10 Easy Road Trips from Lexington, Nebraska (That Take You Out of Dawson County)
If you’re based in
Lexington, Nebraska and itching to explore beyond Dawson County, you’re in a great spot. Within about an hour or so, you can hit small towns, prairie lakes, historic trails, and classic Main Streets in the surrounding counties of
Buffalo, Custer, Frontier, Gosper, Lincoln, and Phelps.
These out-of-county road trips are perfect for a Saturday drive, a lazy Sunday, or a quick one-tank getaway. Most are under 90 minutes from Lexington, making them easy day trips for families, couples, or solo explorers.
1. Kearney & the Great Platte River Road Archway (Buffalo County)
Kearney is one of the most popular
day trips from Lexington, NE, and for good reason. It’s only about an hour east and offers a nice mix of history, food, and shopping.
Don’t miss:
- The Archway – This museum literally stretches over I‑80. Inside, walk through exhibits on pioneers, the Oregon Trail, and cross‑country road travel. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” the audio stories and life-sized scenes pull you in.
- Downtown Kearney – Wander along the Bricks downtown. You’ll find coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants where you can grab a burger or a slice of pie.
- Yanney Heritage Park – Great place to stretch your legs. There’s a tower with views, walking paths, and a lake.
If you’re traveling with kids, Kearney has enough to keep them busy for the whole day. Plus, it’s one of those places where you can build your own kind of trip—history, nature, or just food and shopping.
2. Fort Kearny State Historical Park & Recreation Area (Buffalo County)
Just southeast of Kearney, you’ll find a calm, scenic spot that feels far away from the highway noise:
Fort Kearny State Historical Park and the nearby
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area.
Things to do:
- Walk through the reconstructed fort buildings and imagine what life was like for soldiers and travelers on the old pioneer trails.
- Stroll or bike along the Platte River trail and footbridge—especially pretty at sunrise or sunset.
- Fish or picnic at the recreation area lakes just down the road.
If you like quiet places where you can hear the wind in the trees and watch the river flow, this is an easy escape. In spring, it’s also a great base area to witness the sandhill crane migration.
3. Lake McConaughy Day Trip via North Platte (Lincoln County)
Technically,
Lake McConaughy is in Keith County, but the common route from Lexington takes you right through
Lincoln County, and North Platte makes the perfect pit stop.
From Lexington, head west to
North Platte (Lincoln County) for gas, snacks, and a quick look around, then continue to “Lake Mac.”
On the way in Lincoln County, consider:
- Grabbing lunch or coffee in North Platte.
- Stopping at one of the roadside pull-offs to stretch and get those big-sky Nebraska views.
At Lake McConaughy:
- Swim or wade along the wide sandy beaches.
- Try boating, paddleboarding, or just floating near the shore.
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a slow, relaxed day by the water.
It’s a longer day trip, but if you miss “real beaches,” this giant lake is worth the extra miles.
4. North Platte & Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (Lincoln County)
If you don’t want to go all the way to Lake Mac, spending the day in
North Platte is a solid plan. It’s one of the most popular
road trip ideas near Lexington, NE.
Top stops in Lincoln County:
- Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park – Tour the historic home of Buffalo Bill Cody, walk the grounds, and check out the old barns and outbuildings.
- Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area – Right across the road, with trails, picnic spots, and river access.
- Golden Spike Tower – View Union Pacific’s massive Bailey Yard from above. Train lovers could easily spend hours here watching the action.
This trip mixes Old West history and modern railroading, which makes it a hit for both adults and kids.
5. Pioneer Village in Minden (Phelps County)
Looking for something a little quirky and nostalgic? Head to
Minden in Phelps County to visit the famous
Pioneer Village.
This roadside-style attraction is packed with:
- Vintage cars and tractors
- Historic buildings moved in from all over
- Old household items and tools you probably remember from your grandparents’ house
It’s one of those places where you say, “We’ll just stay an hour,” and then look up and it’s late afternoon. The collection is huge, and it’s a great rainy-day day trip from Lexington.
While you’re in Minden, take a spin around town. The courthouse square has that classic small-town Nebraska charm.
