Eastern Nebraska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Henry Doorly Zoo showing forests as well as a small group of people
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 featuring a high-rise building, modern architecture and night scenes

Downtown Omaha

5/5(5 area reviews)

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

Downtown Omaha
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West Omaha

You'll enjoy the golf courses and sporting events in West Omaha. You might want to make time for a stop at Boys Town Visitors Center or Village Pointe Shopping 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
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 Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Downtown Lincoln
Downtown Omaha featuring a high-rise building, modern architecture and night scenes

Southeast Omaha

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

Southeast Omaha
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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
Holiday Inn Omaha Downtown - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Omaha Downtown - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1420 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE
The price is NZ$151 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$151
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, water park access (surcharge), and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (132 reviews)
"We loved the hotel and the small water park they had."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Holiday Inn Omaha Downtown - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
BridgePointe Inn & Suites
BridgePointe Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
3619 9th Ave, I-29 & I-80, Council Bluffs, IA
The price is NZ$156 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$156
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
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! (1,622 reviews)
"Friendly welcoming."

Reviewed on 30 May 2024

BridgePointe Inn & Suites
Magnolia Hotel Omaha
Magnolia Hotel Omaha
4.5 out of 5
1615 Howard St, Omaha, NE
The price is NZ$223 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
NZ$223
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this hotel in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
Great Hotel
"Our stay was great! Close to many of the shops and restaurants. We were able to walk to everything. Great room and great staff!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

Magnolia Hotel Omaha
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.
Comfortable Apartment in Northwest Omaha
Comfortable Apartment in Northwest Omaha
Omaha
Stay at this apartment in Omaha. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Charles Schwab Field Omaha and CHI Health Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Great apartment
"Everything about the apartment was as shown in the listing and was very clean. The kitchen is well stocked and we found the house with no issues. The neighborhood is quiet and we came and went without issues. Katy Helped me get the key when I struggled with the combination. We enjoyed our time there ..."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Comfortable Apartment in Northwest Omaha
Cozy home in Little Bohemia; 5 min from Zoo and Downtown w/ Free Parking
Cozy home in Little Bohemia; 5 min from Zoo and Downtown w/ Free Parking
Omaha
Stay at this vacation home in Omaha. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Henry Doorly Zoo and Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
my booking
"Everything was nice and everything went as planned! my stay was wonderful, definitely will be booking again:)"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2024

Cozy home in Little Bohemia; 5 min from Zoo and Downtown w/ Free Parking
Luxury New Build Villa Sleeps 8
Luxury New Build Villa Sleeps 8
Lincoln
Stay at this vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Wilderness Ridge Golf Course and Wilderness Park are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Lovely Stay
"We loved the property. We would stay again in a heartbeat."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Luxury New Build Villa Sleeps 8
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