Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

Southeast Nebraska
Southeast Nebraska
Southeast Nebraska
Southeast Nebraska
Southeast Nebraska

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

Downtown 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
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
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
Default Image

Highlands

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

Highlands
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St. Lincoln NE
The price is HK$539 per night from 18 May to 19 May
HK$539
HK$627 total
18 May - 19 May
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! (1,142 reviews)
We have stayed at this particular hotel 5 times in as many weeks. We like the location, the price has been good, and the staff is very friendly. We are only needing a place to sleep, so do not use the other available facilities. We enjoy the biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Overall, reasonably clean ...

Reviewed on 16 May 2026

New Victorian Suites
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

3 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
The price is HK$994 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
HK$994
HK$1,156 total
4 Jun - 5 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
This place is super nice! They have a parking lot for $10 overnight which is nice. There are tons of places to eat within walking distance. The staff was incredibly friendly and I ate at the hotel bar which was great! The breakfast is free and amazing! One of best I’ve had. My only feedback is that ...

Reviewed on 15 May 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

4 out of 5
141 N 9th St Lincoln NE
The price is HK$929 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
HK$929
HK$1,080 total
31 May - 1 Jun
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 ...
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.
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 Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
This was an awesome VRBO! Very clean, inviting and comfortable.

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly
Tiny House Cabin with Loft. 2 Queen Beds with Child Sleeper

Tiny House Cabin with Loft. 2 Queen Beds with Child Sleeper

Ashland NE
Stay at this cabin in Ashland. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wildlife Safari Park and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Easy check in and host communicated well...the cabin was very clean and everything worked well. We were very happy to find an affordable clean space for UNL graduation. I think it's worth noting that the space is tough for 4 adults. I saw two queen beds and just went check in my mind. But the loft ...

Reviewed on 10 May 2026

Tiny House Cabin with Loft. 2 Queen Beds with Child Sleeper
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 Memorial Stadium are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Nice place

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia