Nature & natural history museums in Nebraska

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), an international organization dedicated to animal care and conservation. The zoo is also recognized as one of the most species-rich zoos in the USA, housing a wide variety of animals from different habitats around the world.

The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is a zoo-like animal reserve situated in Ashland, Nebraska. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a prestigious organization that ensures the highest standards of animal care and conservation. The park was named in honor of Lee G. 'Doc' Simmons, a long-time former director of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

The Ashfall Fossil Beds are protected as a State Historical Park. The 360-acre park includes a visitor center with interpretive displays and a working fossil preparation laboratory. The park also features the Hubbard Rhino Barn, a protected ongoing excavation site showcasing fossil Teleoceras, a native hippo-like ancestral rhinoceros, and ancestral horses.

The Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed site, also known as the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, is a significant fossil site situated in the Oglala National Grassland of Sioux County, Nebraska. It is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Crawford. This location is renowned for its rich historical and archaeological significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history, archaeology, and nature.

The Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters is a museum and visitors' center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is situated in the Florence neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The center provides a comprehensive understanding of the Mormon Trail and the history of a temporary Mormon settlement known as Winter Quarters.

The Itha T. Krumme Memorial Arboretum is a public space that serves as a park, arboretum, and botanical garden. It is located in Falls City, Nebraska, and is open to the public for exploration and enjoyment.

The Senator George William Norris House, located at 706 Norris Avenue in McCook, Nebraska, is a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a chance to delve into the life and times of George W. Norris, a significant figure in Nebraska's political history.

The Pioneers Park Nature Center, which was established in 1963, is a vast nature preserve that spans 668 acres. It is situated within the larger Pioneers Park in Lincoln, Nebraska. This expansive nature center offers a diverse range of habitats and landscapes for visitors to explore.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is a vast network of nearly 100 different arboreta, botanical gardens, parks, and other public landscapes. These are spread across 56 communities throughout Nebraska. The arboretum office at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln provides support for this network.

Gilman Park Arboretum is a beautiful green space located in Pierce, Nebraska. Covering an area of 14 acres, it offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy. The arboretum is home to a diverse range of plant life, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

The University of Nebraska State Museum, also known as Morrill Hall, is a natural history museum that was founded in 1871. It is located on the University of Nebraska Lincoln City Campus, near the corner of 14th and Vine Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. The museum features Nebraska biodiversity, paleontology, and cultural diversity.

The Trailside Museum of Natural History is situated in the historic Army Theatre at Fort Robinson State Park. This location is three miles west of Crawford, Nebraska on U.S. Route 20. The museum is housed in a building that has a rich history, having served as a theater and gymnasium for the Fort Robinson army post.

The Northfield Park Arboretum is a public space that serves as a park, arboretum, and botanical garden. It is conveniently located in the heart of Gering, Nebraska. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and botanical diversity, making it a great place for nature lovers and those interested in botany.

The Riverside Discovery Center, previously known as the Riverside Park and Zoo, is a combined park and zoo facility located along the North Platte River in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of wildlife in a natural setting, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the river.

Ponca State Park is a public recreation area situated in the northeastern corner of Nebraska, just four miles north of Ponca. The park is located on the banks of the Missouri River, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Schramm Park State Recreation Area is a beautiful natural reserve located in southeast Nebraska, United States. It is situated on the north side of the Platte River in Sarpy County. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Earl G. Maxwell Arboretum is a 5-acre arboretum and botanical garden that is situated on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Wayne State College Arboretum is situated on and around the main campus of Wayne State College, which is located at 1111 Main Street, Wayne, Nebraska. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the diverse plant life that the arboretum has to offer.

The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, situated in Hastings, Nebraska, holds the distinction of being the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of exhibits and collections, making it a significant destination for those interested in both natural and cultural history.