Looking for a day out that’s close to home? With everything from prairie trails, a lakeside walk, a scoop of soft-serve, or a stop at a neighborhood bar and grill, all a short drive from Omaha? Bennington, NE has a surprising amount to explore, and it’s not too out of reach.
Whether you’re planning a day with the family, a quiet afternoon on the trails, or a low-key date, this local guide to Bennington, NE covers where to walk, eat, and spend time in this small town northwest of Omaha.
How We Put Together This Guide to Bennington, NE
Bennington got its start in the 1880s, and its small-town roots still show. We wanted to share a mix of outdoor spaces, local food and drink, and community landmarks that give visitors a real feel for the town. Whether you have an hour or a full day, you’ll find something worth the trip.
Outdoors & Trails
Prairie View Recreation Area
A popular public lake with a paved walking trail, a no-wake lake for boating and kayaking, and a fishing pier, with shaded picnic shelters for spending the afternoon.
Perfect For: Lake-goers, dog walkers, families
Address: Prairie View Lake Trail, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: Free
Parking: Ample paved parking
Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Glacier Creek Preserve
A restored tallgrass prairie run by UNO, with mowed prairie trails, a barn education center, scenic overlooks, and native wildflowers.
Perfect For: Spending time with nature
Address: 14810 St St, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
Parking: street
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset. March 1 through December 21: The Barn does not have regular open hours but is generally open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., Monday – Friday
Johns-Bohn Park
A municipal park with large playgrounds, covered picnic pavilions, sand volleyball and tennis courts, and a paved trail connection.
Perfect For: Families with young kids, youth sports parents
Address: 15969 Bennington Rd, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: Free
Parking: Gravel Parking
Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Food & Drink
The Warehouse Grille & Drinkery
A locally owned sports bar and scratch-made grill known for Angus burgers, hand-breaded wings, and pizza, with patio seating and an event space.
Perfect For: Post-game teams, casual date nights, families
Address: 15835 C W Hadan Dr, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: $
Parking: Street Parking
Hours: Mon: Closed | Tue 4–10 p.m. | Wed 4–11 p.m. | Thu 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–1 a.m. | Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cup & Cone
A downtown Main Street coffee shop and soft-serve ice cream parlor with specialty espresso drinks, custard, and more, plus indoor lounge seating and an outdoor patio.
Perfect For: Weekend coffee, families, day-trippers
Address: 15420 S 2nd St, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: $
Parking: Street Parking
Hours: Mon & Wed 7 a.m.–5 p.m. | Tue & Thu 6:20 a.m.–5 p.m. | Fri–Sat 7 a.m.–7 p.m. | Sun 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Nate’s Stumble Inn
A classic small-town neighborhood bar and grill with an outdoor beer garden, daily dinner specials, happy hour, and a reception hall.
Perfect For: Low-key date nights, local hangouts
Address: S 2nd St., Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: $
Parking: Street Parking
Hours: Mon Closed | Tue–Thu 4–11 p.m. | Fri–Sat 4 p.m.–2 a.m. | Sun 4–9 p.m.
JDub’s Hangout
A casual local tavern with draft beer, pub food classics, and outdoor tables.
Perfect For: Casual evenings with friends
Address: 15408 S 2nd St., Bennington, NE
Cost: $
Parking: Street Parking
Hours: Mon 2 p.m.–11 p.m. | Tue-Thurs 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. | Sun 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Big Red Neighborhood Grill & Sports Bar
A family-friendly sports bar with a big burger and sandwich menu, Husker game-day specials, and a kids’ menu.
Perfect For: Youth sports parents, Husker game days
Address: 15450 Ida St Ste 500
Cost: $$
Parking: Parking Lot
Hours: Sun-Tue 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Wed-Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. |Fri-Sat
Camps Frozen Treats
A family-owned ice cream and popsicle truck that pops up around Bennington.
Perfect For: Families, a cold treat on a warm day
Address: Mobile, follow their page for locations
Cost: $
Parking: N/A
Hours: Varies by event
Community & Culture
Centennial Park & Bennington Farmers Market
The civic heart of downtown, with shaded lawn, a gazebo, a picnic area, and a playground. The farmers market runs every other Saturday morning, June through September.
Perfect For: Day-trippers, families, summer mornings
Address: 16102 NE-36, Bennington NE
Cost: Free
Parking: Street Parking
Hours: Park daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. | Market biweekly Saturdays, 9 a.m.–noon (June–Sept)
The Barn at Ackerhurst Dairy Farm
A restored 1935 dairy barn with timber beams and landscaped grounds, now a rustic event venue for weddings and gatherings.
Perfect For: Wedding parties, history lovers
Address: 15220 Military Rd, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: Varies by event
Parking: Private parking
Hours: By appointment for events
Bennington Public Library
A welcoming hub with meeting rooms, youth reading programs, public computers, and space for community events.
Perfect For: Families, remote workers
Address: 11401 N 156th St, Bennington, NE 68007
Cost: Free
Parking: Parking lot and Street Parking
Hours: Mon 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | Tue–Thu 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Sat 9 a.m.–noon | Fri & Sun: Closed
Flora + Fern Design Co.
A downtown floral and gift shop led by Mia Eckhardt, who has 35+ years of design experience, offering flowers, plants, gifts, weddings, events, landscapes, and sympathy work.
Perfect For: Gift shoppers, weddings, and events
Address: 15321 S 2nd St., Bennington, NE
Cost: $$
Parking: Street Parking
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. | Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Lynn R. Pruess Field
Bennington High School’s athletic stadium and the focal point of Badger Friday night football and youth tournaments.
Perfect For: High school sports fans, youth sports families
Address: 11772 N 158th St., Bennington, NE
Cost: Ticketed for varsity events
Parking: Parking Lot
Hours: Event-dependent
Bennington, NE is a small town with deep roots and plenty to do, from prairie trails at Glacier Creek Preserve to soft-serve at Cup & Cone and a patio at The Warehouse. It’s an easy day trip northwest of Omaha. For more day trips and local guides from the Omaha metro, explore Hurrdat ONE’s neighborhood guides. Think we missed a great Bennington spot? Let us know what we should add!
