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? Check out Fremont, Nebraska, a real standout!
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. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Smith Falls
This is one of my favorite places to visit in Nebraska because it offers a bit of everything on our road trip: 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...
What I loved best:
Standing in the spray of Nebraska’s tallest waterfall was my personal highlight.
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.
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.
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.
What I loved best:
Prices here were modest, making it an affordable stop with an abundance of scenery and soul.
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
