National Parks Near Kearney, Nebraska

52 national parks within 8 hours  ·  1 within 2 hours

1
Within 2 Hours
9
Within 4 Hours
30
Within 8 Hours
52
Total Parks

Kearney, Nebraska is an excellent starting point for exploring America's national parks and historic sites. Located in the heart of the Great Plains, this vibrant community provides convenient access to 52 national parks and protected areas within an eight-hour drive, offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast and history buff. While Kearney itself doesn't have a national park on its doorstep, you'll find remarkable destinations within reasonable driving distances. The closest is Nicodemus National Historic Site, just 95 miles away, which preserves the fascinating history of an African American pioneer settlement. Less than two hours further, you'll discover the Homestead National Historical Park at 122 miles, a site that tells the compelling story of America's westward expansion through the lens of real homesteading families. For those interested in scenic river experiences and Native American heritage, the Niobrara National Scenic River awaits at 151 miles, offering stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities along one of the Midwest's most beautiful waterways.

Planning a visit to these national parks from Kearney is straightforward and flexible depending on your schedule and interests. For a quick day trip, head to either Nicodemus or Homestead, both easily reachable within two hours, allowing you to spend several hours exploring the sites and returning to Kearney for dinner. If you have a weekend available, consider combining multiple parks into a road trip adventure, perhaps pairing a visit to Homestead with the scenic beauty of the Niobrara River. Before hitting the road, check each site's website for seasonal hours, any entrance requirements, and special exhibits or ranger programs. Pack plenty of water, wear sun protection, and consider downloading offline maps, as cell service can be spotty in rural Nebraska. The spring and fall months offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring these treasures.

Browse Parks by Drive Time from Kearney

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Chivington
National Historic Site 235 mi away
Amache National Historic Site
Amache National Historic Site
Granada
National Historic Site 252 mi away
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Gering
National Monument 253 mi away
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Philip
National Historic Site 267 mi away
Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone
National Monument 269 mi away
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Harrison
National Monument 269 mi away
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
Interior
National Park 270 mi away
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Independence
National Historic Site 272 mi away
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
La Junta
National Historic Site 296 mi away
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park
Hot Springs
National Park 299 mi away
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Fort Laramie
National Historic Site 301 mi away
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott
National Historic Site 306 mi away
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone
National Memorial 313 mi away
Jewel Cave National Monument
Jewel Cave National Monument
Custer
National Monument 321 mi away
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park
National Park 348 mi away
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant
National Monument 351 mi away
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
Cheyenne
National Historic Site 353 mi away
George Washington Carver National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument
Diamond
National Monument 361 mi away
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City
National Memorial 371 mi away
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Fritch
National Recreation Area 378 mi away
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin
National Monument 378 mi away
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Potter County
National Monument 381 mi away
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower
National Monument 392 mi away
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Republic
National Battlefield 394 mi away
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Garfield
National Military Park 400 mi away
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Mosca
National Park & Preserve 402 mi away
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
West Branch
National Historic Site 407 mi away
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
Saint Paul
National River & Recreation Area 422 mi away
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
Barry
National Historic Site 434 mi away
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Harpers Ferry
National Monument 437 mi away
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