Animal 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 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 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 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.

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 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.