6. Holdrege & the Nebraska Prairie Museum (Phelps County)
Just southwest of Kearney, in Phelps County,
Holdrege makes a nice, easygoing outing. It’s not flashy, but it’s relaxing—and that’s the point.
Must-see:
- Nebraska Prairie Museum – A surprisingly large collection highlighting rural life, military history, and local stories. It’s the kind of museum where you feel like you’ve stepped into the photo albums of the region.
After the museum, cruise around town, grab lunch, and enjoy the slower pace. If you like learning how regular people lived and worked on the Great Plains, this stop will speak to you.
7. Johnson Lake & Elwood Reservoir (Gosper County)
When it’s hot, Nebraskans head to the water. For Lexington locals, a classic out-of-county trip is to the lakes in
Gosper County, especially
Johnson Lake and nearby
Elwood Reservoir.
What to do:
- Fish from shore or by boat.
- Walk, jog, or bike the roads around the lake neighborhoods.
- Find a public area to set up lawn chairs and enjoy a picnic by the water.
You’ll see cabins, boats, and people just unwinding. It’s close enough for a quick afternoon escape but relaxing enough to feel like you’re “away.”
8. Gothenburg & the Pony Express Station (Lincoln County, nearby area)
While Gothenburg itself sits in Dawson County, many visitors combine it with a short hop into neighboring
Lincoln County for a broader day trip loop.
In and around this area:
- Visit one of the preserved Pony Express stations (if you haven’t yet on another trip).
- Continue west into Lincoln County to explore small towns and scenic pullouts along the Platte River.
Use this route to create your own driving tour: a little history, a little river scenery, and a lot of open road. It’s ideal if you just need windshield time and a break from your usual routine.
9. Callaway & the Custer County Backroads (Custer County)
If you’re drawn to rolling hills and wide-open ranch land, point your car north toward
Custer County. Towns like
Callaway sit in the middle of some classic Nebraska scenery.
Ideas for this drive:
- Wander the backroads around Callaway and nearby communities, taking your time on those winding county roads.
- Stop wherever you see a good photo spot—windmills, hay bales, and endless skies make it hard to resist.
- Grab a bite at a local café and chat with the folks who call the Sandhills edge home.
This isn’t about big attractions. It’s about the simple pleasure of a peaceful drive and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a slower-paced world.
10. Curtis & Frontier County’s “Ag School” Town Vibe (Frontier County)
To the southwest, in
Frontier County, you’ll find
Curtis, home to the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. It’s a small town with a friendly, down-to-earth feel.
How to enjoy this trip:
- Walk around town and the campus area to get a feel for rural college life.
- Drive the surrounding roads to take in farm and ranch country—fields, pastures, and big skies in every direction.
- Stop at a local diner or café if you spot one open; small-town meals can be some of the best.
If you like seeing how agriculture shapes small communities, this trip from Lexington offers a quiet but meaningful change of scenery.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Lexington, Nebraska
To make these
short road trips from Lexington, NE smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are within about 1–1.5 hours of Lexington, but it’s always smart to check your route before you go.
- Fuel up early – Some stretches between towns can be pretty empty. Top off the gas tank in Lexington or a larger town like Kearney or North Platte.
- Bring snacks and water – Especially if you’re traveling with kids or planning to explore lakes and backroads.
- Watch the weather – Nebraska storms and winter conditions can change quickly, especially on open highways.
Over time, you can turn these drives into your personal rotation of “escape routes” whenever you need a break from your regular routine.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Lexington
If you live in or around
Lexington, Nebraska, you probably have your own go‑to spots outside Dawson County—maybe a hidden lake access, a favorite small-town café, or a quiet stretch of river.
I’d love to hear about it.
- Which out-of-county road trip on this list would you try first?
- Did I miss a must-see place in Buffalo, Custer, Frontier, Gosper, Lincoln, or Phelps County?
Drop your thoughts, tips, or stories in the comments, and feel free to
share this post with friends or family planning their own Nebraska road adventures. The more we share our favorite stops, the easier it is for everyone to discover new things to do near Lexington, NE.
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