, which is full of hands on exhibits and educational information for the Lewis and Clark era.