Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum featuring 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
Sheldon Museum of Art showing outdoor art

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

5/5(4 area reviews)

Downtown Lincoln is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lied Center and Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center while in the area.

Downtown Lincoln
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
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
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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
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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
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
Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

3 out of 5
920 Q Street Lincoln NE
The price is CA $154 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
CA $154
CA $179 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
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! (115 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St. Lincoln NE
The price is CA $86 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
CA $86
CA $100 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
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)
Our room was clean, the whole place was clean, actually, and the coffee the desk attendant had made at night was actually good! Pet friendly and very affordable for a suite, which was exactly what we needed. There wasn’t a specific or large pet area around the property, but there was a grassy areas ...

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

New Victorian Suites
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 $111 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $111
CA $130 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,143 reviews)
This property was very nice, beds were comfortable, the room was clean and quiet, the staff was personable and efficient. This was a very nice experience.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & 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.
New construction, Sunset views

New construction, Sunset views

Lincoln NE
Stay at this vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Hartland Garden Valley Conservation ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
great space, nice and clean

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

New construction, Sunset views
Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.

Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.

Ashland NE
Stay at this apartment in Ashland. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
The details, the beautiful furnishings, and luxe kitchen items. This place is spectacular. We had a great night's sleep, too. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.
Ultimate Family Retreat • Pool • Hot Tub • Arcade • Theatre Room • Firepit

Ultimate Family Retreat • Pool • Hot Tub • Arcade • Theatre Room • Firepit

Lincoln NE
Stay at this vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Wilderness Ridge Golf Course ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
This house was excellent! Our family had a wonderful time staying here. The host was very accommodating and welcoming to us. We will definitely be back.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Ultimate Family Retreat • Pool • Hot Tub • Arcade • Theatre Room • Firepit
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

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