Central Nebraska

Travel Guide

Grand Island which includes a house
Great Platte River Road Archway featuring a bridge
Great Platte River Road Archway featuring a statue or sculpture
Classic Car Collection which includes interior views and heritage elements
Great Platte River Road Archway featuring interior views

Experience the pioneering spirit of this region as you make your way over flat prairies, hike through sand dunes and watch trains zoom through the countryside. 

Central Nebraska was once a key stop on the journey westward for American pioneers. Historic trails through the region helped explorers tame the prairies and settle new towns. Come here today to visit its cultural attractions and to experience the small-town charm that makes it a must-visit for tourists looking for an escape from the big city lights.

One of Central Nebraska’s most unique attractions is the Archway. This museum is housed inside a bridge spanning Interstate 80 and is dedicated to 19th-century pioneers. Enjoy interactive exhibits on the history of the railroad.

Head to the city of Lexington to shop for upcycled vintage furniture. History buffs should stop by the Dawson County Historical Museum and the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, while oenophiles can go wine tasting in rural vineyards. Drive 20 minutes southwest from Lexington for outdoor fun swimming in Johnson Lake.

Grand Island is a town that brims with history and hospitality. Head to the Stuhr Museum to see the 1890s Railroad Town, where costumed actors help capture the essence of a prairie community. Inspect early farm equipment in the exhibits and let the kids run free in the children’s interactive play area. Downtown Grand Island has galleries, while the Island Oasis Water Park is a thrilling way to cool off on a hot day.

Spot local wildlife in Kearney, known as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World. Watch hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes pass over the Platte River on their migration path between February and April. Also in the Sandhills region is Nebraska National Forest, a superb hiking and star-gazing destination.

The Central Nebraska Regional Airport serves seasonal flights from nearby cities. Alternatively, drive into Central Nebraska using Interstate 80 or the Lincoln Highway. Take the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway or the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway for a well-signed journey across the region.

Come to Central Nebraska to discover America’s rich past while enjoying its present-day beauty.

Where to stay in Central Nebraska

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Kearney Downtown Historic District

While visiting Kearney Downtown Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like The World Theatre and Museum of Nebraska Art.

Kearney Downtown Historic District
Grand Island which includes interior views, art and zoo animals

Railside

Though Railside may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Island Oasis Water Park and Nebraska State Fair Grounds.

Railside
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Central Hastings Historic District

Central Hastings Historic District might not have many top sights, but Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History and Heartwell Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Central Hastings Historic District
New Victorian Inn and Suites

New Victorian Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
903 2nd Ave, Kearney, NE
The price is €81 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€81
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kearney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Clean and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

New Victorian Inn and Suites
Motel 6 Kearney, NE

Motel 6 Kearney, NE

2 out of 5
101 Talmadge St, Kearney, NE
The price is €64 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€64
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kearney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,231 reviews)
"Clean, well organized and very well kept"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Motel 6 Kearney, NE
Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Island I-80

Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Island I-80

2.5 out of 5
7800 South Hwy 281, Grand Island, NE
The price is €84 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€84
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grand Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,027 reviews)
"It was clean ! Needed some updating"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Island I-80
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.
Charming 2-bedroom apartment in the Historic Downtown Grand Island

Charming 2-bedroom apartment in the Historic Downtown Grand Island

Grand Island
Stay at this apartment in Grand Island. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Island Oasis Water Park and Nebraska ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great place to stay!
"It was a cute and clean place to stay- had everything you would need! Host is very responsive!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Charming 2-bedroom apartment in the Historic Downtown Grand Island
The Lakehouse at Johnson Lake – Your Perfect Getaway!

The Lakehouse at Johnson Lake – Your Perfect Getaway!

Elwood
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Elwood. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bossung Lake and Johnson ...
10/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"Great place for our entire family to get together. Gorgeous home, everything you could ask for. The grandkids LOVED the bunk room. The large kitchen and big table provided a fun place to gather but we spent most of our time outside. The lake was awesome and the floats and life jackets provided by ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

The Lakehouse at Johnson Lake – Your Perfect Getaway!
Crane and Nature Lovers Dream - Perfect for Crane Viewing!

Crane and Nature Lovers Dream - Perfect for Crane Viewing!

Shelton
Stay at this vacation home in Shelton. Enjoy a garden, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
Cows
"Country shed-lodging. Rustic with lots of taxidermy. Pet friendly, nice dirt roads to walk on."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Crane and Nature Lovers Dream - Perfect for Crane Viewing!
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