Bridgeport Bridgeport State Recreation Area (hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking). Located in western Bridgeport on US 26. 308-436-2383
Ogallala Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge (bird watching, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing). From Ogallala, take US 26 northwest 43 miles to Oshkosh, then head north 28 miles on a partially unpaved road. 308-762-4893
Scottsbluff Scotts Bluff National Monument (hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, historic sites). From Scottsbluff, take NE 71 south to Gering, then NE 92 west 3 miles. 308-436-4340. http://www.nps.gov/scbl
all images courtesy of the Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism: image #1 and #3 by M. Forsberg, Nebraska DED, image #2 copyright Erik Stenbakken/stenbakken.com