10 Easy Road Trips Near Gretna, Nebraska: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Sarpy County
If you live in or near
Gretna, Nebraska and you’re itching to get out of town for a few hours, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got zoos, historic towns, river views, and small-town diners that feel like they came out of a movie.
The best part? Every spot on this list is
outside Sarpy County. We’ll hop into nearby counties like
Douglas, Cass, Saunders (Nebraska) and
Mills and Pottawattamie (Iowa) for the perfect day trips.
Use this as your go-to guide for
short road trips from Gretna when you want something new, but don’t want to spend half the day driving.
1. Explore the Old Market in Downtown Omaha (Douglas County, NE)
If you only have one afternoon free, head straight to the
Old Market in downtown Omaha. From Gretna, it’s usually about a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic.
What makes it special?
It’s a historic warehouse district with brick streets, old buildings, and tons of character. You can:
- Stroll past art galleries and quirky shops
- Grab ice cream or coffee and people-watch
- Dine at local restaurants with patios when the weather’s nice
If you like to wander with no strict plan, the Old Market is perfect. I once spent a full afternoon there doing nothing more than popping into bookshops and ending up in a candy store I definitely didn’t need—but absolutely enjoyed.
Keywords to know: Old Market Omaha, day trip from Gretna, things to do near Omaha
2. Visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Douglas County, NE)
Just north of the Old Market, you’ll find one of the biggest attractions in the entire region:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
From Gretna, it’s roughly a 25–30 minute drive. This is a great road trip if you have kids, but honestly, adults love it too.
Highlights include:
- Desert Dome – the world’s largest indoor desert
- Lied Jungle – an immersive rainforest you can walk through
- Aquarium tunnel – watch sharks and rays glide overhead
Plan to spend at least half a day here. Wear comfortable shoes—this place is huge. It’s easily one of the best
family day trips from Gretna.
3. Cross the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge into Iowa (Douglas County, NE & Pottawattamie County, IA)
Looking for something unique but low-cost? Try “bobbing” on the
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the Missouri River between Omaha (Douglas County) and Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County).
From Gretna, it’s about a 30–35 minute drive to the Omaha side.
Why go?
- You can stand with one foot in Nebraska and one in Iowa at the same time.
- There’s a nice walking and biking path with river views.
- Sunrise and sunset can be gorgeous here when the sky cooperates.
Kids love the idea of being in two states at once, and it’s a fun, easy walk. On a nice day, this is one of the simplest
cheap things to do near Gretna that still feels special.
4. Step Back in Time in Historic Florence (Douglas County, NE)
On the north side of Omaha, the
Florence neighborhood offers a glimpse into Nebraska’s pioneer and Native American history.
From Gretna, plan on a 40–45 minute drive.
Things to check out:
- Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters – learn about the pioneers who stopped here on their journey west.
- Historic cemetery and church sites – quiet and reflective spots.
- Local diners that feel like time capsules.
If you like history, or you’re teaching kids about the westward migration, this is a relaxed and educational road trip from Gretna that doesn’t feel like school.
5. Relax by the River in Plattsmouth (Cass County, NE)
Head southeast from Gretna and you’ll reach
Plattsmouth in Cass County, usually in about 30–40 minutes.
This small river town sits where the Platte River meets the Missouri River. It’s a slower pace than Omaha, which makes it a nice change of scenery.
What to do:
- Walk through the historic downtown with its older brick buildings.
- Check out river overlooks and watch the water roll by.
- Grab a casual bite at a local café or bar & grill.
If you want an easy Nebraska road trip that feels a bit “off the beaten path” but still close to home, Plattsmouth is a great option.
6. Get Lost on the Back Roads to Louisville (Cass County, NE)
Another Cass County gem is
Louisville, about 25–35 minutes from Gretna depending on your route. Part of the fun here is the drive itself—rolling hills, farms, and those classic Nebraska views.
Around Louisville you’ll find:
- Small-town shops and local eateries
- Access to outdoor recreation areas and the Platte River
- Seasonal events and festivals that bring the town to life
If you enjoy just cruising with the windows down, this makes a nice
short scenic drive from Gretna, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
7. Discover Ashland’s Small-Town Charm (Saunders County, NE)
Head west and a bit north from Gretna and you’ll land in
Ashland, in Saunders County, usually in about 30–40 minutes.
Ashland has that classic small-town Nebraska feel:
- Walkable main street with local shops
- Friendly cafés where the staff might actually chat with you
- Nearby countryside drives with wide-open sky
It’s a relaxed place to slow down for a few hours. If you’re trying to escape screens and noise, Ashland is a nice, low-key day trip near Gretna.
8. Take the Back Way Toward Wahoo (Saunders County, NE)
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, consider heading up to the
Wahoo area in Saunders County. From Gretna, plan for around 45–55 minutes, depending on which roads you choose.
Why go?
- Classic rural Nebraska scenery—fields, farmsteads, and big skies.
- A chance to explore small-town shops and local diners.
- A different vibe from the bigger-city feel of Omaha.
This is a good option if you love the journey as much as the destination. Think of it as a Sunday-drive kind of trip, even if it’s not Sunday.
9. Cross the River to Glenwood, Iowa (Mills County, IA)
Ready to add another state to your day? Drive east across the Missouri River to
Glenwood in Mills County, Iowa. It’s usually about 40–50 minutes from Gretna, depending on your route.
Glenwood gives you:
- A charming small-town square
- Nearby rolling hills that feel a bit different from Nebraska’s flatlands
- Local spots to grab lunch or a coffee
It’s an easy way to say, “Yeah, we went to Iowa today,” without spending hours in the car. For couples or friends looking for a low-key getaway, it’s a solid choice.
10. Enjoy Council Bluffs’ Riverfront & Downtown (Pottawattamie County, IA)
Just across the river from Omaha,
Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County offers plenty to do and see. From Gretna, you’re looking at about a 30–40 minute drive.
You can:
- Walk along the riverfront trails
- Explore downtown Council Bluffs with its mix of history and modern spots
- Check out public art and learn a bit about the city’s railroad and frontier past
Pairing Council Bluffs with a stop at the
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge makes for a full, fun day—two states, river views, and plenty of photo ops.
Tips for Planning Your Gretna-Area Road Trips
A few simple ideas to make these
short road trips from Gretna even better:
- Check hours for museums, shops, and restaurants before you go—some smaller towns close a bit earlier.
- Pack water and snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
- Fill up on gas in or near Gretna so you can focus on fun instead of fuel.
- Bring a light jacket—Midwest weather can change fast, even in summer.
I’ve found that the best trips are the ones where you have a general plan, but still leave room to wander down a side street or check out a place you spot from the road.
Where Will You Go First?
From
Gretna, Nebraska, you can reach a surprising mix of places in under an hour—busy downtown districts, quiet small towns, historic sites, and riverfront walks. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date day, or just need a solo escape, these
10 out-of-county road trips are an easy way to explore more of Nebraska and western Iowa.
Which spot sounds most like “you”? Are you more of a zoo-and-city person, or a small-town-and-back-roads kind of traveler?
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who live near Gretna or Omaha.
Have your own favorite day trip from Gretna that isn’t on this list?
Drop a comment, share your go-to spot, and let’s trade ideas for the next road adventure.
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