10 Easy Road Trips From Chalco, Nebraska: Fun Things To Do Nearby (But Out of the County!)
If you live in or near
Chalco, Nebraska, you know it’s in a great spot. You’re close to Omaha, but it still feels a little quieter and more relaxed. And the best part? In less than an hour of driving, you can reach a bunch of fun spots in other counties and even across the river into Iowa.
This guide focuses on
short road trips from Chalco that take you
out of Sarpy County and into nearby counties:
Douglas County, NE;
Cass County, NE;
Saunders County, NE;
Pottawattamie County, IA; and
Mills County, IA.
All of these ideas are perfect for a day trip, a casual weekend outing, or a quick “let’s get in the car and go” adventure.
1. Explore the Old Market District in Downtown Omaha (Douglas County, NE)
If you’re in Chalco, you’ve probably heard about the
Old Market, but if you haven’t made the trip yet, it’s worth the drive. This historic brick-lined district in
downtown Omaha is about a 20–25 minute drive from Chalco, depending on traffic.
Wander the streets, and you’ll find:
- Quirky local shops selling everything from vintage records to handmade jewelry
- Cozy coffee spots and ice cream shops
- Street performers on nice days
- Great patios for lunch or dinner
If you like to people-watch, just grab a coffee, find a bench, and settle in. It’s also a fun place for photos if you enjoy capturing old brick buildings, murals, and cobblestone streets.
Road-trip tip from Chalco: Park once in a public garage and explore on foot. It’s a very walkable area.
2. Spend a Day at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Douglas County, NE)
Yes, it’s famous for a reason.
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is one of the top-rated zoos in the country and it’s just a short drive north from Chalco into Douglas County.
You can easily spend a full day here:
- Walk through the Dome Desert and feel like you’re out in the Southwest.
- Explore the indoor rainforest that feels like you just traveled to the tropics.
- Check out the aquarium tunnels with sharks and sea turtles swimming overhead.
Even if you’ve been before, the zoo changes enough that each trip feels different. It’s also a great rainy-day spot since so many exhibits are indoors.
Family tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. The place is big, and you’ll do a lot of walking.
3. Take a Scenic Walk Across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Douglas County, NE / Pottawattamie County, IA)
Looking for something that’s active but not too intense? The
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which stretches over the Missouri River, connects
Omaha, Nebraska to
Council Bluffs, Iowa. It’s about 25–30 minutes from Chalco.
What makes it special?
- You can stand with one foot in Nebraska and one in Iowa at the same time.
- The views of the river and downtown Omaha are beautiful, especially at sunset.
- The bridge is stroller- and bike-friendly.
You can park on either the Nebraska or Iowa side and enjoy the walking paths around the riverfront.
Photo tip: The state-line marker on the bridge is a fun spot for those “I’m in two states at once” pictures.
4. Discover the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County, IA)
If you like a little bit of weird history, head about 30–35 minutes from Chalco to
Council Bluffs, Iowa, in
Pottawattamie County, and visit the
Squirrel Cage Jail
Original jail cells and equipment
Old photographs and records
Local legends and a few ghost stories
It’s small enough to explore in an hour or two, making it ideal for a short and sweet road trip.
History lover tip: Pair this with a walk around the older neighborhoods of Council Bluffs to see historic homes and buildings.
5. Unwind at Lake Manawa State Park (Pottawattamie County, IA)
Just a bit south of Council Bluffs, still in Pottawattamie County, you’ll find Lake Manawa State Park. It’s roughly a 30–40 minute drive from Chalco and is perfect if you’re craving water, sunshine, and open space.
Things to do at Lake Manawa:
- Rent kayaks or paddleboards (in season)
- Go fishing from the shore or a boat
- Walk or bike the paved trails
- Grill out and relax at a picnic shelter
On a hot summer day, the breeze off the lake feels amazing. It’s one of those easy day-trip spots where you don’t have to plan much. Just pack snacks, lawn chairs, and maybe a fishing pole.
Local feel tip: Go early on summer weekends to get a good parking spot and a shady picnic table.
6. Step Back in Time at Plattsmouth’s Historic Downtown (Cass County, NE)
Head about 30–40 minutes southeast from Chalco and you’ll reach Plattsmouth in Cass County, Nebraska. This small town has a charming, old-fashioned downtown that looks like a movie set.
