Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

University of Nebraska State Museum which includes a statue or sculpture
Lincoln featuring railway items
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum featuring military items and interior views
University of Nebraska State Museum featuring 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

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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Haymarket

Though Haymarket may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lincoln Children's Museum.

Haymarket
Sunken Gardens featuring zoo animals and bird life

Near South

While visiting Near South, you might make a stop by sights like Sunken Gardens and Museum of Nebraska History.

Near South
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South Salt Creek

While there might not be top attractions in South Salt Creek, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Nebraska State Capitol and Lincoln Children's Museum.

South Salt Creek
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West Lincoln

West Lincoln might not have many top sights, but Capitol Beach Lake and Haymarket Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Lincoln
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Highlands

While visiting Highlands, you might make a stop by sights like Highlands Golf Course and Highland Village.

Highlands
New Victorian Suites

New Victorian Suites

3 out of 5
225 North 50th St. Lincoln NE
The price is €63 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
€63
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,087 reviews)
Courteous staff at check in, housekeeping and breakfast. Love this location in Lincoln.

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

New Victorian Suites
Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket

Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket

3.5 out of 5
600 Q Street Lincoln NE
The price is €116 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
€116
29 Dec - 30 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
Large, comfortable room, great location to Pinnacle Bank Arena and bars and restaurants

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket
Annabell Gardens

Annabell Gardens

3 out of 5
200 S 68th Place Lincoln NE
The price is €127 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
€127
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
10/10! I would 100% recommend! Such an affordable, comfortable, clean stay!

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

Annabell Gardens
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 holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Hyde Memorial Observatory and HiMark Golf Course are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
Host and walkout apt. Great. Would highly suggest this vrbo. We hope to visit again in the future. You made our visit extra special thank you.

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly
Atmosphere Lincoln

Atmosphere Lincoln

4 out of 5
909 Q Street Lincoln NE
Stay at this condo in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a pool table. Popular attractions Lincoln Children's Museum and Great Plains Art ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
Right by all the action

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Atmosphere Lincoln
Beautiful Hotel Suite in a Victorian House in Lincoln, the College View Area!

Beautiful Hotel Suite in a Victorian House in Lincoln, the College View Area!

Lincoln NE
Stay at this aparthotel in Lincoln. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Hyde Memorial Observatory and National Museum of Roller Skating are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Great location for Game Day! We were able to walk from the house to the stadium!

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025

Beautiful Hotel Suite in a Victorian House in Lincoln, the College View Area!
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