The Nebraska Sandhills have earned a remarkable spot as one of Atlas Obscura’s “Five Best Places Our Readers Want to Go in 2025,” marking it as the only location in the U.S. or North America to receive this prestigious recognition. “This honor is a thrilling recognition of the Sandhills’ hidden treasures and natural allure,” said Visit Nebraska executive director John Ricks. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see this spectacular place celebrated, and it’s truly amazing that Atlas Obscura has taken notice of our team’s efforts to position the Sandhills as a premier vacation destination.”
The Sandhills’ inclusion highlights several of the region’s tourism gems, including the towns of Taylor and Bartlett, Carhenge, Merritt Reservoir and its distinctive topography. Visitors are drawn to the area not only for its natural beauty but also for its quirky art attractions and unique atmosphere.
Atlas Obscura, a renowned American-based travel and exploration company, has been cataloging unusual and obscure destinations worldwide since its founding in 2009 by author Joshua Foer and filmmaker Dylan Thuras. Through a mix of professional and user-generated content, Atlas Obscura provides travelers with a wealth of information on fascinating and off-the-beaten-path locations. The platform also produces books, TV shows, a daily podcast and group trips to remarkable destinations across the globe.
Other destinations named in this year’s list include Zimbabwe, Xiahe, China, the Faroe Islands and Serra da Capivara, Brazil. As noted in the article, the Nebraska Sandhills were chosen for the list because of their “absence of interest and tourists,” making it a hidden gem that remains a largely undiscovered wonder.
To further share the magic of Nebraska, Dylan Thuras will be the keynote speaker at Visit Nebraska’s upcoming annual event, the Nebraska Tourism Conference. Thuras will present “Discovering the Untold Wonders of Nebraska,” taking attendees on a captivating journey through the state’s historical treasures and compelling stories. This presentation promises to inspire greater appreciation for the unique charm of Nebraska, while empowering attendees to become ambassadors of its extraordinary offerings.
To learn more about the Nebraska Tourism Conference and register, visit https://visitnebraska.com/nebraska-tourism-conference.