You're driving between Omaha and Lincoln on I-80, and honestly, it’s easy to just keep the cruise control set. But if you don't take exit 426 or 432, you're missing out on a town that basically punches way above its weight class. Ashland isn't just a "convenient halfway point." It’s a legitimate destination. I’ve lived in Nebraska long enough to know that people usually think of Ashland for two things: the big museum and the state park.
Those are great, sure. But there’s a whole lot more happening on the brick streets of downtown and out in the rolling hills that most people just zoom past at 75 mph.
Things to do in Ashland Nebraska: The Heavy Hitters
Let’s get the big names out of the way first because they are popular for a reason. You can't talk about Ashland without mentioning the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. It’s massive. You see the missiles out front from the highway, but inside, it’s a different world. If you visit in early 2026, they have the "Unofficial Galaxies" exhibit running—it's one of the largest private Star Wars collections ever assembled. Standing under the wing of a B-52 or looking at the SR-71 Blackbird makes you feel tiny. It’s not just for plane geeks; it’s a genuine piece of Cold War history sitting right in a Nebraska cornfield.
Right across the road is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Most state parks are just trees and trails. Mahoney is more like a resort. It has a water park, a massive indoor climbing wall called Venture Climb, and even an ice rink in the winter. If you're planning a trip in May 2026, the Sip Nebraska festival happens here. You basically get to walk around and taste wines and beers from all over the state. It gets crowded, but the vibe is usually pretty chill.
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The Wild Side of the Platte
Just down the road is the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. It’s a four-mile drive-through adventure. You stay in your car, which is kinda nice if it’s one of those humid Nebraska July days. You’ll see elk, bison, and wolves. There’s a spot called Wolf Canyon that’s particularly cool.
A lot of people don’t realize there are hiking trails inside the safari park, too. You can get out at the Visitor Center and walk around some of the wetlands. Keep an eye out for the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle—it’s one of the rarest insects in the world and only lives in these specific saline wetlands around this part of the state.
The Downtown Vibe Most People Miss
The "real" Ashland is on Silver Street. This is the historic heart of town, where the streets are still made of brick. It feels like a movie set, but it’s actually functional.
Glacial Till Tasting Room is usually my first stop. They make some of the best cider in the Midwest. Their "Prairie Fire" cider is a local staple. If you're more of a coffee person, Cheri O’s Coffee Shop and Ice Cream is the spot. It’s located in a building from the late 1800s. They serve breakfast until 10:30 am, and honestly, their ice cream is worth the sugar crash.
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Ashland has this growing reputation as an artsy town. You’ll find several galleries and boutique shops that you wouldn't expect in a town of 3,000 people. It’s got that "day trip" energy where you can just wander for a couple of hours and not get bored.
Wine with a View
If you want to feel like you’re in Napa Valley instead of Saunders County, head to Cellar 426. It sits on a hill overlooking the Platte River Valley. The views are incredible, especially at sunset.
They do a lot of live music on the weekends. In early 2026, they're hosting events like wine glass painting and charcuterie classes. It’s a very relaxed environment. They don’t take reservations for tastings, so it’s first-come, first-served. If you have a group bigger than eight, you might have a hard time getting a table on a Saturday afternoon.
Why 2026 is a Big Year for Ashland
Ashland is evolving. It’s not just the old-school attractions anymore. The Country Drive Music Fest has become a massive deal. It’s happening June 25–27, 2026, at the Country Drive Golf Course. They’ve got big names like Bailey Zimmerman and Koe Wetzel headlining this year. It turns the quiet outskirts of town into a massive three-day party with thousands of people camping out.
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If you aren't into huge crowds, avoid that weekend. But if you like country music and "Redneck Paradise" campsites, it’s probably the highlight of the summer.
A Quick History Lesson (The Saline Ford)
Ashland exists because of a rock.
Back in the 1840s, pioneers on the Oxbow Trail (a branch of the Oregon Trail) needed a way to cross Salt Creek. Most of the creek was deep mud that would swallow a wagon whole. But right at Ashland, there was a natural limestone shelf—a "ford." This made it the only safe place to cross.
That history is still baked into the town. You can still see the limestone-bottomed creek today. It’s why the town was settled in the first place. Astronaut Clayton Anderson and former Gates Foundation CEO Jeff Raikes both grew up here, which is a pretty weirdly high concentration of "successful people" for such a small zip code.
Planning Your Visit
- Best Time to Go: Late spring or early fall. The humidity in July is brutal, and the wind in January will bite your face off.
- Getting There: It’s about 25-30 minutes from both Omaha and Lincoln. Take I-80 to Exit 426 (for the Museum and Mahoney) or Exit 432 (to head into the downtown area).
- A Note on the Shrine: Don't miss the Holy Family Shrine. Even if you isn't religious, the architecture is stunning. It’s a glass chapel built on a bluff overlooking the interstate. It looks like it’s growing out of the wheat fields.
Ashland is one of the few places in Nebraska that actually feels like it’s bridging the gap between "rural tradition" and "modern culture." You can spend the morning looking at a Cold War spy plane and the afternoon sipping craft cider on a brick street.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the 2026 event calendars for the SAC Museum and Mahoney State Park before you go. If there’s a Star Wars event or a wine festival, hotels in the area (and the lodge at Mahoney) will book up months in advance. If you're planning on dining downtown on a weekend, try to get there before the lunch rush at 11:30 am, as spots like Cheri O's can get a line out the door quickly.