IN NEBRASKA

» Ashland: Between Lincoln and Omaha, tour through Lee G Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, an extension of the Henry Doorly Zoo. Visitors drive among free-roaming bison, elk, cranes, pronghorn antelope, and other species found in North America. Tram rides, visitor center and concessions 402-944-9453. www.omahazoo.com/parkweb/home/home.htm.

» Ashland: Strategic Air & Space Museum includes 300,000 square feet of artifacts, nearly 40 military aircraft, restoration center, library, theater and traveling exhibition area. 800-358-5029. www.strategicairandspace.com.

» Beatrice Speedway offers weekend racing April - September featuring modifieds, stock cars and others on semi-banked oval, clay track. 402-223-3158. www.beatricespeedway.com.

» Brownville's Spirit of Brownville Riverboat departs from Brownville State Recreation Area. Enjoy the "mighty Missouri" on a real riverboat. Dining, dancing and refreshments. Charter cruises April - October. Public cruises June - August, Friday - Sunday. 402-825-6441. www.spiritofbrownville.com.

» Brownville: Meriwether Lewis Dredge and Missouri River History Museum are just south of the Brownville bridge. A restored sidewheeler dredge used on the Missouri river. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 1-5. Also open weekends Labor Day through mid-October. 402-825-3341.

» Lincoln: University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History, Morrill Hall is the region's premier collection of fossil mammoths and mastodons. Also view dinosaur bones, and skeletons of saber toothed tigers and deer, and pigmy horses. The collection is better than the Smithsonian. 402-472-2642. www.museum.unl.edu and planetarium 402-472-2641 www.spacelaser.com

» Lincoln: University of Nebraska Great Plains Art Museum featuring a collection of western art including Russell and Remington sculptures and changing exhibits. 402-472-6220. www.unl.edu/plains

» Lincoln: University of Nebraska East Campus International Quilt Study Center. Nearly 2000 quilts from the late 1700s to the present and from more than 14 nations. New facility is being constructed and will open early 2008. 402-472-5841. www.unl.edu/lentz and Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery showcasing fiber art, textiles and apparel from all periods and places. 402-472-2911. www.quiltstudy.org/

» Lincoln Children's Museum. Fun, discovery and learning come together for children and adults in 3 floors of hands on exhibits including a 3-story apple tree, a real airplane and an interactive water exhibit. 402-477-4000. www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org

» The Lincoln Children's Zoo showcases many rare and endangered species as well as pony rides, train rides, and many hands-on exhibits for young and old alike. 402-475-2729. www.LincolnZoo.org

» Nebraska City: The Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center offers today's explorers a steady gaze at the flora and fauna collected by Lewis and Clark. The cultures and contributions of the American Indians, who played an important role in the expedition, are highlighted in each exhibit. Life-size replica of the keelboat and canoes. Built atop a wooded bluff overlooking the Missouri river, the beautiful 12,000 square foot, three story center is the only museum to focus on the scientific discoveries of the Corps of Discovery journey. 402-874-9900. www.mrb-lewisandclarkcenter.org

» Omaha: Henry Doorly Zoo is ranked No. 1 by Reader's Digest. Henry Doorly boasts the world's largest enclosed rain forest, indoor desert display, and nocturnal exhibit. The zoo also features North America's largest cat complex, a fascinating gorilla habitat and orangutan forest, bear canyon, a free-flight aviary, an amazing aquarium, and an IMAX theatre. 402-733-8401. www.omahazoo.com

» Pawnee City Historical Society Museum has nineteen buildings with pioneer items, experimental tailwind airplane and home of Nebraska's first governor. 402-852-3131. www.pawneecountyhistory.com

» Pawnee City: Schilling Bridge Winery & Microbrewery. Vineyard, tasting room, gift shop and banquet facility. 402-852-2400. www.schillingbridgewinery.com

IN KANSAS

» Hanover: Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site. Original Pony Express Station on its original site along the Oregon Trail. Tours, museum, and gifts. 785-337-2635. www.kshs.org/places/hollenberg/

» Marysville: Koester House Museum. 1800s home with original furnishings. White bronze sculptures, gardens, summer kitchen, ice house. 785-562-2417. www.skyways.org/towns/Marysville

» Marysville: Pony Express Home Station No 1 and Barn Museum. Original building 1859-1960. 785-562-3825. www.xphomestation.com