Southeast Nebraska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum featuring a statue or sculpture
Lincoln featuring railway items
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum which includes military items and interior views
University of Nebraska State Museum featuring interior views
Sheldon Museum of Art which includes 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 featuring 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
Sunken Gardens which includes 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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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
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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
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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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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
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
4 out of 5
141 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE
The price is Rp1.930.444 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
Rp1.930.444
Rp2.244.138 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,281 reviews)
"The parking garage elevator was terrible. It was 100° and the elevator was questionably operating. With the door barely opening. There was no fan or vent at all. It was very uncomfortable. And the price per vehicle for parking is ridiculous."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
BridgePointe Inn & Suites by BPhotels, Lincoln I-80/27th St
BridgePointe Inn & Suites by BPhotels, Lincoln I-80/27th St
2.5 out of 5
6750 Wildcat Drive, Lincoln, NE
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The place was nice! I liked that they had a couch in the room"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

BridgePointe Inn & Suites by BPhotels, Lincoln I-80/27th St
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lincoln
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lincoln
3 out of 5
4433 N 27th St, Lincoln, NE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.252.683 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
Rp1.252.683
Rp1.456.243 total
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly motel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,236 reviews)
"They were very friendly."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham 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.
Stay on M Street
Stay on M Street
2 out of 5
921 M St, Lincoln, NE
Stay at this apartment in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a garden. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Lincoln Children's Museum are located ...
7/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"Awesome way to stay out if town ! All the amenities of home."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Stay on M Street
Atmosphere Lincoln
Atmosphere Lincoln
4 out of 5
909 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
Stay at this 4-star condo in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a pool table. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Lincoln Children's ...
"We liked the coffee bar in the morning. We didn’t like not being able to park in the basement. That would have made a difference. Communication was bad, it was very hard to get someone to speak with regarding all the issues that we had from the beginning of our stay."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Atmosphere Lincoln
Fox Run Bungalow w/ Patio & Yard in Lincoln!
Fox Run Bungalow w/ Patio & Yard in Lincoln!
3 out of 5
Lincoln, NE
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Lincoln. Enjoy free parking, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Antelope Park are located ...
Fox Run Bungalow w/ Patio & Yard in 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southeast Nebraska