Nebraska holidays

Holidays in Nebraska are about celebrating life’s little surprises. Whether mixing tomato juice with beer, floating downriver in a water tank or creating a Stonehenge replica from classic cars, people do things differently here. Explore everything from wide-open roads and stunning landscapes to world-class museums and some of the best steakhouses in the region on an escape to this unsung Midwestern state.

Top destinations in Nebraska

Omaha

With a deep-seated passion for college sports, a world-famous zoo and lovely historic neighbourhoods, Omaha shines with easygoing Midwestern energy.

Kearney

Famed for the migrating birds that flock here each spring, this charming Nebraskan town boasts historical monuments, 19th-century architecture and family-friendly attractions.

Lincoln

Nebraska’s capital has plenty of small-town charm. Expect characterful neighbourhoods filled with independent shops, galleries and restaurants, plus one-of-a-kind museums.

Nebraska: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Omaha - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT)

High season

May – September

Low season

December – February

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Nebraska holiday highlights

Nebraska
Clay Cook

Take a road trip

Taking a classic American road trip is one of the most popular things to do in Nebraska. Follow Interstate 80 from Omaha to the western border, taking in the state capital, Lincoln, and the heartland towns and attractions along the Platte River. The route offers plenty of side trips, such as the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway and Lake McConaughy.

Learn about frontier history

Saddle up for a fascinating ride through the Midwest’s First Nations and pioneer history. Just outside Kearney, The Archway brings to life the stories of the explorers and pioneers who opened up Nebraska. Both the Fort Robinson History Center in Crawford and Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte tell the exciting and sometimes sobering tales of western expansion.

See natural wonders

If your vision of the ‘Cornhusker State’ is a sea of endless prairies, think again. Nebraska offers some incredible natural wonders. Visit Chimney Rock, the majestic 99-metre-tall stone pillar that pointed the way west for early pioneers. Explore rock formations straight from ‘Road Runner’ cartoons. And experience the spectacle of a million migratory cranes watering and feeding on their annual migration north.

Things to do in Nebraska

Nebraska
Clay Cook

Top attractions

Chimney Rock rises dramatically above Nebraska’s northwest plains, a landmark etched into countless Oregon Trail diaries. Nearby, climb Scotts Bluff for sweeping Great Plains vistas. Each spring, more than half a million sandhill cranes gather along the Platte River valley during their migration. Designated viewing sites in south central Nebraska offer unforgettable opportunities to witness this spectacle.

Beaches

Nebraska may be landlocked, but you can still find a few beaches along its lakes and rivers. Near Ogallala, Lake McConaughy is the state’s biggest reservoir. With white sands and clear waters, it’s a popular spot for camping, fishing and swimming. Sandy shores and the Nebraska sandhills surround Calamus Reservoir, making it one of the state’s prettiest spots for a swim.

Nature

In spring, birdwatchers flock to Rowe Sanctuary on the Platte River as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes rest on their northbound migration. Kids will love the Ashfall Fossil Beds, home to the 12-million-year-old remains of prehistoric creatures. For a uniquely Nebraskan nature experience, try ‘tanking’ — floating down one of the state’s many rivers in a livestock water tank.

Cuisine

Carnivores rejoice! You’ll find no end of outstanding steak restaurants in Nebraska. Take your pick from bone-in ribeyes, sirloins doused in whiskey sauce and massive chicken fried steaks. Try the state’s go-to comfort food, Runza — bread pockets filled with spicy ground beef, cabbage, onions and melted cheese. And be sure to try a Reuben sandwich when in Omaha, its birthplace.

Culture and museums

The museums in Nebraska offer rich cultural experiences, from the Sheldon Museum of Art to the International Quilt Museum, both in Lincoln. Explore Native American history at the Nebraska State Historical Society and pioneer heritage at the Homestead National Historical Park. For transport history, don’t miss the Museum of American Speed and The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.

Nightlife

Head to the historic districts to find the best nightlife in Nebraska. In Omaha, the Old Market features restaurants, pubs and taverns alongside street performers and entertainment. Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket is the place to go if you’re looking for breweries and bars in the capital. And Downtown Kearney has a range of cosy taprooms, lively sports bars and laid-back pubs.

Find the best time to visit Nebraska

Weather in Nebraska through the year

March – May: Nebraska has four distinct seasons. Spring is mild and pleasant, making this an ideal time for outdoor adventures. Be aware, however, that tornado season begins in May.

June – August: Summers in Nebraska are hot and humid, with afternoon rainstorms bringing some relief. Tornadoes continue to be a risk in June. But between storms, skies are generally sunny.

September – November: With warm, dry and sunny days, autumn is one of the best times to visit Nebraska. Evenings can get chilly, so bring layers.

