Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

A large bronze statue of a bull with antlers in front of a building with columns and a flag.
A red caboose train at a station with a covered walkway and surrounding greenery.
A cockpit with multiple control panels, switches, and screens.
A museum exhibit with fossil displays, including a plesiosaur skeleton and various marine fossils.
A building with large arched windows, a metal sculpture on the steps, and a closed sign.

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.

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

4 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
Fully refundable
The price is CA $134 per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
CA $134
CA $156 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank ...
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown
Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2201 Wildcat Circle Lincoln NE
The price is CA $131 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
CA $131
CA $152 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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 breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn by Hilton Lincoln Downtown

Hampton Inn by Hilton Lincoln Downtown

2.5 out of 5
1033 O Street Lincoln NE
The price is CA $119 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
CA $119
CA $139 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Memorial Stadium are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (220 reviews)
"Helpful staff, clean, and great location."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Hampton Inn by Hilton Lincoln Downtown
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.
Large home centrally located; walk to Zoo, Sunken Gardens or Telegraph District.

Large home centrally located; walk to Zoo, Sunken Gardens or Telegraph District.

Lincoln NE
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Love staying here. Great location and accomadations."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

Large home centrally located; walk to Zoo, Sunken Gardens or Telegraph District.
Beautiful Private Suites at Sisley Inn-10 Minutes to Downtown!

Beautiful Private Suites at Sisley Inn-10 Minutes to Downtown!

Lincoln NE
Stay at this aparthotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"Thank you!"

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2026

Beautiful Private Suites at Sisley Inn-10 Minutes to Downtown!
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 coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wildlife Safari Park and Quarry Oaks Golf Club are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"It was great for a little weekend getaway."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2026

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

Stay near popular Southeast Nebraska attractions

Cities near Southeast Nebraska

Explore a world of travel with Expedia