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
Top 10 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. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. Niobrara River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By lauraaD5725FH - Indianapolis, United States
We had a fantastic time on our tubing trip. We used Dryland Aquatics out of Sparks, NE. We had a double tube with a back rest - absolutely the way to go!! We did the 4 hour, starting at Berry Bridge, it was the perfect length and we still got to stop and see Smith Falls!
5. 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.
6. Joslyn Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 895 reviews
Reviewed By DeanS208 - Manila, Philippines
Beautiful art deco building, a pleasant well designed sculpture garden in front, and the Chihuly glass sculptures in the main entrance are well presented. The collection is solid, with some excellent Native American and western art as the showpieces, but not the only attraction. When visiting on a morning in the middle of the week it was a joy to move around in such an uncrowded space, although it makes you worry about its financial viability. No charge for the permanent collection. And the café is a real added bonus. If in downtown Omaha would consider going here just for the food in a pleasant setting.
7. Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
Reviewed By TaraMcConkeytravels - Shawnee, United States
Try to come here before May 9th, as they have a really cool Folklore exhibit, as Folklore inspired by nature. They created art using plants and found objects to represent different folklore creatures and it was awesome. That being said, the year round gardens are great too. They have a great children's garden, tropics house, and we always love the bird garden. Reasonable price as well. We take 3-4 hours with 2 kids.
8. The Durham Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.
Reviewed By 857beckyw - Grimes, United States
We happened to visit the Durham when they were running a $5 admission special for a weekday evening. Being a former railroad station, the main area was massive, beautiful, and very Art Deco. It also included a little diner/cafe that was closed/closing for the night while we were there. The lower level includes decommissioned train cars you can tour, as well as plenty of historical displays, exhibits, and even a small theater that screened short documentaries. We also happened to visit a temporary exhibit that enabled patrons to “role-play” as early settlers and attempt to survive by completing tasks as they negotiated a maze representing the first year of the settlement, which the kids/teens with us found the most entertaining part. One of the teens with us kept “dying” and would go through again, determined to “survive.” In all, it was an enjoyable stop on our vacation, especially for the price.
9. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,429 reviews
Reviewed By sheris542
A great, easy walk from one state to another with a great photo opportunity at the state line. We were looking for something to do to kill time before heading to the airport and this was perfect. The museum had interesting artifacts and the people were friendly. Definitely a great spot to enjoy seeing the river.
10. Sunken Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Reviewed By deforestn
Flowers don't get any better than July. Except for June and August in the Sunken Gardens.You can "get down" with the Koi fishes and Water Lilies and "get high" with the Hostas and the gigantic Elephant Ears. No matter where you are you will be awash in vibrant colors and sweet smells. "Not that I can smell them."
