Southeast Nebraska

Travel Guide

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

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 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Highlands

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

Highlands
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

3.5 out of 5
333 S 13th St Lincoln NE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$193 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
S$193
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Good bar service

Reviewed on 21 Dec, 2025

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

4 out of 5
141 N 9th St Lincoln NE
The price is S$166 per night from 14 Jan to 15 Jan
S$166
14 Jan - 15 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,234 reviews)
Just fine.

Reviewed on 27 Dec, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln
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
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lincoln. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
Ok as is

Reviewed on 5 Jan, 2026

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.
Truyen Quach

Truyen Quach

3 out of 5
301 Haverford Dr Lincoln NE
Stay at this holiday home in Lincoln. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Gateway Mall and National Museum of Roller ...
Truyen Quach
Spacious Lincoln Home w/ Yard < 1 Mi to Downtown!

Spacious Lincoln Home w/ Yard < 1 Mi to Downtown!

3 out of 5
1625 G St Lincoln NE
Stay at this cottage in Lincoln. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Hazel Abel Park and Frank H Woods Telpehone ...
Spacious Lincoln Home w/ Yard < 1 Mi to Downtown!
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

Things to do

Explore a world of travel with Expedia