Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum showing a statue or sculpture
Lincoln showing railway items
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum showing interior views and military items
University of Nebraska State Museum showing 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

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 Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.

Downtown Lincoln
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
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
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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
Aerial panorama of Lincoln, Nebraska under a dramatic sunset. Lincoln is the capital city of the U.S. state of Nebraska and the county seat of Lancaster County

40th and "A"

When in 40th and "A", you can plan a visit to Lincoln Children's Zoo and Woods Tennis Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

40th and "A"
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Highlands

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

Highlands
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

3 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
Fully refundable
The price is HK$900 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$900
HK$1,046 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lied Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (121 reviews)
Great location and breakfast

Reviewed on 24 Mar 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 HK$493 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
HK$493
HK$573 total
26 Mar - 27 Mar
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! (1,127 reviews)
Never went to the weight room and the stay was wonderful we booked another week.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

New Victorian Suites
Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2201 Wildcat Circle Lincoln NE
The price is HK$668 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
HK$668
HK$776 total
19 Apr - 20 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,140 reviews)
Breakfast was comprehensive with belgian waffles, pastries, toast, yogurt, oatmeal with toppings, chocolate milk, fresh fruit, cereal, biscuits and gravy,

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & 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.
New construction, Sunset views

New construction, Sunset views

Lincoln NE
Stay at this holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Hartland Garden Valley Conservation ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
This is a lovely house. The owner responded quickly. It is on the outskirts of Lincoln in a quiet, nice neighborhood. If you have any trouble with stairs this might be for you. I highly recommend it if you can do stairs.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

New construction, Sunset views
Ultimate Family Retreat • Pool • Hot Tub • Arcade • Theatre Room • Firepit

Ultimate Family Retreat • Pool • Hot Tub • Arcade • Theatre Room • Firepit

Lincoln NE
Stay at this holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Wilderness Ridge Golf Course ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
This house was excellent! Our family had a wonderful time staying here. The host was very accommodating and welcoming to us. We will definitely be back.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Ultimate Family Retreat • Pool • Hot Tub • Arcade • Theatre Room • Firepit
Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly

Lincoln NE
Stay at this holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Hyde Memorial Observatory are located ...
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.

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