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
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Nebraska, United States
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. Yanney Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
This city park is loaded with features which are free to the public including trails, labyrinth, gardens, lake, splash pads (summer only) and playgrounds. There is a Senior Center that has activities and lunch (for a fee). During the summer months, there is a concessions stand and rentals available (for a fee). There are two air-conditioned facilities to rent for gatherings (for a fee). Great place to relax, play, walk, explore, fish, kayak, picnic, meet and much more! For more information about rentals, contact the City Park and Rec office at 308-237-4644. To donate to the park, contact the Yanney Heritage Park Foundation office at 308-237-7095.
Reviewed By happytravelerjw
Yanney Park has many great features to enjoy the Tower overlooks the Park and you can see the area from above. The walking gardens are beautiful when they are in bloom and the kids love the water park, paddle boats, bike trails and easy access to area for water sports. The park is located next to the Petersen Senior Center where you can call in or stop by to enjoy lunch. Great building for outdoor family gatherings, weddings, etc. Great stop for family picnics or a quick walk.
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. Cellar 426 Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Visit the beautiful lodge style winery to taste a wide variety of award winning wines from dry to sweet vinted and bottled on site. Enjoy a glass or bottle of wine on our expansive deck with scenic views that stretch for miles. Most days you'll even get a chance to visit with the owners. An experience like no other!
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. St. Cecilia's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Guided tours are available through this Spanish Renaissance-style cathedral, which contains stained-glass windows from the 16th century.
Reviewed By KameradOwO - Sheridan, United States
The museum and gift shop was lovely, and the lady working it was very genuine and kind. Unfortunately the cathedral had a wake happening when I visited so I didn’t go past the first set of pews.
7. 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.
8. Ta-Ha-Zouka Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
9. 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.
10. Carhenge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Replica of Stonehenge that is created from old automobiles. Pit Stop Gift Shop is open during the summer, merchandise available in town at the Knight Museum in the winter.
Reviewed By 2doglady - Tennessee, United States
Carhenge is in the middle of a big field so you cannot miss it! They have added some other car art along the path here. I like the benches made from a truck tail gate! There is one car art called the autograph car that you can sign (names only it says, so it does not become trashy) so take your pen or marker with you. Fun stop and great photo opp along a long flat drive in Nebraska. It's free, too! Donations are accepted in a container where you enter.
