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Sarpy County, Papillion, NE
SightseeingFamily FavoriteOutdoor Adventure

Sarpy County

· Papillion, NE

Why you should go…

Sarpy County sits just south of Omaha and covers Papillion, La Vista, Bellevue, and Gretna. It's home to Fontenelle Forest, nearly 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands with a Raptor Woodland Refuge, plus Schramm State Park along the Platte River bluffs and Papio Fun Park's go-karts and mini golf. The county also draws visitors for minor-league sports, brewery tours, and zip-lining.

  • #nebraska
  • #nature
  • #family
  • #state park
  • #omaha area

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Sarpy County, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Family Favorite

    Shadow Lake Towne Center

    Free

    Open-air regional shopping center at Highway 370 and 72nd Street in Papillion, with 70-plus stores, restaurants, a splash pad and summer concerts.

    5.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Boys Town

    Free

    A century-old village near Omaha where Father Flanagan's mission to help children continues, with free museums open to visitors.

    9.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

    Under $25

    Walk among Cold War bombers, an SR-71 Blackbird, missiles and spacecraft in two huge buildings off I-80.

    12 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

    $25–$50

    Walk through an indoor desert, an indoor rainforest and a 70-foot shark tunnel at this Omaha zoo and aquarium.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Omaha

    Free

    Nebraska's largest city, a Midwest hub of museums, riverfront parks, and the Henry Doorly Zoo.

    14 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Old Market

    Free

    Walk brick-paved streets lined with old warehouses turned into restaurants, galleries and shops in downtown Omaha.

    14 mi awayMore like this