Nebraska surprised me. I came expecting open roads and quiet skies, but what I found were places layered with beauty, imagination, and unexpected wonder. From reimagined gardens in the heart of the city to wide plains where history whispers on the wind, this trip reminded me that the middle of the country holds more than it shows at first glance. It made me slow down, look closer, and feel more present in the spaces I moved through.
Best Things to Do in Nebraska
Finding calm in bloom at the Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens in Lincoln felt like someone had sculpted serenity right out of the earth. I arrived just after sunrise when the dew still clung to petals, and everything glowed a little in the soft light. Terraced beds cascaded down into a gentle bowl of color—snapdragons, salvia, and tulips in bold, curated patterns. I paused beneath the domed gazebo and thought, “This is what peace looks like when it’s planted.”
I wandered slowly, passing koi ponds and stone paths lined with benches. There were quiet pockets of shade where I could just sit and let the hum of bees and breeze take over. It wasn’t a big space, but it held something sacred—like the world had been distilled into one perfect little garden.
Afterward, I headed to Cultiva, a cozy Lincoln café known for strong espresso and crepes. I ordered the savory ham and gruyère crepe with a side of arugula salad and a latte. The warmth of the meal carried the calm from the gardens right into the rest of my morning.
Where I Stayed: I checked into The Kindler Hotel downtown—a chic boutique stay with plush textures and a quiet elegance that matched the garden’s energy. My room overlooked the city’s rooftops, and I slept like the flowers outside had lent me their stillness.
Sunken Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 27th St. & Capitol Pkwy, Lincoln, NE 68502
- Vibe: Tranquil, blooming, intentional
- Highlights: Annual floral designs, koi pond, Healing Garden, gazebo
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for peak blooms
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily, 6am–11pm
- Tip: Visit early in the morning for golden light and fewer people—it’s when the garden feels most alive
Walking through legend at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte felt like stepping straight into the pages of frontier history. The house stood proud and weathered, a white clapboard mansion with wide porches and the kind of creak in the floors that carries memory. I wandered through Buffalo Bill Cody’s former home and grounds, and as I looked at a faded photograph of him with his Wild West troupe, I thought, “This was more than a show—this was an American myth in motion.”
The air smelled like prairie and pine. Horses grazed in the fields nearby, and trails wound through tall grasses along the North Platte River. I followed one to the barn and corrals where the echoes of hoofbeats seemed to linger. It was quiet, grounded, and unexpectedly moving—history not on a pedestal, but laid gently in the dust where it began.
Later, I stopped by The Espresso Shop in downtown North Platte and ordered a turkey club panini and a cold brew. It was the kind of cozy place where locals linger, and I stayed longer than planned, letting the stories I’d just walked through settle into me.
Where I Stayed: I spent the night at Tru by Hilton North Platte, clean and modern with bright touches that made it feel more relaxed than corporate. A comfortable bed and blackout shades helped me sleep deeply, like I’d truly stepped back in time and returned.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park At a Glance
- Location: 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd, North Platte, NE 69101
- Vibe: Rustic, historic, grounded
- Highlights: Buffalo Bill’s mansion, Wild West barns, river trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall when the grounds are green and open
- Cost: Around $2–$5 for park entry
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm (seasonal hours vary)
- Tip: Wear walking shoes and bring water—the best parts are outside
Getting lost in beauty at Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha unfolded slowly, like a story written in petals. I started in the rose garden, where everything smelled like summer, and followed the winding paths past fountains, ponds, and seasonal blooms. Each section had its own rhythm—the Victorian Garden felt stately, the children’s garden playful. When I reached the Japanese Garden with its still waters and arched bridge, I thought, “This is the kind of silence that speaks volumes.”
The conservatory surprised me. Inside, a tropical garden burst with humidity and orchids, while desert plants stood sculptural and strange under warm glass light. It was like walking through two continents in one building. The staff were kind and genuinely excited to share tips about what was blooming that day.
Afterward, I headed to nearby Kitchen Table in downtown Omaha for a thoughtful lunch. I ordered their beet and goat cheese sandwich with a side of farro salad—local, earthy, and just the right thing after a morning in nature’s embrace.
Where I Stayed: I checked into Hotel Deco, a boutique property with art deco touches and soft, velvet textures. The contrast with the gardens only deepened my appreciation for both.
