Southeast Nebraska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum featuring a statue or sculpture
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 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.

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
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
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North Bottoms

While North Bottoms isn't home to many top sights, Bob Devaney Sports Center and Memorial Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Bottoms
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

3 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
The price is ฿3,399 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
฿3,399
฿3,951 total
12 Feb - 13 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Great Plains Art Museum and Lied Center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
staff was friendly and helpful, we were from out of town and asked for some recommendations for things to do they staff were very helpful we ended up checking out a couple suggested places and had a great time, nice amenities, delicious food and drinks

Reviewed on 5 Feb 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 ฿1,964 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
฿1,964
฿2,283 total
12 Feb - 13 Feb
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,140 reviews)
Clean room and the property is well maintained

Reviewed on 31 Jan 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 ฿3,467 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
฿3,467
฿4,031 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,228 reviews)
Very clean room and friendly front desk staff

Reviewed on 5 Feb 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.
Truyen Quach

Truyen Quach

3 out of 5
301 Haverford Dr Lincoln NE
Stay at this holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Gateway Mall and National Museum of Roller ...
Truyen Quach
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