December – February: Nebraska gets quite cold in winter, with temperatures dipping below freezing. But it’s a good time for skating, skiing and sledging. December is the snowiest month, though January is colder.

Events in Nebraska

Junkstock (May and October): Each spring and autumn, lovers of all things retro come to Waterloo for Junkstock, a massive mashup of a flea market, craft fair and music festival.

Wayne Chicken Show (July): On the second Saturday in July, the city of Wayne hosts its annual Chicken Show, with chalk art competitions, the world’s largest chicken dance and the national cluck-off.

Kool-Aid Days (August): The town of Hastings celebrates its contribution to the world of sugary beverages with Kool-Aid Days, a family-friendly festival that’s all about creativity and nostalgia.

Nebraska State Fair (August): Grand Island is home to Nebraska’s State Fair. Expect classic rides and games along with a heavy agricultural focus.

Know before you go

Budget

Planning a cheap holiday to Nebraska is pretty easy, as it’s one of the most budget-friendly states in the US. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost around 21 US dollars ($). Cappuccinos cost just over $4, while domestic beers are a little under $5. Need a cab? A short taxi trip will cost around $7.

Health and safety

Nebraska’s outdoors are beautiful but require precautions. Protect yourself from mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus, by using insect repellent. And always check for ticks, which may spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tornadoes are also possible — monitor forecasts, follow local authorities, and if one strikes, shelter in a basement or an interior ground-floor room.

Free things to do

In Omaha, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge doesn’t just span the Missouri River — it crosses the Iowa border. Snap a photo with one foot in each state. Explore the spectacular Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln, then stroll the Sunken Gardens, a small but beautiful botanical garden close by. Driving near Alliance? Take a short detour to Carhenge.

Family friendly

Set aside at least a day to explore Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, one of the country’s best zoos. The Hastings Museum’s eclectic collection covers everything from Indigenous cultures to terrifying prehistoric sea creatures. In Nebraska City, Arbor Day Farm is a lovely day out for all ages — but kids will especially love its ‘Tree Adventure’.

Getting around Nebraska

Omaha
Eric Francis

Public transport

Buses: Getting around Nebraska by bus is easy, with Burlington Trailways covering the state and other routes served by Express Arrow and Open Plains Transit. In rural areas, demand-response services provide flexible connections to smaller communities.

Trains: The Amtrak California Zephyr runs through southern Nebraska, with stops in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Holdrege, and McCook. Choose between coach seating or a private room with sleeping berths. Depending on the direction, the Nebraska portion of the journey may be overnight.

Domestic flights

Nebraska has several regional and municipal airports, including Eppley Airfield in Omaha, the largest in the state. But there are no direct flights between Nebraska’s airports. Instead, airports here link to major cities in other states, with Denver, Colorado, being one of the main connections.

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Driving and car hire

Driving is the most convenient way to explore Nebraska, and with nine scenic byways, it doubles as a favourite sightseeing option. Interstate 80 cuts across the state, offering the fastest east–west route. While winter tyres aren’t legally required, they’re recommended for safety. Expect varied conditions, from well-maintained highways and byways to rougher rural backroads— plan accordingly before setting out.

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FAQs about Nebraska holidays

For an urban getaway, Omaha delivers with culture and nightlife. Valentine is the gateway to the Sandhills, ideal for outdoor adventures. Interested in American pioneer history? Base yourself in Kearney, at the heart of south-central Nebraska. Or head northwest to Gering and Scottsbluff for trails and historic sites.
Five days will give you time to visit Lincoln, as well as major cities like Omaha, Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte. In between, you can explore natural wonders like the Sand Hills, Scotts Bluff National Monument and oddball attractions like Carhenge.
The best times to visit Nebraska are during the spring months of April to June and during the autumn season from September to October. Come autumn, the landscape’s foliage lights up, and the mild weather makes hiking, trail rides and camping a joy. You’re almost guaranteed freezing temperatures in the thick of winter, so it’s a good time to explore museums and steakhouses.
Nebraska is one of the safest states in the US to visit. Be careful while driving across the Midwest’s endlessly rolling plains, particularly on Interstate 80. Outdoor activities can be hazardous from May to July, which is peak tornado season.
Nebraskans speak English with a slight Midwestern accent. The local pronunciation of cities and towns doesn’t always match their spelling. For example, the town of Kearney is pronounced ‘Carney’. Body language is important, and it’s considered rude not to nod and smile at people on the street.
You’ll use US dollars ($) in Nebraska. Contactless payment is widely accepted, especially in larger cities. But having cash for rural areas and tips is handy. Tip about 20% at restaurants, and if you’re staying in a hotel, leave about $5 a day for housekeeping, and tip porters $1 per bag.
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