Sarpy County Ne Gis Travel Guide

Introduction

Sarpy County is a beautiful county located in Nebraska’s eastern region. It is renowned for its diverse range of attractions that cater to all kinds of visitors. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, historical landmarks, or family-friendly activities, Sarpy County has something to offer. In this travel guide, we will take you through a comprehensive list of the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Sarpy County has to offer.

Top Attractions

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Sarpy County. It is home to over 17,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can witness the world’s largest indoor desert, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, and the world’s largest indoor rainforest. The zoo is also home to the Lied Jungle, which is the world’s largest indoor swamp.

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is a must-visit attraction for aviation enthusiasts. The museum showcases the history of military aviation and the role of the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War era. Visitors can explore over 300,000 square feet of exhibits, including aircraft, missiles, and artifacts that span over 70 years of history.

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is a 2,000-acre forested area that is home to over 19 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore the forest, wetlands, and prairies and see a wide range of wildlife, including birds, deer, and foxes. The center also offers educational programs, workshops, and events that cater to all ages.

Hidden Gems

Gretna Cinema

The Gretna Cinema is a hidden gem that offers a unique movie-watching experience. The cinema features luxury recliner seats, digital projection, and state-of-the-art sound systems that make for an immersive viewing experience. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of food and drinks while watching their favorite movies.

Platte River State Park

The Platte River State Park is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike, fish, swim, and camp in the park. The park also features a natural waterfall, an observation tower, and a fish hatchery that are worth exploring.

Food Scene

Stella’s Bar & Grill

Stella’s Bar & Grill is a popular restaurant that is known for its burgers. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its burgers, including the Best Burger in America award in 2012. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of other dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.

La Casa Pizzeria

La Casa Pizzeria is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving pizza since 1953. The restaurant is known for its thin-crust pizza that is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of other dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, and salads.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Concerts at SumTur Amphitheater

The SumTur Amphitheater hosts free concerts during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, and country. The amphitheater also features food trucks and a beer garden, making for a fun and budget-friendly evening out.

Free Admission to Lauritzen Gardens

The Lauritzen Gardens offers free admission to visitors on the first Tuesday of every month. The gardens feature a wide range of plant collections, including roses, herbs, and tropical plants. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of events and workshops that cater to all ages.

Outdoor Adventures

Neale Woods Nature Center

The Neale Woods Nature Center is a 600-acre forested area that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike, birdwatch, and explore the forest. The center also offers educational programs and events that cater to all ages.

Platte River State Park

The Platte River State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Visitors can also explore the natural waterfall, the observation tower, and the fish hatchery that are located in the park.

Historical Landmarks

Sarpy County Museum

The Sarpy County Museum is a must-visit attraction for history lovers. The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of Sarpy County and the role it played in Nebraska’s development. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections, including photographs, artifacts, and documents that span over 150 years of history.

Fort Crook Museum

The Fort Crook Museum is a historical landmark that showcases the history of Fort Crook. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the role of the fort in Nebraska’s history. The museum also offers educational programs and events that cater to all ages.

Family-Friendly Activities

Omaha Children’s Museum

The Omaha Children’s Museum is a must-visit attraction for families with children. The museum features exhibits that cater to all ages, including a science and technology exhibit, an arts and crafts exhibit, and a pretend play exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of interactive programs and events that cater to all ages.

SumTur Amphitheater

The SumTur Amphitheater hosts a wide range of family-friendly events, including concerts, movies, and festivals. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of food trucks and a beer garden while watching their favorite shows. The amphitheater also features a playground that is perfect for children.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari

The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is an off-the-beaten-path experience that offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. Visitors can drive through the park and see a wide range of animals, including bison, elk, and deer. The park also features hiking trails and educational programs that cater to all ages.

Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch

The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch is a unique experience that offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The ranch features a pumpkin patch, a berry farm, and a petting zoo. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of events and festivals that cater to all ages.

Natural Wonders

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is a natural wonder that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the forest, wetlands, and prairies and see a wide range of wildlife, including birds, deer, and foxes. The center also offers educational programs, workshops, and events that cater to all ages.

Platte River State Park

The Platte River State Park is home to a natural waterfall that is worth exploring. Visitors can hike to the waterfall, which is located in a beautiful forested area. The park also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping.

Vibrant Nightlife

Old Chicago

Old Chicago is a popular bar that offers a wide range of beers and cocktails. The bar also features a large selection of pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers. Visitors can enjoy live music and events that are hosted at the bar.

Brickway Brewery and Distillery

The Brickway Brewery and Distillery is a popular brewery that offers a wide range of beers and spirits. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the brewery and distillery and learn about the beer-making process. The brewery also features a restaurant that serves a wide range of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Local Markets

Bellevue Farmers Market

The Bellevue Farmers Market is a local market that offers a wide range of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can enjoy live music and events that are hosted at the market. The market is open from May to October.

Papillion Farmers Market

The Papillion Farmers Market is a local market that offers a wide range of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can enjoy live music and events that are hosted at the market. The market is open from May to October.

Beaches and Mountains

Lake Manawa State Park

Lake Manawa State Park is a beautiful park that is located near Omaha. The