Things to Do in Nebraska
Searching for the absolute best things to do in Nebraska? Well, you are in the right place! Here are the places I recommend from our recent four week road trip, and I hope you’ll love them too.
Omaha
If you want the largest diversity of things to do on your visit to Nebraska, head to Omaha. As an added benefit, I think it's one of the easiest cities to fly to. And even though it has the largest population in Nebraska (nearly 500,000 people), it's actually not the state capital (Lincoln is).
I love that a trip here doesn't require a lot of planning. You can stroll around historic districts and admire red-brick architecture, then head to more trendy neighborhoods with local shops, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
We learned that Omaha is nicknamed the "Gateway to the West" for its historic significance. Downtown you can walk on cobblestone streets of the Old Market, listen to live jazz, go to galleries, and have great coffee at Café Postale and The Durham Cafe.
If you have just a day or two, don't miss the Lauritzen Gardens, Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge! I personally prefer taxis and walking around on foot.
What I loved best:
We caught the Omaha Film Festival in March. They had super diverse offerings, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers too.
Lincoln
Less than an hour from our last stop in Omaha, you'll find Nebraska's capital. Ahh Lincoln, Nebraska... The Heartland capital with way more going on than most people expect. First things first, Lincoln is home to one of the most striking state capitol buildings in the country. You'll also find lots of yummy food, college-town energy, and an easily walkable downtown.
What I loved best:
For me, Lincoln is one of the best places to visit in Nebraska it's laid-back and unique!
Visiting the striking Nebraska State Capitol was my personal highlight!
Grand Island
This is a super easy day trip from Lincoln, a little over an hour an a half. If you are traveling with kids, Grand Island is super family friendly. First off, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is really great for history buffs. In the summer, have fun at the Island Oasis Water Park. You can also visit Stolley Park, go birdwatching and attend local events in Fonner Park.
What I loved best:
Springtime is especially magical because sandhill cranes stop along the Platte River during migration.
2-star Comfort Inn Grand Island North is an affordable place to stay if you decide to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway.
Fremont
Need a cool stop on your fall foliage trip in the Midwest road trip? Check out Fremont, Nebraska, a real standout! You'll find it a little over an hour from Lincoln, Nebraska.
I loved visiting Fremont, Nebraska, especially after we settled into life in the Midwest. It really is the kind of place where you can slow down, but also get active if the mood strikes.
You can stroll through town, discover local cafes at your own pace.
What I loved best:
Visiting Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area in the fall to see fall foliage was my favorite highlight.
Nehawka, NE and Slattery Vintage Estates
Not far from Omaha (in fact, close enough for a day trip just a 40-minute drive), we found Slattery Vintage Estates in Nehawka. Downtown Nehawka is lovely with century-old homes.
The absolute best time to visit Seward, Nebraska is during the 4th of July celebrations (and the week leading up to it!). Why? Seward takes the 4th of July to another level and is even nicknamed “Nebraska’s Fourth of July City.”
Seward, NE is easy to visit on a day trip from Omaha, just over an hour by car. You'll find a historic courthouse square in Seward, red-brick storefronts, and local cafes. For a touch of history, I stopped by the Nebraska National Guard Museum, which tells the state’s military history.
What I loved best:
A quiet evening picnic in Plum Creek Park was a standout for me. There's fishing and playgrounds for kids.
If you have time for a longer road trip through Nebraska, I recommend driving about 5 hours from Omaha to Smith Falls.
Smith Falls is actually the tallest waterfall in Nebraska and absolutely stunning at 63 feet. If you can make it here in the fall, you will love it. There is a wooden footbridge that offers a great view and you can take heaps of photos.
There are picnic tables in Smith Falls State Park for day visitors ($14 daily entrance fee) and campsites if you decide to spend a night.
If you want to road trip even further West towards Wyoming, you will reach Fort Robinson State Park in about three hours from Smith Falls State Park. Here, you can see a 19th-century frontier fort, including barracks, stables, and officer’s quarters. It's truly like stepping back in the time. The scenery along the drive itself is super amazing.
If you want even more pioneer history, about an hour and a half south of Fort Robinson State Park is Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Stop by the visitor center to learn about the pioneers who once passed through this landmark. From the summit, the sweeping views of the Platte River Valley were unforgettable.
In town, Gering offers family-owned diners and small shops. Nearby Legacy of the Plains Museum exhibits historic farm equipment and pioneer exhibits.
For me, Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the best things to do in Nebraska.
Best of all, prices here were modest, making it an affordable road trip stop.
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
Seward, NE
Smith Falls
Fort Robinson State Park
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Booking Checklist
