Overview
Ashland is a city in Eastern Nebraska. The small city sits alongside the Platte River tributary of Salt Creek in Saunders County and had a population of 3,100 people in 2020.
4 sights · 3 things to do · 5 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ashland
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
A museum dedicated to the advancement in aircraft and spacecraft during the Cold War. Featuring a SR-71 Blackbird and a B52 Stratofortress, visitors can walks around and admire the size and capabilities of once highly cl…
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari
This 440-acre park allows guest to drive through the different biomes of the Great Plains and see native wildlife in their habitat. See American Bison, Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and more as you drive or hike through the …
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
This state park covers almost 700 acres, with activities including rock climbing, horseback riding, and swimming. Features a water park and cabins for rent. A great place to get outdoors.
Willow Point Gallery
A collection of dioramas showcasing 29 animal species in their natural habitat. Paintings by Gene Roncka are also on display, telling the history of Nebraska.
Iron Horse Golf Club
A challenging course with some great views. Built around a rock quarry, this course allows for some great sightlines. Take your time and enjoy the challenge of the back 9. Golf attire required.
Ashland Golf Club
A relaxing course, good for new golfers. A golf cart is included in the price and staff is friendly. Golf attire required.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Aug. (climate data from nearby Omaha)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LNK Lincoln Airport, Lincoln — 24 mi away. Directions
- OMA Eppley Airfield, Omaha — 31 mi away (major hub). Directions
There are no bus lines traveling to Ashland. The nearest airport would be in Lincoln or in Omaha. The easiest way to get to Ashland is by car.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $38–$38 a night (typical $84), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$200.
Options are grouped as RV campgrounds in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
- Lunch Round the Bend Steakhouse
- Afternoon Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, Quarry Oaks Golf Club
- Dinner KC's Eastside Saloon
- Evening Cellar 426 Winery
Day 2
- Morning Willow Point Gallery, Iron Horse Golf Club
- Lunch Cheri O's Coffee House and Ice Cream Parlor
- Afternoon Ashland Golf Club
- Dinner BW's Pub & Grill
- Evening Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Like most of Nebraska, beef is the central focus of the dining experience and large portions are how meals are served. If you cannot eat beef, don't worry about ordering something less popular. Remember you can always take leftovers home, so no need to gorge yourself.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The city of Ashland has its beginnings as a fording location of Salt Creek. The limestone bottom in the area allowed for caravans traveling on the Oregon Trail to cross the otherwise muddy stream. By 1870, Ashland was established as a town of 700 people. Today, the town is able to enjoy the benefits of living between the two main economic hubs of Nebraska, Lincoln and Omaha, while still being far enough away to retain a sense of identity.
Most of the people in town are employed through manufacturing, agriculture, and the state parks. Camp Ashland, a U.S. National Guard training camp, is located nearby and is off-limits to visitors. NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson grew up in Ashland, and graduated from the local high school; he spent 152 days on the International Space Station in 2007, and is so far the only Nebraskan to go to space.
Get in
There are no bus lines traveling to Ashland. The nearest airport would be in Lincoln or in Omaha. The easiest way to get to Ashland is by car.
By car
Ashland sits at the intersection of NE-66 and US-6 W. The town is almost 5 miles northwest of I-80, the main artery through the state, and midway between Lincoln and Omaha; each is about 30 mi away.
Get around
Most of the points of interest inside the town are located in the downtown area, in the southeast corner. Exploring this area on foot won't be difficult. However, going anywhere outside the town is going to require a car. There is no public transportation and no taxi services.
The town is grid based and very easy to navigate. Numbered streets go north-south, increasing the further west they are, and named streets go east-west.
See
See Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (SAC Museum)
A museum dedicated to the advancement in aircraft and spacecraft during the Cold War. Featuring a SR-71 Blackbird and a B52 Stratofortress, visitors can walks around and admire the size and capabilities of once highly classified aircraft. The museum also works on restoring specific aircraft. Check out the permanent exhibits featuring Nebraska's role in the Second World War and the Korean War.
See Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari (Wildlife Safari Park)
This 440-acre park allows guest to drive through the different biomes of the Great Plains and see native wildlife in their habitat. See American Bison, Bald Eagles, Black Bears, and more as you drive or hike through the park, admiring the scenery and animals. Check the calendar for special events, where zoologist come and share their love of animals.
See Willow Point Gallery
A collection of dioramas showcasing 29 animal species in their natural habitat. Paintings by Gene Roncka are also on display, telling the history of Nebraska.
Do
Buy
It seems to be a trend in small towns in Nebraska to have multiple antique shops and trinket shops within the town. Those interested in searching for vintage and antique items will have no trouble finding a location to shop. For the sake of brevity, they've been excluded from the list. Most are located in the downtown area.
Eat
Like most of Nebraska, beef is the central focus of the dining experience and large portions are how meals are served. If you cannot eat beef, don't worry about ordering something less popular. Remember you can always take leftovers home, so no need to gorge yourself.
Eat Cheri O's Coffee House and Ice Cream Parlor
Specializing in coffee and ice cream, this small diner offers visitors a chance to unwind with a sweet treat. From the hand dipped ice cream cones to espresso or their soup and sandwiches, there's something to satisfy everyone's palette.
Eat BW's Pub & Grill
A classic American diner featuring burgers, pizza, and beer. Offers Keno and hosts live music.
Eat KC's Eastside Saloon
A popular small town bar. Friendly staff and patrons make this a nice place to spend the evening.
Eat Parker's Smokehouse
Top notch BBQ. Offering huge portions and hearty meals to fill up even the biggest stomach.
Eat Round the Bend Steakhouse
A no-frills steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Big slabs of meat all around and fried shrimp as well. Feeling adventurous? Order a "prairie oyster". Just say you want a Buck-a-Nut.
Drink
Drink Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room
Glacial Till started out as a winery, but quickly expanded into making cider. This tasting room allows people to enjoy their finely crafted drinks with food. Customers can enjoy all of the wines and ciders that were produced at the winery located near Palmyra, Nebraska.
Drink Cellar 426 Winery
Cellar 426 sits high on one of the highest points in the area offering commanding views of the valley below. The expansive outdoor seating area allows you to soak up the sun while enjoying fine wine and charcuterie plates. Reservations are not necessary, wine tastings are available during normal hours except during live music events.
Sleep
There are no hotels or motels in the city. Cabins are available for rent in the area.
RV campgrounds
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