Lauritzen Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Vibe: Botanical, peaceful, curated
- Highlights: Seasonal outdoor gardens, indoor conservatory, Japanese garden
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for blooms and mild weather
- Cost: Around $15 for adults
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the conservatory—it’s a climate-shifting surprise
Stepping into wild worlds at Henry Doorly Zoo
Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha felt more like a series of ecosystems than a traditional zoo. I entered the Dome—the world’s largest indoor desert—and was instantly transported. The light changed, the temperature rose, and I was face to face with rock hyraxes sunning themselves on sandstone. I wandered beneath a giant glass canopy and thought, “This isn’t a zoo—it’s a passport.”
Next came the rainforest. Humid, lush, and alive with calls from the canopy, it wrapped around me like a jungle dream. I ducked beneath vines, watched monkeys leap across ropes overhead, and stood quietly near a waterfall that seemed to breathe. The whole experience was immersive and intimate, and even as crowds passed by, it felt personal.
I stopped for lunch at the TreeTops Restaurant inside the zoo—nothing fancy, but a grilled chicken wrap and fresh lemonade hit the spot. I sat near a wall of windows overlooking the gorilla enclosure, letting the day settle in before continuing.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Magnolia Hotel Omaha, a historic downtown property with modern comforts and a graceful courtyard that made it feel like a true retreat after the sensory fullness of the zoo.
Henry Doorly Zoo At a Glance
- Location: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Vibe: Immersive, global, family-friendly
- Highlights: Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Aquarium, Skyfari ride
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early morning to avoid crowds
- Cost: Around $25 for adults
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—it’s big, and you’ll want to linger in each zone
Traveling through time at the Kearney Archway
The Archway Monument in Kearney wasn’t something I expected to feel moved by—but I was. Spanning I-80 like a golden bridge, it felt a bit surreal to step off the highway and into this monument to movement. Inside, exhibits walked me through the great migrations: pioneers on the Oregon Trail, the rise of the railroad, the beat of the American road trip. Watching old film reels flicker beside covered wagons, I thought, “So many footsteps brought us here.”
The audio tour was immersive, guiding me through each chapter with music, voices, and sound effects. I was surprised by how emotional it was—especially the stories of settlers forging forward through hardship and hope. The view from the windows over the highway was symbolic too: the past arching over the present, carrying it forward.
Afterward, I ate at Coppermill Steakhouse in Kearney—house-made pasta with chicken and sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It was elegant but unpretentious, just like the monument itself.
Where I Stayed: I booked a room at Candlewood Suites Kearney, comfortable and quiet with a small kitchen that made it feel homey after a day of reflection.
Kearney Archway At a Glance
- Location: 3060 E 1st St, Kearney, NE 68847
- Vibe: Story-driven, heartfelt, unexpected
- Highlights: Immersive audio tour, pioneer artifacts, panoramic views
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for quieter galleries
- Cost: Around $14 for adults
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday noon–5pm
- Tip: Don’t skip the gift shop—it’s full of unique prairie-inspired books and local goods
Driving into the wild at Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari near Ashland felt like a slow-motion adventure. I rolled down my windows and let the air carry in the scent of prairie grass as bison grazed just feet from my car. Elk wandered across open fields, and pelicans floated on quiet water. The 4-mile drive wound through Nebraska’s native ecosystems, and somewhere between the sandhill cranes and prairie dogs, I thought, “This is what it means to be a guest in someone else’s world.”
There was no rush, no honking, no crowds. Just my car, the road, and the animals doing what they’ve always done. I pulled off at the wolf viewing station and watched in silence as one paced gracefully in the distance. The moment was quiet and humbling.
After the drive, I stopped at the Safari Café near the exit and grabbed a light lunch—grilled chicken sandwich with fresh chips and lemonade—eaten at a shaded picnic table overlooking the open land.
Where I Stayed: I returned to Hotel Deco in Omaha, where the city felt impossibly far away after such a wild morning. The transition from bison to bed was seamless and serene.
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park At a Glance
- Location: 16406 292nd St, Ashland, NE 68003
- Vibe: Natural, immersive, peaceful
- Highlights: Drive-through safari, elk, bison, cranes, wolves
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or dusk when animals are most active
- Cost: Around $10 per adult
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Bring binoculars and a full water bottle—there are few stops along the way
Closing Thoughts
Nebraska didn’t need to shout. It led with quiet places, wide skies, and the kind of stories that unfold gently—layer by layer, bloom by bloom. From buffalo grass trails to rainforest domes, each stop gave me more than I expected and stayed with me longer than I thought it would. In Nebraska, beauty doesn’t announce itself. It waits—for those willing to slow down and listen.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Finding calm in bloom at the Sunken Gardens
- • Walking through legend at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
- • Getting lost in beauty at Lauritzen Gardens
- • Stepping into wild worlds at Henry Doorly Zoo
- • Traveling through time at the Kearney Archway
- • Driving into the wild at Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari