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

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Downtown Lincoln is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lied Center and Lincoln Children's Museum while in the area.

Downtown Lincoln
Lincoln station in Lincoln, Nebraska

Haymarket

Historic downtown Lincoln boasts the Haymarket District, where visitors can explore repurposed warehouses turned into retail shops and catch a game at Haymarket Park baseball stadium.

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
The West Virginia Capitol glows in the sun with the Abraham Lincoln statue in the foreground.

West Lincoln

Though West Lincoln might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Capitol Beach Lake and Haymarket Park.

West Lincoln
Default Image

South Salt Creek

While South Salt Creek isn't home to many top sights, Nebraska State Capitol and Lincoln Children's Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Salt Creek
Default Image

Highlands

3/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Highlands, Highlands Golf Course and Highland Village are top sights worth seeing.

Highlands
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St. Lincoln NE
The price is CA $86 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
CA $86
CA $100 total
Apr 30 - May 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,126 reviews)
Will never stay here again. The pictures on hotels.com aren’t close to what it actually is. Do better!!

Reviewed on Apr 28, 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 CA $152 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $152
CA $177 total
May 17 - May 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lied Center ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
Loved everything about this hotel. The staff was incredibly nice, the room was great, and it was near so much to do that we didn't even need to use the car. Would absolutely stay again.

Reviewed on Apr 28, 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 CA $150 per night from May 24 to May 25
CA $150
CA $174 total
May 24 - May 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,153 reviews)
Door signs to let your cleaning staff not to clean room

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2026

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 vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
Great spot, would highly recommend!

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly
Cozy 2 bedroom cottage, near Stadium.

Cozy 2 bedroom cottage, near Stadium.

Lincoln NE
Stay at this cottage in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and patios. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Bob Devaney Sports Center are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Great little cottage in a very central location. Lots of nice touches from the host, who is also easy to communicate with. There is not a washer/dryer, which isn't the hosts fault I just didn't read the listing carefully when booking so that was a surprise. But there's a nice laundromat within a ...

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2026

Cozy 2 bedroom cottage, near Stadium.
Comfortable Condo Downtown Lincoln

Comfortable Condo Downtown Lincoln

Lincoln NE
Stay at this condo in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lincoln Children's Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Great value and location. Clean place, very helpful and communicative host.

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2026

Comfortable Condo Downtown 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southeast Nebraska

Explore a world of travel with Expedia