Top Things to do in Nebraska
Top Hotels in Nebraska
- 1. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham North Platte
- 2. Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites
- 3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lincoln Airport, NE
- 4. Hampton Inn Omaha West-Lakeside
- 5. Husker Inn
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lincoln North Hotel and Conference Center, NE
- 7. Hampton Inn Lincoln Airport
- 8. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Omaha West
- 9. Best Western Plus York Hotel & Conference Center
- 10. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Sidney, NE
Countries
What to do and see in Nebraska, United States: The Best Things to do Good for Couples
Nebraska has something for everyone. From cowboys to wine industry, you’ll find many attractions when you visit this Great Plains state. If you are planning a family vacation to Nebraska, you won’t want to miss the Lincoln Children's Zoo in the state capital. Featuring more than 400 animals, you and the kids can see Amur leopards, Bactrian camels, river otters, eagles, crocodiles, reindeer, and more. At the zoo’s Butterfly Pavilion you can watch as butterflies emerge from their cocoon. The Aquacourt Family Water Park in Hastings features a wave pool, climbing wall and waterslides. In Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, you won’t want to miss the Omaha Children's Museum. For history buffs, Lincoln is your place. This city is home to the Nebraska History Museum, with permanent exhibits that interpret more than 12,000 years of human experience on the Plains. You can make history personal in Lincoln with a visit to the Nebraska State Historical Society Headquarters, where you can research your family history. Omaha is also home to The Durham Museum, featuring restored train cars, 1940's storefronts and other historical artifacts. For a bit of Nebraska heritage, make sure you visit Front Street and Cowboy Museum in Ogallala and the Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum in Gordon. Learn about the area’s wine industry and history on a Nebraska Cork & Bottle Tour through Raymond, Pawnee City, Lexington and St. Paul, sampling fine wines and taking in the scenic views.
Restaurants in Nebraska
1. Petrified Wood Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By 21blackcats
We stopped here on a road trip that took us through Nebraska, and I wasn't sure what to expect. The gallery is also a museum, and there is TONS to see. It's free to enter, and sometimes the artists might stop in while you're there! There are huge varieties of petrified wood, various species in various forms, plus art made from the petrified wood and sandstone. There is also a whole section of arrow heads and other ancient tools, I've never seen a collection so big! Aside from the arrowheads and petrified wood, there are also displays with fossils and precious stones! More than a few of the finds in the gallery are local as well! The ladies working the gallery are all volunteers and very kind and passionate about their little town. Definitely worth a stop.
2. Museum of American Speed
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 453 reviews
Reviewed By millerhispeedheadco
Last week, my wife and I were treated to a comprehensive tour of the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. What an amazing place! This museum, founded by Bill and Joyce Smith in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1992, commemorates the history of auto racing, technology, and period memorabilia. It contains everything from the history of the racing engine, to a collection of race cars, sprints, drags, land speed and hot rods; engines of every type, as well as period after-market accessories for the enthusiast. An entire room was devoted to Harry Miller outlining his accomplishments and history in bringing auto racing to the fore during his lifetime. He truly was the “Father of Speed”! We were impressed with the volume and variety of items on display. Also included in the collection were period pedal cars, lunch boxes, auto related record albums, children’s toys, and cookie jars which Joyce loved to collect. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at this outstanding museum!
3. Holy Family Shrine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By leesaburz - Clermont, United States
We planned this stop to break up our drive through Nebraska and are so glad we stopped! The shrine is visible from the road and well worth the short detour over a gravel road. The structure is beautiful and so peaceful. Recommend this stop for anyone of any denomination.
4. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Cold War aircraft and artifacts in the U.S. The Museum preserves and displays historic aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles and provides STEM education. The Museum is a 300,000-square-foot facility that features a glass atrium, two aircraft display hangars, a traveling exhibit area, a children's interactive gallery, a 200-seat theater, a museum store, an aircraft restoration gallery, and a cafe. The glass atrium is constructed of 525 glass panels that encase a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The Museum hosts regular exhibitions and several special events throughout the year. The Museum's Education Department is committed to fueling the curiosity of children across the Midwest and to educating them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Regular STEM sessions, workshops and camp programs are available at the Museum.
