Eastern Nebraska

Travel Guide

Omaha which includes a skyscraper, a city and a river or creek
Henry Doorly Zoo showing forest scenes as well as a small group of people
University of Nebraska State Museum featuring interior views as well as a family
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum showing modern architecture as well as a family
Nebraska State Capitol featuring a fountain

Modern skylines and chic shopping districts meet traditional small-town charm and breathtaking rolling prairies in this Midwestern region.

Eastern Nebraska blends beautiful natural scenery with cosmopolitan cities and delightful rural towns. Visit Eastern Nebraska to explore historic homes, stroll through vineyards and go fishing on remote lakes. Appreciate local art by wandering through a sculpture garden and buy tickets to attend a concert performance in an ornate theater.

The biggest city in Eastern Nebraska is Omaha. The city’s skyline towers over the rolling plains, reminding visitors that even in this metropolis, the charm and hospitality of Midwest America is not far away. Visit the Durham Museum in Omaha Union Station for hands-on exhibits about the history of the region. Watch as the fountain lights up with dazzling colors in the Heartland of America Park.

South of Omaha is the Nebraska capital of Lincoln. Here, explore the State Capitol, walk across the wetlands of the Pioneers Park Nature Center and browse the exhibits of the Great Plains Art Museum. Family-friendly attractions here include the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum, which features interactive displays.

Head to Nebraska City for a large helping of hospitality and all the apples you could possibly eat. Enjoy fresh apple pie at the Apple House Market or go to a wine-tasting session at Arbor Day Farm. Explore a 52-room mansion, the Arbor Lodge, at the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Eastern Nebraska. Cycle through the Steamboat Trace Trail in Brownville, take an airboat tour on the Platte River and watch the sunset from Cowboy Trail. Fishing is popular in Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, where you can camp and picnic year round.

Fly into Omaha Airport or Lincoln Airport for the easiest access to Eastern Nebraska. Airport shuttles will take you to the major cities. Rent a car to drive out to smaller towns. Nebraska’s roads are wide and easy to navigate and free parking is relatively easy to come by.

As well as sightseeing, try mingling with residents in stores, bars and cafés and let them tell you about their favorite local haunts.

Where to stay in Eastern Nebraska

Downtown Omaha featuring night scenes, modern architecture and a skyscraper

Downtown Omaha

5/5(1 area review)

Downtown Omaha is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Holland Performing Arts Center and CHI Health Center Omaha, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Omaha.

Downtown Omaha
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West Omaha

You'll enjoy the golf courses and sporting events in West Omaha. You might want to make time for a stop at Boys Town Visitors Center or Village Pointe Shopping Center.

West Omaha
Old Market featuring signage as well as an individual female

Old Market

Old Market is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, a top place to visit in the area.

Old Market
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Southeast Omaha

While visiting Southeast Omaha, you might make a stop by sights like Omaha Children's Museum and The Durham Museum.

Southeast Omaha
Lincoln which includes railway items

Downtown Lincoln

Downtown Lincoln is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Lied Center or Lincoln Children's Museum.

Downtown Lincoln
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Central Omaha

Travellers come to Central Omaha for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Westroads Mall and Memorial Park while you're in town.

Central Omaha

Popular places to visit