Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

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

Quaint rural towns, an exciting capital city and miles of rolling plains make this destination a must-visit for travelers 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 showing railway items

Downtown Lincoln

Downtown Lincoln is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Lied Center and Lincoln Children's Museum while in the area.

Downtown Lincoln
Sunken Gardens which includes bird life and zoo animals

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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Haymarket

While Haymarket isn't home to many top sights, Pinnacle Bank Arena and Lincoln Children's Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Haymarket
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40th and "A"

40th and "A" might not have many top sights, but Lincoln Children's Zoo and Woods Tennis Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

40th and "A"
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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
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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
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

3.5 out of 5
333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE
The price is P7,381 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P7,381
P8,580 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket

Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket

3.5 out of 5
600 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
The price is P6,395 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,395
P7,434 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The room was spacious and very clean and quiet. The beds were very hard and uncomfortable. Thats the only thing i could complain about."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Hyatt Place Lincoln / Downtown - Haymarket
BridgePointe Inn & Suites by BPhotels, Lincoln I-80/27th St

BridgePointe Inn & Suites by BPhotels, Lincoln I-80/27th St

2.5 out of 5
6750 Wildcat Drive, Lincoln, NE
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
Road Trip
"Great price. Was the quickest check in. Room was nice and clean. Bed was comfortable. Couldn't get the WiFi to work. This was our first stop on a very long road trip."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

BridgePointe Inn & Suites by BPhotels, Lincoln I-80/27th St
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.
Atmosphere Lincoln

Atmosphere Lincoln

4 out of 5
909 Q Street, Lincoln, NE
Stay at this 4-star condo in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a pool table. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Memorial Stadium ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
"We liked the coffee bar in the morning. We didn’t like not being able to park in the basement. That would have made a difference. Communication was bad, it was very hard to get someone to speak with regarding all the issues that we had from the beginning of our stay."

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2025

Atmosphere Lincoln
Stay on M Street

Stay on M Street

2 out of 5
921 M St, Lincoln, NE
Stay at this apartment in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Popular attractions Pinnacle Bank Arena and Memorial Stadium are located ...
7/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"A security alarm was malfunctioning going off most of the time in the lobby area. Sheets werent clean and dishwasher was broken. But otherwise everything else was clean new and convinient. Overall I enjoyed my stay."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Stay on M Street
1 Mi to Unl: Group Getaway w/ Game Area

1 Mi to Unl: Group Getaway w/ Game Area

3 out of 5
Lincoln
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Lincoln. Enjoy free parking, a pool table, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena ...
1 Mi to Unl: Group Getaway w/ Game 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.

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