Things to Do in Nebraska
Often overlooked in favor of its neighbors, Nebraska surprises visitors with its quiet beauty, quirky attractions, and wide-open skies. After spending several weeks exploring this wonderful state, here are my must-visit spots worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Sunken Gardens
Distance from Omaha: 1 hour
Sunken Gardens in Lincoln was peaceful and...enchanting. Originally built in the 1930s, this terraced botanical garden has been carefully restored, and today it’s a hidden pocket of color and calm in the middle of the city. Walking through, it feels less like an urban park and more like stepping into a living painting.
The design is thoughtful with winding stone paths, flowing water features, and seasonal floral displays that change frequently.
I found Sunken Gardens to be both inspiring and grounding. It’s small enough to explore in an hour, but i brought a book and read it on a bench under a tree. Whether you’re a gardener, a photographer, or just someone seeking stillness, it’s one of those rare places that feels timeless and new at the same time.
We drove about an hour from Omaha and stayed at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel for its central location in Lincoln. My best meal was dinner at LeadBelly, a modern spot downtown where I had the Raspberry BBQ Bacon Burger ($15). My son loved the mac and cheese skillet ($13). Sharing comfort food after a walk through the gardens made the day feel complete.
2. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
Distance from Omaha: 4 hours 30 minutes
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte is a place where history feels tangible. The centerpiece is Cody’s grand Victorian mansion, paired with sprawling grounds.
Walking through the mansion, I was struck by how detailed everything remains, from period furniture to photographs that capture the story of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows. The grounds carry their own history too: old barns, stables, and wide open fields where you can imagine the energy of a traveling show being staged here more than a century ago.
We drove nearly 5 hours from Omaha and stayed at the Tru by Hilton North Platte for its modern comfort and easy access to the park. My best meal was at Switchyard Grill & Pub, where I had the smoked brisket sandwich ($14), while my son loved the chicken fried steak ($16).
3. Lauritzen Gardens
Distance from downtown Omaha: 10 minutes
Lauritzen Gardens struck me as a hidden oasis tucked right at the edge of Omaha. Spread across 100 acres of rolling hills along the Missouri River, this botanical garden is both expansive and intimate.
What impressed me most was the variety. In one afternoon, I walked among seasonal flower displays, paused by a model railroad weaving through miniature villages, and found myself immersed in the tropical conservatory, where orchids and palms thrive year-round. Even though it’s close to the city, it feels like a full escape into nature and design.
We stayed at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, a stylish historic property in Omaha’s Blackstone District. Dinner at M’s Pub downtown was the highlight — I had the Thai Lavosh ($14), a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy, while my partner ordered the lamb burger ($16).
4. Henry Doorly Zoo
Distance from downtown Omaha: 10 minutes
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is one of those rare places that fully lives up to its reputation. Often ranked among the best zoos in the world, it feels less like a collection of exhibits and more like a series of immersive worlds stitched together. From the steamy walkways of the Desert Dome to the lush canopy inside the Lied Jungle, every corner surprises you with scale and detail.
Here you get to step into the world’s largest indoor desert, wander through a rainforest alive with birds and waterfalls, and watch sharks glide past in a 70-foot-long tunnel.
We stayed at the Magnolia Hotel Omaha, a historic boutique spot just minutes away. Dinner at Block 16 downtown was unforgettable — I had the Croque Garçon burger ($15) with truffle fries, while my kids devoured the poutine ($12).
5. Kearney Archway
Distance from Omaha: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Kearney Archway (officially the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument) is one of those roadside landmarks that becomes far more than a quick stop. Stretching dramatically across I-80, the two-story museum tells the story of westward expansion, the pioneers, and the role Nebraska played in America’s journey west. From the moment you step inside, it feels immersive: sounds of wagon wheels, stagecoaches, and trains carry you through the centuries.
What stood out most was the storytelling. Rather than just displays, the Archway unfolds like a narrative with murals, dioramas, and multimedia exhibits bring to life the struggles and triumphs of travelers along the Platte River corridor.
We stayed at the Candlewood Suites Kearney for its comfort and convenience, just minutes from the Archway. Dinner at The Flippin’ Sweet was a highlight — I had the Nebraska beef brisket pizza ($16), while my partner ordered the Thai chicken flatbread ($14). It was the perfect way to end a day filled with stories of journeys past.
6. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Distance from Omaha: 30 minutes
The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is a rare chance to experience Nebraska’s wild side up close. Unlike a traditional zoo, this drive-through safari lets you roll down your windows and watch bison, elk, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer roaming the prairie as they would in the wild. It feels less like an attraction and more like a glimpse into what the Great Plains once were.
Driving the 4-mile loop, you move through habitats that are wide and open, with animals often just steps away. At the same time, there are walk-through areas (like Wolf Canyon and the Bear Woods) where you can safely see predators in settings that still feel natural.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ashland-Gretna for its proximity to the safari. Dinner at Parker’s Smokehouse in Ashland was the highlight — I had the hickory-smoked ribs ($18), while my kids devoured the pulled pork sandwiches ($12). After a day with bison and bears, a hearty barbecue meal was exactly the right ending.
Conclusion
Nebraska has a way of surprising you. From sweeping prairies and winding rivers to hidden gardens, roadside landmarks, and immersive wildlife experiences, the state offers a blend of quiet reflection and big adventure. Each stop tells part of a larger story — of pioneers, landscapes, and communities that continue to shape the heart of the Great Plains.
If you love Nebraska, try one of these vacations next:
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.
