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Attractions
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari: A driving route four miles through a variety of North American wildlife. You'll pass through herds of bison, elk and pronghorn antelope on the prairie, and cranes and other waterfowl in the wetlands. The road is well-graded. A hanicapped-accessible boardwalk leads to Wolf Canyon and other hiking trails through prairie and woodlands. Teh safari is open April through October. 402-944-9453 or 402-733-8401.
Beatrice Speedway: Located on the Gage County Fairgrounds. Racing every weekend through the summer months. 402-223-3257.
Spirit of Brownville: Steam paddleboat offers public cruises on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Twilight dinner and entertainment cruises are available by private charter. Call 402-825--6441 or 402-825-4211 for information.
Eagle
Eagle Raceway: World's fastest one-third mile dirt track has weekend races April through September. Go 11 miles south of I-80 Exit 420, or from the town of Eagle, two miles east on Hwy. 34. 402-238-2595.
Greenwood
Nebraska Raceway Park: NASCAR-sanctioned semi-banked half-mile oval dirt track with Sunday races April 18 through Sept. 19, plus special events. Located at I-80 Exit 420. 402-944-2233.
Tiny Town Village: A great place for children to play. Located at Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall, 33785 S. Hwy. 31, at I-80 Exit 432. 866-806-4902.
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium: 12,000-square-foot facility with a dozen display tanks of fish, reptiles and amphibians found in Nebraska. Located at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, seven miles south of I-80 Exit 432. 402-332-3901.
Holy Family Shrine: Both a work of art and a house of prayer. The soaring glass chapel overlooks I-80 and welcomes people of all faiths. To get there, take I-80 Exit 432, then south on Hwy. 31, then west on Pflug Road. 402-332-4565.
World's Largest Porch Swing: Located at the City Park at Fifth and Jefferson. Local volunteers built a swing with a seat 32 feet long. In true Nebraska fashion, a section of center pivot forms the swing's top girder.
Arbor Day Farm and Tree Adventure: Includes trails, green house and pavilion, and a tree house 50 feet above the forest floor. Watch apple-pressing at the Apple House, which also sells cider, homemade pie, local wine and gifts. 888-448-7337.
Mayhew Cabin: Said to be the last stop on Nebraska's Underground Railroad. The 1850's cabin is one of the state's oldest structures. A historical village is also located on the ground. Open daily from the last weekend in april through the end of October. 402-873-3579.
Papio Fun Park: Six-acre family entertainment center featuring miniatuare golf, go-karts, batting cages, water wars, arcade, concessions and other activities. Located two blocks east of Washington Street on E. Lincoln Street. 402-592-5671.
Water Parks
Beatrice Big Blue Water Park: Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, located at 12th and Scott Streets. 402-228-4114.
Falls City Aquatic Park: Zero-depth entry, sprayground, tube slide, river slide, six-lane lap pool, and diving area. Located at the north entrace of town on Hwy 73. 402-245-3214.
Linoma Beach Resort: 40-acre lake with public beach, concessions. Open daily 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. 888-254-6662 or 402-332-4500.
Papio Bay Aquatic Center: Five-acre site has a zero-depth pool, two waterslides, diving boards, concessions and a bathhouse. Open daily Memorial day though Labor Day. 815 E. Halleck St. 402-597-2055 or 402-597-2041.
Twin Rivers Aquatic Center:
Syracuse Aqua Center: Six lap lanes, drop slide, diving boards, zero-depth entry, floor geysers and a flower geyser.
Pumpkin Patches
Avoca
Bloom Where You're Planted Farm: Offers a big dose of fall fun with an emphasis on the agricultural side of autumn. Located 27 miles east of Lincoln on U.S. Hwy. 34 or 25 miles south and five miles east of Omaha. Open Sept. 21-Oct. 31. 402-267-4101.
Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch: Offers strawberry picking in June, raspberries and pumpkins in September and October. 402-331-5500.
Gilead
Fangmeier Farms Pumpkin Patch: Enjoy family fun, pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale maze and games. 402-768-2120.
Vala's Pumpkin Patch: Fall festival includes pumpkin picking, hayrack and train rides and other family activities. Located one mile south of Hwy. 370 on 180th St. Open Sept. 24-Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 402-332-4200.
Nebraska City
Pumpkin Ridge: 815 N. 60 Rd. 402-873-9328.
