17 Best Things To Do In Nebraska For Tourists

Explore 160 acres of diverse plants, animals, and habitats from worldwide at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Experience walking on the ocean floor and getting up close with sea turtles while sharks swim above you.

Dive into the wildlife in the largest indoor rainforest in America, the Lied Jungle, and explore the world's largest indoor desert, the Desert Dome. Along the way, encounter tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and many other fascinating creatures.

What's there to do in Nebraska? Well, there's a lot to do at this state but visiting a historic site offers a unique experience. And Chimney Rock National Historic Site is one such place that was designated as a historic site in 1956. 

Managed by the Nebraska State Historical Society, it encompasses the iconic rock formation itself, along with a visitor center and museum. This natural landmark held great significance for pioneers journeying along the Oregon Trail.

One of the best things to in Nebraska for camper is to stop at Nebraska National Forest. This forest is home to a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

It was established on November 15, 1907 by the consolidation of three smaller forests: Dismal River, Niobrara, and North Platte National Forests. The Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands showcase wide open spaces, big skies, unexpected land formations, and grass that can grow waist-high.

There are many things to see in Nebraska's Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum! It's linked with the Smithsonian and holds the biggest assortment of Cold War planes and objects in the U.S.!

You can stand right next to famous planes like the amazing SR-71 Blackbird, nine bombers like the B-36J "Peacemaker" and a B-1A "Lancer." There are also missiles, spacecraft like the Apollo Command Space Module, and stuff belonging to Astronaut Clayton Anderson, who's from Nebraska.

Imagine spending a cold evening in Omaha with your partner, enjoying a show at the Orpheum Theater. Known as Omaha's "golden palace," it's a magnificent landmark in the Midwest.

This theater, with its 2,600 seats and proscenium design, was constructed in 1927. Today, it welcomes touring Broadway shows, dance performances, and Opera Omaha. The Orpheum is stunning place to visit, with its intricate ceiling and balconies adorned in gold.

Indian Cave State Park, named after a big sandstone cave it contains, covers 3,052 acres next to the powerful Missouri River. This attractions in Nebraska is famous for its campsites and hiking trails.

Every October, the park hosts Haunted Hollow, where you can enjoy the beauty of the season while joining in on hayrack rides, decorating campsites in spooky ways, playing games, making crafts, and doing other fun things for families.

Discover Omaha's Old Market Entertainment District, a place rich in history that has turned into a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's the heart of Omaha's culture, with charming covered walkways, brick streets, horse-drawn carriages, and street performers adding to its lively atmosphere.

Don't miss the Old Market Passageway, a popular spot for taking photos, where you'll find upscale dining, Mexican cuisine, and retail shops waiting to be explored.

When your out-of-town visitors come to stay, be sure to take them on a quick walk around the State Capitol Building. Nebraska things to see at this landmark is unlimited.

You can't miss the impressive 400-foot domed tower, visible from miles around. Both outside and inside, you'll find artwork that showcases the state's natural beauty, history, and political journey. It's a fascinating glimpse into the development of Nebraska.

Carhenge is a special attraction that showcases a quirky replica of the famous Stonehenge but made entirely out of old cars. It was built in 1987 by the Reinders family as a tribute to their father during a family reunion.

Along with the car sculpture, there are other artworks made from old cars or their parts. During the summer, there's also a visitor center, gift shop, and information kiosk open for visitors. Best of all, admission is free!

Since 1919, Scotts Bluff National Monument has been taking care of and saving more than 3,000 acres of grassy plains, rocky lands, tall cliffs, old trail parts, and a riverbank area near the North Platte River.

People who visit Scotts Bluff National Monument can explore where pioneers traveled on the Oregon Trail, drive up to the top of the cliff using Summit Road, and marvel at the impressive sight of the cliffs towering over the plains.

The Missouri River and Platte River are two of the most popular waterways for fishing in Nebraska. The Missouri River is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, walleye, bass, and trout.

The Platte River is also home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, bass, and trout. Several man-made lakes in Nebraska are popular for fishing, including Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, and Lake Yankton. These lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, bass, and trout.

Escape to the peaceful shores of the Missouri River and unwind at River Inn Resort's one-of-a-kind floating bed & breakfast. This boutique inn drifts atop the river offers 18 charming rooms with breathtaking views of the riverside.

This Nebraska things to visit is perfect starting point for exploring historic Brownville. You can book a scenic cruise on the nearby Spirit of Brownville riverboat or take a leisurely ten-minute stroll to downtown. It's an affordable destination packed with beautiful scenery.

Pawnee State Recreation Area spans 2,544 acres, with an additional 740 acres of water. It is located around Pawnee Lake, approximately 4 miles west of Lincoln.

The area provides a wide range of activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, photography, and more, appealing to individuals who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Patrons are provided ample space to set up their tents or park their vehicles, enabling them to relish in a day or even a week of outdoor enjoyment.

The newest park in Nebraska features a path that leads to the state's tallest waterfall and beautiful place to visit, known as Smith Falls. You can get there using an old bridge over the Niobrara River.

Additionally, the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore various natural wonders in a single location. These trails are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Make sure to get a permit for your vehicle to enter the park.

Discover the history of Omaha and the American West at the Durham Museum. Inside, you can check out old train cars, streetcars, and buildings that have been fixed up to look like they did back in the day.

There's also a cool collection of rare coins and documents from Byron Reed. And don't forget to visit the Great Hall, which has been restored to look just like it did in the Art Deco style, and there's even a soda shop that still works!

The Archway is a museum shaped like a covered bridge that goes over Interstate 80 and is 308 feet long. You can check out history stuff inside by going on a tour where you listen to a recording and walk around on your own. 

Explore the museum and learn how the Transcontinental Railroad and modern highways were built. Outside, you'll find a place to have a picnic, a lake, and paths for hiking and biking.

Things to do Nebreska for those interested in theatrical performance should stop by Lied Center for Performing Arts. Commonly referred to as the Lied Center, it serves as a prominent venue for shows in Lincoln.

Established in 1990, it is located near the southwest side of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's City Campus. The main section of the Lied Center boasts a seating capacity of 2,258 people and regularly features concerts, plays, and lectures.