What you’ll find:
- Historic brick storefronts and local shops
- Small cafes and diners where you can grab a burger or slice of pie
- Seasonal festivals and events in the town square
If you enjoy slow-paced exploring, this is a nice change from the busier feel of Omaha. Walk the main street, pop into shops, and enjoy that small-town Nebraska vibe.
Weekend tip: Check event calendars before you go. Parades, car shows, and festivals can make your visit extra fun.
7. Get Out in Nature at Schramm Park State Recreation Area (Cass County, NE)
Also in Cass County, just off Highway 31 and Highway 50, you’ll find Schramm Park State Recreation Area, an easy 25–35 minute drive from Chalco, depending on your route.
This is a great spot if you want a simple outdoor escape without driving for hours.
Highlights include:
- Shaded hiking trails through trees and along bluffs
- A nature center (check current hours) with fish and educational displays
- Picnic areas ideal for a simple lunch outside
The trails aren’t super long or difficult, which makes Schramm Park a good choice for families with kids or anyone who wants a gentle walk rather than a hardcore hike.
Nature tip: Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. You might spot a variety of birds along the river bluffs.
8. Visit Ashland and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (Saunders County, NE)
Drive about 30–40 minutes west-northwest from Chalco and you’ll hit the Ashland area in Saunders County, Nebraska. One of the biggest draws here is the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.
If you’re into planes, space, or military history, this is a must-see:
- Massive aircraft on display, including bombers and jets
- Interactive exhibits for kids (and adults)
- Space and missile exhibits that bring the Cold War and space race to life
Even if you’re not an aviation buff, it’s hard not to be impressed standing under a huge aircraft inside a hangar.
Family tip: This makes a great cloudy-day outing—everything is indoors, plus there’s room for kids to move around.
9. Relax with Small-Town Charm in Ashland’s Downtown (Saunders County, NE)
While you’re in the Ashland area, don’t skip the downtown district. It’s one of those classic small Nebraska towns where life slows down a bit.
You’ll find:
- Locally owned shops with gifts, décor, and antiques
- Cafes and restaurants with a laid-back atmosphere
- Friendly locals who still say hello when you walk by
If you’re looking for a low-key day, you can easily pair downtown Ashland with a stop at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, or nearby outdoor attractions in the area.
Road-trip rhythm tip: Do the museum first, then unwind with coffee or ice cream in town before driving back to Chalco.
10. Cross the River to Glenwood Lake Park (Mills County, IA)
For something a little different, drive about 35–45 minutes southeast from Chalco into Mills County, Iowa, and head to Glenwood Lake Park near the town of Glenwood.
It’s a peaceful spot with:
- A small lake that’s great for a quiet walk around the shore
- Play areas and open green space
- Picnic spots under big shade trees
It’s not as busy as some of the larger parks around Omaha, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed, uncrowded outing, this could be your place.
Simple getaway tip: Bring a book, a folding chair, and a cooler with some drinks and snacks. Sometimes the best road trips are the slow, quiet ones.
Planning Your Short Road Trips from Chalco
Here are a few quick ideas to make your Chalco day trips easier and more fun:
- Keep it flexible: Pick 1–2 main stops, then leave room for spontaneous detours.
- Pack a small “go bag”: Sunscreen, bug spray, water, light jackets, and a phone charger can save the day.
- Check hours ahead of time: Museums, visitor centers, and rentals can have seasonal schedules.
- Think in loops: For example, you can do Omaha’s Old Market + Bob Kerrey Bridge, or Ashland Museum + downtown Ashland in one loop.
The nice thing about living near Chalco is that you rarely have to drive more than about 30–45 minutes to find something new and interesting in Douglas, Cass, Saunders, Pottawattamie, or Mills County.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Chalco
Now it’s your turn. Which of these short road trips from Chalco sounds best to you?
- Are you more of a zoo-and-city person?
- Do you love small towns and historic downtowns?
- Or are you happiest at a lake or hiking trail?
I’d love to hear about your own favorite places near Chalco—especially the hidden gems most people drive right past.
Drop a comment with your best tips, stories, or questions about things to do near Chalco, Nebraska. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are always asking, “What can we do this weekend?”
The more we share our local ideas, the more fun we can all have exploring the area around Chalco.
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