Top Five Places to Visit Between Box Elder, SD and Bellevue, NE

Are you planning a trip from Box Elder, South Dakota to Bellevue, Nebraska and looking for the best places to visit along the way? Well, look no further because we have created a Top Five list of the must-see sights. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, this list has it all.

Exploring the Route and Halfway Point - Mitchell, SD

Before we dive into our list, let's first talk about the route and the halfway point. The distance between Box Elder and Bellevue is approximately 500 miles, and the best route to take is via I-90 and I-29. The halfway point is Mitchell, South Dakota, which is about 250 miles away from both Box Elder and Bellevue. Mitchell is home to the famous Corn Palace, a unique building that is covered in thousands of ears of corn and is a staple of the area.

Now let's move on to the exciting part - the Top Five Places to Visit!

Stop 1 - Badlands National Park: Where Nature Meets Art

Our first stop is Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota. The park is famous for its stunning and colorful landscapes, with rugged rocky formations and spires that rise from the prairie. The park covers over 244,000 acres of land and is home to a vast array of wildlife such as bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. It's an excellent place for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also has several scenic drives that offer panoramic views of the badlands.

Stop 2 - Missouri River: The Mighty River

Our second stop is the Missouri River, which is the longest river in North America and flows through multiple states, including South Dakota and Nebraska. The river has played a significant role in the history of the United States, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the fur trade. There are several scenic overlooks and parks along the Missouri River that offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscapes.

Stop 3 - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Enter a World of Animals

Our third stop is the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, located in Omaha, Nebraska. The zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the world, with a wide variety of exhibits that showcase animals from around the globe. Visitors can see everything from penguins and polar bears to lions and tigers. The aquarium section is home to over 20,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The zoo also has several interactive exhibits, including the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.

Stop 4 - Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum: Explore the Skies

Our fourth stop is the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, located in Ashland, Nebraska. The museum is dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration, with exhibits that showcase aircraft from the early days of flight to modern fighter planes. The museum also has several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the science of flight and space. One of the highlights of the museum is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which features a full-scale replica of the shuttle and allows visitors to experience what it's like to be an astronaut.

Stop 5 - Fontenelle Forest Nature Center: A Journey Through Nature

Our final stop is the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, located in Bellevue, Nebraska. The center is a unique place that offers visitors a chance to explore the local flora and fauna through guided hikes and educational programs. The center has more than 2,000 acres of forested land and is home to a large variety of plant and animal species, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys. The center also has several interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, our Top Five Places to Visit between Box Elder, South Dakota and Bellevue, Nebraska offers a diverse range of activities that will appeal to everyone. From the natural wonders of Badlands National Park to the educational exhibits at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, there is something for everyone on this trip. So the next time you embark on this route, make sure to experience these top sights. Happy travels!