Southeast Nebraska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Lincoln featuring railway items
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum showing military items and interior views
University of Nebraska State Museum which includes interior views
Sheldon Museum of Art featuring outdoor art

Quaint rural towns, an exciting capital city and miles of rolling plains make this destination a must-visit for travellers looking to discover America’s heartland.

There is no place quite like Southeast Nebraska, a charming region on the banks of the Missouri River. Travel from rural farms to a busy cosmopolitan city in just a short drive. Taste locally produced wines along a winery trail, head to a barn dance for a night of fun and crane your neck towards impressive skyscrapers.

Lincoln is Nebraska’s state capital. Here you can gaze at the stars at the Mueller Planetarium, visit the towering State Capitol and embrace the local football culture by cheering for the University of Nebraska’s team, the Cornhuskers, at Memorial Stadium. Walk or cycle along the MoPac Trail to explore miles of Nebraskan scenery.

To the east of Lincoln is Plattsmouth, a historic town with antique shops. Visit the Cass County Historical Museum to learn about the town’s settlement and practice wildlife photography in the Schilling Wildlife Management Area. If you are interested in pioneering history, be sure to go to the meeting point of the Missouri River and Platte River to see where explorers Lewis and Clark would have passed on their journey west.

For a true rural America experience, head to Pawnee City or Lewiston. Stop at cafés to chat with the friendly locals. Don’t be surprised if everyone seems to know everyone else as many of these small towns have less than 1,000 residents.

Outdoor activities abound in Southeast Nebraska. Attend a music concert in Legion Memorial Park in Auburn, and catch trout, catfish and carp in Rotary Lake. Take the family to Coryell Park in Brock to play on the playground and visit the doll collection in the Treasure House. Adventurous travelers can go backcountry camping in the rugged terrain of Indian Cave State Park.

Fly into Lincoln Airport and use a taxi to get you on your way. If you plan to travel anywhere outside Lincoln, renting a car is highly recommended as public transportation is limited.

Spend time in Southeast Nebraska to experience both rural charm and bustling city life.

Where to stay in Southeast Nebraska

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
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Haymarket

Though Haymarket may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lincoln Children's Museum.

Haymarket
Sunken Gardens showing bird life and zoo animals

Near South

While visiting Near South, you might make a stop by sights like Sunken Gardens and Museum of Nebraska History.

Near South
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South Salt Creek

While there might not be top attractions in South Salt Creek, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Nebraska State Capitol and Lincoln Children's Museum.

South Salt Creek
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Highlands

While visiting Highlands, you might make a stop by sights like Highlands Golf Course and Highland Village.

Highlands
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West Lincoln

West Lincoln might not have many top sights, but Capitol Beach Lake and Haymarket Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Lincoln
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

4 out of 5
141 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE
The price is AU$219 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$219
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,275 reviews)
"This is a neat hotel with lots of personality. Check in and out went smoothly, parking was easy (although the garage is tight if you're in a big vehicle) and the location is awesome. Easy walking to all the fun downtown. The restaurant was very good!"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2201 Wildcat Circle, Lincoln, NE
The price is AU$156 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$156
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,086 reviews)
"Room and staff were great. Being on the top floor with dogs wasn’t great"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St., 50th & O Street, Lincoln, NE
The price is AU$121 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$121
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,066 reviews)
"Poor overall."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

New Victorian Suites
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.
Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly

Lincoln
Stay at this vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (57 reviews)
"Everything was pretty standard. No complaints from me, but the residents have children so if you’re looking for a super quiet stay then this might not be for you. It wasn’t any excessive noise, but you could hear them walking and talking above you."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly
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! (3 reviews)
"This space was stunning! Comfortable, beautiful, and spotless. The attention to detail and thoughtful extras made our stay perfect. Walking distance to a wonderful bakery and cute shops. An amazing brewery just a 3 minute drive."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.
UNL Retreat Eclectic 5bd 5mins to Downtown

UNL Retreat Eclectic 5bd 5mins to Downtown

2 out of 5
Lincoln
Stay at this vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Will be back! Perfect. Loved it."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

UNL Retreat Eclectic 5bd 5mins to Downtown
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 Southeast Nebraska

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