Southeast Nebraska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
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 showing interior views

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Where to stay in Southeast Nebraska

Nighttime long exposure of the best performing arts center in Lincoln!

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
Lincoln station in Lincoln, Nebraska

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
Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Skyline

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
The West Virginia Capitol glows in the sun with the Abraham Lincoln statue in the foreground.

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
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

3 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
The price is AU$184 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$184
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lied Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
Excellent addition to downtown Lincoln.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St. Lincoln NE
The price is AU$104 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$104
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,132 reviews)
This building needs a lot of repairs. Our room had a bed mattress that seemed new but the pillows flat. The bathroom shower was broken and had to be held and the counter had old sink and faucets.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

New Victorian Suites
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

4 out of 5
141 N 9th St Lincoln NE
The price is AU$184 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$184
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,222 reviews)
The gym needs a fan badly as there is no air circulation! The hotel was unique and fun as we have come to expect from Graduate hotels! The parking garage is treacherous space wise, but geographical footprint is limited in a downtown/haymarket area, so tight spaces are expected. It was quiet even ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
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.
New construction, Sunset views

New construction, Sunset views

Lincoln NE
Stay at this holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Hartland Garden Valley Conservation ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
great space, nice and clean

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

New construction, Sunset views
Cozy 2 bedroom cottage, near Stadium.

Cozy 2 bedroom cottage, near Stadium.

Lincoln NE
Stay at this cottage in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and patios. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Bob Devaney Sports Center are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Property true to listing. Close to university stadiums. We stayed just 2 nights but enjoyed the coziness and amenities of the home. Communication with the host was seamless, they were very appreciative of feedback and accommodating to requests for a 2 hour early check in! If we are in Lincoln would ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Cozy 2 bedroom cottage, near Stadium.
Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.

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

Ashland NE
Stay at this apartment in Ashland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Strategic Air Command and Aerospace ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
The details, the beautiful furnishings, and luxe kitchen items. This place is spectacular. We had a great night's sleep, too. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

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.

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Cities near Southeast Nebraska

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