Eastern Nebraska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Omaha which includes a city, a skyscraper and a river or creek
Henry Doorly Zoo showing forests as well as a small group of people
University of Nebraska State Museum featuring interior views as well as a family
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum showing modern architecture as well as a family
Nebraska State Capitol which includes a fountain

Modern skylines and chic shopping districts meet traditional small-town charm and breathtaking rolling prairies in this Midwestern region.

Eastern Nebraska blends beautiful natural scenery with cosmopolitan cities and delightful rural towns. Visit Eastern Nebraska to explore historic homes, stroll through vineyards and go fishing on remote lakes. Appreciate local art by wandering through a sculpture garden and buy tickets to attend a concert performance in an ornate theater.

The biggest city in Eastern Nebraska is Omaha. The city’s skyline towers over the rolling plains, reminding visitors that even in this metropolis, the charm and hospitality of Midwest America is not far away. Visit the Durham Museum in Omaha Union Station for hands-on exhibits about the history of the region. Watch as the fountain lights up with dazzling colors in the Heartland of America Park.

South of Omaha is the Nebraska capital of Lincoln. Here, explore the State Capitol, walk across the wetlands of the Pioneers Park Nature Center and browse the exhibits of the Great Plains Art Museum. Family-friendly attractions here include the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum, which features interactive displays.

Head to Nebraska City for a large helping of hospitality and all the apples you could possibly eat. Enjoy fresh apple pie at the Apple House Market or go to a wine-tasting session at Arbor Day Farm. Explore a 52-room mansion, the Arbor Lodge, at the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Eastern Nebraska. Cycle through the Steamboat Trace Trail in Brownville, take an airboat tour on the Platte River and watch the sunset from Cowboy Trail. Fishing is popular in Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, where you can camp and picnic year round.

Fly into Omaha Airport or Lincoln Airport for the easiest access to Eastern Nebraska. Airport shuttles will take you to the major cities. Rent a car to drive out to smaller towns. Nebraska’s roads are wide and easy to navigate and free parking is relatively easy to come by.

As well as sightseeing, try mingling with residents in stores, bars and cafés and let them tell you about their favorite local haunts.

Where to stay in Eastern Nebraska

Downtown Omaha which includes a high-rise building, night scenes and modern architecture

Downtown Omaha

5/5(5 area reviews)

Downtown Omaha is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Holland Performing Arts Center and CHI Health Center Omaha, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Omaha.

Downtown Omaha
Lincoln showing railway items

Downtown Lincoln

Downtown Lincoln is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Lied Center or Lincoln Children's Museum.

Downtown Lincoln
Default Image

West Omaha

You'll enjoy the golf courses and sporting events in West Omaha. You might want to make time for a stop at Oak View Mall or Boys Town Visitors Center.

West Omaha
Old Market featuring signage as well as an individual female

Old Market

Old Market is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, a top place to visit in the area.

Old Market
Default Image

Southeast Omaha

While visiting Southeast Omaha, you might make a stop by sights like Omaha Children's Museum and The Durham Museum.

Southeast Omaha
Default Image

South Central Omaha

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting South Central Omaha, you might make a stop by sights like Ralston Arena and Baxter Arena.

South Central Omaha
Magnolia Hotel Omaha

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

4.5 out of 5
1615 Howard St, Omaha, NE
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,505 reviews)
"It’s a very nice historic property. Restaurant is great. It’s great for a historic property. They need to work on the details around the hotel. But a great stay and would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Magnolia Hotel Omaha
BridgePointe Inn & Suites

BridgePointe Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
3619 9th Ave, I-29 & I-80, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is AU$128 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$128
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Council Bluffs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,745 reviews)
"Easy to get on I29 or 480"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market

Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market

3.5 out of 5
555 S 10th St, Omaha, NE
The price is AU$137 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$137
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Omaha. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,114 reviews)
Great stay
"Great safe stay across from the market square."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Tiny House - Omaha's # 1 unique experience

The Tiny House - Omaha's # 1 unique experience

Omaha
Stay at this vacation home in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and CHI ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"This was just what we needed! If your in the area, venture out. We loved Dinkers/Omaha's Best Burgers, only a mile away and Legends, a bit further but we are locals when we are in town."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

The Tiny House - Omaha's # 1 unique experience
Charming 3 Bedroom House with Firepit in West Omaha

Charming 3 Bedroom House with Firepit in West Omaha

Omaha
Stay at this vacation home in Omaha. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Koch Family Tennis Center and Tranquility Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"We were in town on business. We chose this property as it was close to our meetings. It was very nice, well kept and just what we needed to do some work and relax before work! We would stay here again!"

Reviewed on 6 Sept 2025

Charming 3 Bedroom House with Firepit in West Omaha
Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.

Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.

Ashland
Stay at this apartment in Ashland. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"It was perfect!!! Beautiful apartment and close to the fun shops and restaurants in Ashland. A great place for five gals celebrating friendship and birthdays!"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Eastern Nebraska

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia