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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Highlands

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

Highlands
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

4 out of 5
141 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$253 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
NZ$253
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (1,252 reviews)
"Fast, easy check in. Rooms were clean"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

3.5 out of 5
333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE
The price is NZ$258 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
NZ$258
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Close to everything."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St., 50th & O Street, Lincoln, NE
The price is NZ$144 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
NZ$144
5 Oct - 6 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! (1,082 reviews)
"Room was clean and quiet. Everything worked. Mattress needed replaced."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 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.
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.
Atmosphere Lincoln

Atmosphere Lincoln

4 out of 5
909 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
Stay at this 4-star condo in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a pool table. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Memorial Stadium ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"Right by all the action"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Atmosphere Lincoln
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! (55 reviews)
"We weren't there long enough to really get a huge impression, but everything was neat, clean and beds were comfortable."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly
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