Southeast Nebraska, NE

Travel Guide

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

Downtown Lincoln

4.5/5(534 area reviews)

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 showing 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
Some very nice Indian food tonight in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. 
#lincolnnebraska #nebraska #indianfood #traveler #travelphotography

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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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

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

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
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

4 out of 5
141 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE
$111 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$129 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,263 reviews)
"I love this place. The people are awesome very nice and very attentive. I have stayed there multiple times and will continue."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

3.5 out of 5
333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE
$139 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$161 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,008 reviews)
"This is a lot bigger than we thought it was going to be. A little older, but still really nice."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2201 Wildcat Circle, Lincoln, NE
$92 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$106 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,043 reviews)
"Spacious, new & clean!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

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

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

Ashland
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! (1 review)
Beautiful place!
"Very relaxing wonderful place to stay. The host was amazing."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Salt Creek Atelier, a luxuriously cozy loft in downtown Ashland NE.
Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly

Modern & Private 15 min to Downtown Lincoln Pet Friendly

Lincoln
Stay at this vacation home in Lincoln. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"It was a great experience and I would recommend this rental."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 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
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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Cities near Southeast Nebraska