Top 10 Camping Hidden Gems in Nebraska

Camping Gems - Nebraska Lake McConaughy With more than 100 miles of shoreline, Nebraska's largest lake offers tremendous fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports.  Set just north of Ogallala, the 30,000-acre lake has plenty of white sandy beaches for relaxation, terrific boating, and some of the best trout fishing in western Nebraska. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Omaha Led by Brigham Young, roughly 70,000 Mormons traveled along the Mormon Trail from 1846 to 1869 in order to escape religious persecution. The Pioneer Company of 1846-1847 established a route from Illinois to Salt Lake City, covering about 1,300 miles. You can explore the trail by visiting one of Nebraska's sites:the Omaha Winter Quarters Complex, the Alda Murdock Site, the Sutherland Sand Hill Ruts, and the Broadwater Ancient Bluff Ruins. Mormon Island State Recreation Area Located just south of Grand Island, this is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience Nebraskan natural beauty. The Mormon Island State Recreation Area is part of what is called the "Chain of Lakes." Three lakes (ranging from 19 to 42 acres) make up this area, offering fabulous bass and bluegill fishing, boating, and hiking. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historic Park, North Platte Visiting Buffalo Bill's home, Scout's Rest, will give you a chance to learn more about his colorful history, and view some of the family's original furniture, the Ice House, and Cob House. Also on the grounds is the restored barn which now serves as the museum with exhibits of Cody's Wild West exhibition posters, saddles, and memorabilia.(2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd, 308-535-8035, open April 1-Oct 31) Joslyn Castle, Omaha Get a taste of how George and Sarah Joslyn lived during the 1920s in their Scotch-Baronial castle. The tour of this lavish home includes a mosaic-lined vestibule, a wrought-iron door that weighs a ton, and a carved Spanish mahogany staircase. (3902 Davenport St, 402-595-2199) Fort Atkinson State Historic Park, Fort Calhoun A trip to Fort Atkinson will give you a chance to see a reconstructed 1820s military fort near where Lewis and Clark first met with local Native American tribes. On the grounds are a visitor's center where you can view artifacts and a historical film. (East of Hwy. 75, 402-468-5611) Harold Warp Pioneer Village, Minden Here you will find 10 historic buildings and 20 more buildings stuffed full of neat items like a 1822 New York-made ox cart, a 1857 Studebaker freight wagon, a 1880 buckboard, and a 1867 Otto. The village contains an amazing 22,400-square-foot building full of neat antique cars.  (246 E Highway 6, 308-832-1550; 800-445-4447) Gothenburg Since its founding in 1882, Gothenburg has been proud of its strong Swedish heritage. This is an excellent place to enjoy Swedish pastries, ice skating on the lake or a trip to see a real sod house.  You can stop by the Pony Express Station, see the Swedish crosses in the historic cemetery, or head to Lake Helen for a day of boating and sand volleyball. War Axe State Recreation Area Set in Nebraska's southern Frontier Trails region (near the is Shelton I-80 exchange), this 14-acre lake is a great place to get away from it all.  Head there for bass fishing, canoeing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Calamus River This slow, gentle river meanders through Nebraska's scenic Sandhill region. Watch for river otters, beavers, muskrats, kingfishers, blue and green herons, waterfowl, long-billed curlews, and deer. You can also go fishing for catfish, pike, carp, and bass.