Quick Summary: The bluffs along the Missouri River in northeastern Nebraska offer natural beauty with miles of densely wooded areas and pristine waterfalls, while central Nebraska’s tallgrass prairies and scattered woodlands preserve the state’s homesteading heritage. Cities like Omaha, home to the Henry Doorly Zoo (deemed one of the best in the nation), are historical and cultural centers.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Omaha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Omaha | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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2. Lincoln ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lincoln | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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3. Grand Island

Romantic Islands
Grand Island | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Grand Island

4. Norfolk

Norfolk | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Norfolk

5. Fremont

Fremont | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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6. Columbus

Columbus | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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7. Lexington

Lexington | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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8. Seward

Seward | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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9. Scotts Bluff National Monument

Category: Activities
Scotts Bluff National Monument | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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10. Fort Robinson State Park

Category: Activities
Fort Robinson State Park | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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11. Pioneers Park Nature Center

Category: Activities
Pioneers Park Nature Center | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Pioneers Park Nature Center

12. Smith Falls State Park

Category: Activities
Smith Falls State Park | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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13. Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Chimney Rock National Historic Site | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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14. Lake McConaughy

Category: Activities
Lake McConaughy | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Lake McConaughy

15. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Category: Activities
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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16. OPPD Arboretum

Category: Activities
OPPD Arboretum | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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17. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

Category: Activities
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

18. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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19. Carhenge

Carhenge | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Carhenge

20. Homestead National Historical Park

Category: Activities
Homestead National Historical Park | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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21. Toadstool Geologic Park

Category: Activities
Toadstool Geologic Park | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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22. Niobrara National Scenic River

Category: Activities
Niobrara National Scenic River | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© NPS Photo

23. Ponca State Park for Couples

Category: Activities
Ponca State Park for Couples | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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24. Courthouse & Jail Rocks

Courthouse & Jail Rocks | Places to Visit in Nebraska
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25. Indian Cave State Park

Category: Activities
Indian Cave State Park | Places to Visit in Nebraska
© Indian Cave State Park

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