Best Places to Visit in Nebraska
Searching for the best places to visit in Nebraska? Well, you are in the right place! Having spent four weeks road tripping through the state, I’ve found that Nebraska offers a surprising mix of history, outdoor beauty, and welcoming small-town charm that make it well worth a visit. Here are the places I recommend, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Omaha
We absolutely love Omaha, and have been many times. This Midwestern city surprised me with its welcoming charm, buzzing culture, and mix of old-fashioned warmth and modern flair. I think that Omaha is one of the best places to visit in Nebraska. Why? From historic districts filled with red-brick architecture to trendy neighborhoods brimming with boutique shops, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining, the "Gateway to the West" felt both approachable and stylish at the same time.
I only drove a short distance from the Missouri River to the heart of downtown, where I lingered for three days at 4-star Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel.
You can wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Market, listen to live jazz, go to galleries, and have great coffee at Café Postale and The Durham Cafe.
I also enjoyed the Lauritzen Gardens, Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
- Location: Eastern Nebraska along the Missouri River, bordering Iowa, north of Lincoln and south of Sioux City
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
We caught the Omaha Film Festival in March which we loved for its diverse offerings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and lively community vibe.
2. Grand Island
Ready for a history-rich, heartland escape? Check out Grand Island, a real standout! With its blend of local heritage, natural beauty, and welcoming community spirit, Grand Island is one of my favorite getaway ideas in central Nebraska.
I drove 1 hour 30 minutes west from Lincoln and lingered for five days at the 2-star Comfort Inn Grand Island North, strolling downtown streets dotted with family-run shops and cafés, learning about the pioneer era at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, and unwinding in local parks. One evening I caught a small outdoor concert that perfectly captured Grand Island’s friendly, unhurried spirit.
- Location: Central Nebraska in the Platte River Valley, northwest of Lincoln and west of Omaha along Interstate 80
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Spring is especially magical, when more than half a million sandhill cranes stop along the Platte River during migration — a breathtaking spectacle of nature.
3. Norfolk, NE
I think Norfolk, Nebraska is one of the most underrated gems in the Midwest, and every time we visit it feels like discovering magic in plain sight.
Located in northeast Nebraska, about two hours northwest of Omaha and just minutes from the Elkhorn River, I love how Norfolk feels perfectly placed for an easy weekend getaway.
We immediately noticed how vibrant and welcoming downtown Norfolk feels, with historic buildings, local shops, and cozy cafés creating an experience that’s both joyful and affordable.
One of my favorite things to do here is explore Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, which I consider an absolute best hidden outdoor gem with walking trails, riverside views, and peaceful picnic spots.
I think the Norfolk Arts Center is a brilliant idea for culture lovers, offering rotating exhibits that make every visit interesting, unique, and exciting.
Our favorite meals were at locally owned restaurants that served comfort food with creative twists, proving the best flavors aren’t always in big cities.
I also found Norfolk to be incredibly family-friendly, with fun attractions like the AquaVenture Water Park making it a spectacular summer stop.
Check prices at 3-star Norfolk Lodge & Suites.
What I loved best:
We had an amazing experience at Skyview Lake, where paddleboarding, fishing, and sunset walks felt like a dreamy escape without the crowds.
4. Fremont
I loved visiting Fremont, Nebraska, especially after we settled into life in the Midwest—it felt like the kind of place where you could slow down without trying. Getting there by car was simple and stress-free, which made it perfect for an easy weekend escape focused on time together rather than logistics.
What surprised me most was how peaceful and open everything felt. The wide skies, gentle prairie landscapes, and calm lakes gave the area a quiet beauty that felt grounding and intimate in its own way.
One of my favorite moments was strolling through town, discovering local cafés and small eateries where no one seemed to be in a hurry. We lingered over coffee, talked for hours, and felt genuinely welcomed by the slower pace and friendly faces.
Nearby nature spots along the Platte River offered beautiful walks and peaceful views, especially in the evenings when the sky softened into pastel colors. Watching the sunset stretch endlessly across the horizon felt simple, but deeply romantic.
Evenings were quiet and cozy—casual dinners, long conversations, and nights that felt calm rather than crowded. It wasn’t about big attractions or packed itineraries; it was about space, stillness, and togetherness.
What I loved best:
Visiting Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area in the fall to see fall foliage was my favorite highlight.
5. Columbus, NE
This central Nebraska town charmed me with its blend of history, riverfront scenery, and welcoming Midwestern spirit. This city felt like a place where industry and community meet — a hardworking town with surprising pockets of leisure, culture, and natural beauty.
I drove about 90 minutes west of Omaha and stayed for two days at Hampton Inn Columbus NE, walking through the revitalized downtown for 90 minutes, visiting small family-owned shops, and enjoying local diners that served hearty Nebraska comfort food.
- Location: Eastern Nebraska on the Loup River, west of Omaha and north of Lincoln
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Relaxing by Pawnee Park was my personal highlight, where trails, sculptures, and river views made for a peaceful afternoon.
6. Nehawka, NE and Slattery Vintage Estates
Ready for a history-rich heartland escape? Check out Nehawka, a real standout! Nestled amid the rolling hills of Cass County in southeastern Nebraska, this town offers a tranquil rural escape filled with Midwest warmth, the kind of place where time seems to slow, where the rhythm of life follows the seasons, and the horizon stretches endlessly across golden fields. A 40-minute drive south from Omaha brought me to Nehawka’s quiet downtown, where century-old homes, tidy streets, and friendly locals create an inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere.
