As a husband and father of three children, the planning of any family fishing trip needs to start with some simple questions, and hopefully some good answers. Questions like; Where are we going? When are we going? How long are we going to stay? But if you want to have a truly successful trip, maintain peace and harmony with your family, and survive with your mind “intact”, there is one more question that you should ask yourself. What will there be for the wife and kids to do?

Sometimes, a bribe for good behavior is in order. Knowing this in advance can save the day for a bored kid, and give you some much needed sanity in the process. Additionally, it’s probably a good thing that you have an excuse not to smell like stink bait for one evening.

When I was a boy in the 1970’s, our family made many trips to the mecca in South Central Nebraska called Harlan County Reservoir. Always in the front of our mind was the very real possibility that if we were good, fished hard, sat still in the boat, and didn’t complain we would be rewarded with a trip to Pioneer Village.

Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village is nestled between I-80 and Harlan County Reservoir in Minden, Nebraska on Highway 10. Pioneer Village is a Nebraska Institution. Since Harold Warp created Pioneer Village in 1953, over 6 million people have come to Minden to “See How America Grew.”

Driving through Minden, Pioneer Village doesn’t look like much. From Highway 10, you can see a locomotive steam engine, a big windmill, and what looks like a run down store front. Don’t let looks deceive you. The place is huge, and several hours isn’t long enough to see it all.

Did you know that within those walls is one of the largest and most comprehensive auto collections in the country? Displays include over 350 automobiles, starting with an 1897 steam car. If that’s too modern for you and your kids tastes, they also have an extensive transportation exhibit beginning with an 1822 ox cart, an authentic "prairie schooner" wagon, a stagecoach, steam train, omnibus, horse-drawn street car, San Francisco cable car and an electric trolley car. But it’s not just transportation. Take the kids on the “old-time” merry-go-round, built in 1879. Yes, rides are still just a nickel. In fact, Pioneer Village boasts over 50,000 items for your amusement, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

One of the best things about Pioneer Village is that with all of this history, it’s educational too. So you and the kids might learn something along the way, just don’t tell the kids. Of course, don’t forget about the bane of a father’s existence, a trip to the gift shop.

But let’s remember, the important thing is finding family activities, and maybe miles and miles of old automobiles, horse drawn carts, and nickel stealing merry-go-rounds aren’t your thing. Then let’s not forget to make time for the all-time favorite kid activity…swimming.

Nothing washes the smell of catfish bait and sweat off faster than a quick dip in the lake. For that matter, it does a pretty good job of washing away a day’s frustration of getting skunked, too. I think most of us who consider themselves to be outdoorsmen have fond memories of two things. Fishing and Swimming. It’s like peas and carrots. You just can’t have one without the other. Any trip to a big lake like Harlan, that doesn’t include a dip in the water is guaranteed to result in some cranky kids. Besides, what’s not to like about a hot afternoon spent “chicken-fighting” and sneaking up on your kids humming the theme to Jaws to yourself underwater. Duh, Duh. Duh, Duh, Duh, Duh, Duh.

Due to the extreme low water of recent years at Harlan, finding a beach hasn’t been much of a problem. However, with last years recovery of the water levels, finding a swimming area can be a little more challenging. Personally, the thought of stepping on a submerged baby cottonwood tree isn’t one that I would cherish.

Although there are “roped” swimming areas on both the North and South side of the dam, my preference has always been the swimming area that sits in Patterson Harbor. Now, I will fess up and admit that I have a certain lifelong loyalty to Patterson Harbor, but what is not to like about a swimming area that is also very adult friendly. It is easily walking distance from both the Patterson Harbor Marina AND the Beach Bar. Ice, soda, ice-cream or your favorite adult beverage is only moments away. Patterson Harbor has kept this area free from debris and you won’t see any of those “volunteer” cottonwood trees either.

As long as you are already in Patterson Harbor, take a moment to let the kids spend a few minutes in the playground. Situated in a shady nook in the campgrounds, the playground will give you hours of fun with the kids. Convenient to both Blue Sky Cabins (Formerly Dave’s Cabins) as well as Patterson Harbor’s Cabins, you can sit on your front step and watch the kids burn their behinds on the old fashioned metal slides. Now if that isn’t good for a laugh, I don’t know what is.

Finally, anyone who has spent any amount of time with their kids will know there comes a time when McDonald’s withdrawal finally sets in. Their eyes start to look sunken and glazed over. At a glance, this might be mistaken for heat exhaustion or some other mysterious ailment. But the discerning parent will notice by the apathetic stare at the plate, and the dread of having to eat chopped ham on white bread and potato chips for the fifth meal in a row tells you that perhaps you need to get the kids some REAL food. Stat!

Look no further than Republican City on the North side of the Dam. If you like Mexican food, then head North of the Border, (well, North of the Kansas border) and stop by Old Mexico. Situated in the strip mall next to the Lund dealer, Old Mexico has been serving up dinners to hungry locals and fisherman for years. The menu is a mixture of Mexican cuisine and more traditional fare including sandwiches, steaks, appetizers and a full bar. The Mexican food isn’t exactly “authentic” but it is tasty, and there is a LOT of it. Great for the hardiest of appetites. All of the meals come with a good amount of food, and they are very reasonable as well. The staff is always pleasant and very folksy and good natured. They are used to dealing with the fishermen on the lake and it shows.

These are just a few examples of the many things that you can find to do with the family to give them a break from a hard-nosed assault on the walleye and bass. It doesn’t really matter what lake you are going to, there are places and opportunities all around our great state to make a great family outdoors vacation even better. Sometimes, planning additional activities as a family can compliment your vacation and make memories outside your boat or tent as well. Sometimes, you just have to look a little off the beaten path.