Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
University of Nebraska State Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Lincoln showing 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
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

Highlands

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

Highlands
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
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

3 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
The price is RM438 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
RM438
RM509 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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 Great Plains ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Very clean, staff very friendly and helpful, complimentary food and drinks were a nice perk.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 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 RM439 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
RM439
RM510 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,217 reviews)
Staff was great. Room was clean, but nothing exciting. Pool was kind of cold considering it's indoors. Restaurant was good, maybe a touch high priced. The only real bummer of the stay was that they advertise having an "arcade" at the hotel. It consisted of 3 games from the 80's in the lobby. They're ...

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St. Lincoln NE
The price is RM229 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
RM229
RM266 total
23 Mar - 24 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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,130 reviews)
I stayed the night on February 24th. I was not going to leave a review due to fairness, because there was a police shootout next door and that ISN’T their fault. I accidentally left a designer belt worth hundreds of dollars, and an unopened container of mouthwash, as soon as I handed my key over, ...

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

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.
Nordstrom Christmas Farm

Nordstrom Christmas Farm

3 out of 5
3101 N 168th St Omaha NE
Stay at this apartment in Omaha. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions Village Pointe Shopping Center and Pacific Springs Golf Club are located nearby.
Nordstrom Christmas Farm
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