While the town itself is small, its surroundings hide a wonderful surprise: Slattery Vintage Estates Vineyard and Tasting Room, a must-visit destination for wine lovers and anyone seeking a relaxed countryside afternoon (or even a romantic glamping weekend getaway in their awesome glamping yurt!).
Set on a gentle hillside just outside of town, Slattery’s combines the charm of a rustic Nebraska vineyard with warm hospitality and stunning sunset views over the vines. I spent a blissful afternoon sampling locally crafted wines on the patio, paired with a gourmet cheese platter and live acoustic music.
7. Seward, NE
This town quickly became one of my favorite small Midwestern getaways when I visited this month. With its historic courthouse square, red-brick storefronts, and friendly cafés, it felt like stepping back to a slower, more welcoming era. I stayed at the 3-star Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Seward for two days. The town is perhaps best known as “Nebraska’s Fourth of July City,” and even outside the holiday, you can sense the civic pride and community spirit in the tidy streets and well-kept parks.
I spent the afternoon strolling through the historic downtown, popping into locally owned boutiques and antique shops. The charming Seward County Courthouse, a stately Richardsonian Romanesque building in the photo here, anchors the square and adds an old-world dignity to the heart of town. For a touch of history, I stopped by the Nebraska National Guard Museum, which tells the state’s military story with thoughtful exhibits.
- Location: Eastern Nebraska west of Lincoln, along the Big Blue River, north of Crete and south of York
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
A quiet evening picnic in Plum Creek Park was a standout for me, where locals were out fishing and kids ran along the playgrounds, a personal highlight.
8. Smith Falls
This is one of my favorite places to visit in Nebraska because it offers a bit of everything—gentle trails, peaceful river views, and even Nebraska’s tallest waterfall up close!
This place felt like a hidden gem tucked into Nebraska’s Sandhills, a place where the wide-open prairie suddenly revealed a lush, tree-shaded oasis. The park’s centerpiece—Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in Nebraska at 63 feet—was a beautiful surprise, its cascade tumbling gracefully into a cool, shaded gorge along the Niobrara River. The sound of rushing water and the green canopy overhead made it feel worlds away from the windswept plains.
Getting there was part of the adventure. I crossed a long wooden footbridge over the Niobrara, with kayakers and canoeists drifting peacefully below, before walking a short trail that led directly to the falls. Up close, the spray of water was refreshing on a warm summer afternoon, and the setting felt almost enchanted. The park was simple—picnic tables, campsites, and trails...
- Location: North-central Nebraska in the Niobrara River Valley, east of Valentine within Smith Falls State Park
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Standing in the spray of Nebraska’s tallest waterfall was my personal highlight.
9. Fort Robinson State Park
This place was one of the most atmospheric and historically rich places I visited in Nebraska. Spread across the rolling Pine Ridge region, the park is anchored by the remains of a 19th-century frontier fort that has been carefully preserved and repurposed. Walking among the red-brick barracks, stables, and officer’s quarters gave me the vivid sense of stepping back into the days when cavalry regiments patrolled the Great Plains.
Beyond the history, the scenery was breathtaking—bluffs, buttes, and pine-covered hills stretching toward the horizon. I spent the morning horseback riding along trails that wound past rugged rock formations and open prairies. Later, I explored the museums on site, learning about the fort’s role in the Indian Wars and its later service as a World War II K-9 training center.
- Location: Northwestern Nebraska in the Pine Ridge region, west of Crawford and near the South Dakota border
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Joining a guided jeep ride that took me deeper into the park’s backcountry, where herds of bison and longhorn cattle grazed.
10. Scotts Bluff National Monument
Rising above the plains like a massive sandstone sentinel, this is one of the most striking landscapes I’ve ever explored in Nebraska. I think it’s one of the absolute best destinations in the entire region. Why? Scotts Bluff National Monument I spent the morning hiking the trails at Scotts Bluff, stopping at 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’s streets were quiet but welcoming, with family-owned diners and small shops lining the main drag. Later, I drove a short way to nearby Legacy of the Plains Museum, where historic farm equipment and pioneer exhibits gave me a deeper sense of the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Location: Western Nebraska in the North Platte River Valley, near Gering and Scottsbluff, along the historic Oregon Trail
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Prices here were modest, making it an affordable stop with an abundance of scenery and soul.
11. Lincoln
Ahh Lincoln, Nebraska... the Heartland capital with way more going on than most people expect. Home to one of the most striking state capitol buildings in the country, a thriving college-town energy, and a surprisingly diverse food and arts scene, Lincoln is a city that quietly impresses. If you’ve never been, it’s easy to underestimate just how cool this place is. Between its walkable downtown, historic neighborhoods, and green spaces, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys culture, history, and laid-back Midwestern charm.
What I love about Lincoln is how approachable its history feels. The Nebraska State Capitol isn’t just a government building — it’s an architectural masterpiece with Art Deco influences, soaring tower views, and murals that tell the story of the state. Nearby, the Haymarket District blends preserved brick warehouses with modern shops, breweries, and restaurants, making it one of the best spots to wander and soak in the city’s character.
And let’s talk food for a second. Lincoln punches above its weight with local steakhouses, farm-to-table restaurants, and classic Midwest comfort food. Add in craft breweries and coffee shops thanks to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln crowd, and you’ve got a dining scene that’s both casual and genuinely good.
Lincoln is about an hour from Omaha and is very easy to get around by car, with minimal traffic and affordable parking compared to larger cities. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby attractions, from the beautiful Sunken Gardens to campus landmarks and local museums. If you time it right during football season, the city’s energy skyrockets
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!
Booking Checklist
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