Reviewed By kmarshall78 - Smithville, United States
We lived in Lincoln for two years and somehow never visited the SAC Museum. On a recent trip, we made a point to stop here. SAC is a critical piece of Cold War history, and there is a lot of information about the era. The collection of aircraft was fascinating for my husband, who loves military history. The tour is 1:45, but it flew by with all the information the guide had to share. The highlight was seeing the SR-71 Blackbird. They also have a very fun STEM area with interactive exhibits and activities for kids. Lunch from the cafe was very good and not over-priced. Well worth the stop. It is a 501c3 and fully donor-funded.
5. Old Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,531 reviews
Omaha preserves its historic place in time in this historic section of town where visitors can stroll along the cobbled streets and explore the many preserved buildings.
Reviewed By BoloBunch - Jacksonville, United States
This quaint old factory town with cobblestone streets, horse carriages, and cinderella rides, has some fun and delicious restaurants packed in the renovated factory buildings. Extremely walkable area for all restaurants in Old Market. On nice weather days/nights, the many outdoor terraces are chock full of people enjoying their time outside. There's a famous bar bike called The Patio Ride which meanders (lively) through the streets of Old Market. With the many parks and trails around the Old Market, walking it off never seemed so good. From microbrew beer to consignment stores to interesting shops, restaurants aren't the only thing that dot Old Market. Its a pretty cool place and one that pleasantly surprises most visitors.
6. Holmes Park & Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
The center of outdoor activity in the heart of Lincoln including a lake for boating and fishing, plus picnic grounds and hiking trails.
Reviewed By kdschielke - Austin, United States
Nice park, large grassy areas and paved, shady walkway around lake. Lots of people fishing. Dogs on leash welcome. Free parking and entry.
7. Pioneer Park Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
A 900-acre wildlife area that features hiking trails and other outdoor pleasures.
Reviewed By jmdz5459 - Papillion, United States
We stumbled unto Pioneer Park as we were trying to Travel Nebraska. We wanted to learn about the areas history and walk trails. Pioneer Park was a pleasant surprise as we walked thru wooded & grassy, yet safes, trails. Nature Center had just closed as we arrived so will have to return for that.
8. Henry Doorly Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,840 reviews
This world-class zoo is famous for its involvement with breeding endangered species from around the world.
Reviewed By StephanieMRS - Omaha, United States
I have been to a couple of Zoos, but Henry Doorly is truly something special. A good place to visit at all times of year (since they have indoor exhibits too), their IMAX is great and has plently of educational options for those interested in learning more about animals or nature through documentaries. Don't forget that the dome has an underground exhibit as well! They allow you to bring food and water to be sure to save money on that front!
9. Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is the public face of the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust. We are a nonprofit whose mission is the preservation and restoration of Platte River Valley habitat for whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and other migratory birds. The Nature & Visitor Center has 10 miles of walking trails, an observation tower, a bison herd, art gallery, gift shop, and informational exhibits. We also offer tourism information for the state of Nebraska. During the spring crane migration, we offer viewing blind tours to see cranes up close on their river roosts and driving maps of the area so visitors can see the cranes while they are in the fields feeding.
Reviewed By 382chrisw - Omaha, United States
The tour was well organized by enthusiastic, knowledgeable volunteers. The blinds were right on the riverbank, and the view was amazing. We chose the evening viewing and would like to come again for a morning tour. Can’t say enough good things about the center and the viewing experience. I wish I had taken more time in the gift shop.
10. Toadstool Geologic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By mikecO1993QM - Lincoln, United States
Toadstool Geologic Park is located in the middle of nowhere, literally. To get to it, you have to travel 17 miles on a gravel road. The road is in fairly decent shape and I had no problems in a car. However, it might be a little challenging right after a big rain. The landscape of the park is unique—almost lunar. There is a hiking trail. You can either go up on the rock formations, or there is a 3 mike trail to the Hudson Meng Bison Trail. We chose to climb the rocks. To do so, simply follow the poles as the path takes you up the rocks. There are a few spots where the trail is narrow with a steep drop off on one side. It is definitely a moderate hike. I would be cautious about going up there with small children. Tip--Bring water and sunscreen. There is no water at the site and no shade, so we were quite warm when we finished our hike. I would also recommend a hat.
