Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Nebraska

Q: Is there any reason to visit Nebraska?

A: You may have thought of Nebraska as flat and boring, flyover country or with nothing to do. Or maybe you’ve never thought about visiting Nebraska at all. We get it. But if you actually take the time to seek out the adventure and the unique gems the state offers, you’ll be rewarded! Here are some places to start with things to do. 

• Explore outdoors and nature

• Scenic byways

• Agritourism

• Arts and culture

• Events and entertainment

• Family fun

• Golf

• History

• Shopping

• Sports and adventure

• Sandhill crane migration

• Certified Creative Districts

Q: What are some unique places to visit in Nebraska? 

A: Gosh, there are just so many. Here is a short list to get you started:

• Tanking down a river

• Sandhill crane migration in Nebraska's central flyway

• Toadstool Geologic Park

• Sandhills

• Lake McConaughy

• Arbor Day Farm

• Nebraska National Forest

• Oregon Trail landmarks

• Red Cloud

Q: What is the prettiest place in Nebraska?

A: Nebraska has many beautiful places. It all depends on what kind of scenery you’re interested in. The Nebraska Sandhills are one of the most unique regions on earth, with grass-stabilized sand dunes and gently rolling beauty you won’t find anywhere else. The west includes rugged buttes and bluffs, forests and other landscapes including Toadstool Geologic Park, Scotts Bluff National Monument and the Nebraska National Forest that defy the notion of flyover county. The eastern border is defined by the winding Missouri River, making for scenic vistas. Southeast Nebraska has its share of awe-inspiring views as well, including Indian Cave State Park and the pristine Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, the home of Arbor Day.

Q: Besides Omaha and Lincoln, what other Nebraska cities are recommended for tourists?

A: After Omaha (roughly half a million) and Lincoln (roughly 300,000), Nebraska’s largest cities are Bellevue (roughly 64,000), Grand Island (roughly 53,000) and Kearney (roughly 35,000). Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings and North Platte are great stopping points for the annual Sandhill crane migration each spring. In the west, Scottsbluff/Gering, Sidney, Chadron, Ogallala and Alliance mix history, recreation and scenery. Valentine, Burwell, Broken Bow and more highlight the Sandhills region. If you are in the northeast, Norfolk, Columbus and Fremont are a few must-stops. In the southeast, check out Beatrice and Nebraska City.

Q: What’s the best way to travel to Nebraska?

A: Nebraska’s central location in the United States positions it within a 3-to-8-hour drive from surrounding major cities, including Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and St. Louis. Interstate 80 spans the entire state on an east-west route. Its two major airports are Eppley Airfield in Omaha (OMA) and the Lincoln Airport in Lincoln (LNK). Additionally, there are smaller regional airports throughout the rest of the state.

Q: What is the best month to visit Nebraska?

A: Nebraska has a full four-season climate, and it has activities and events for every one of them. Fall is a highlight with colorful foliage, Nebraska football and festivals like AppleJack and Junkstock. Winter includes plenty of holiday festivals, Omaha Fashion Week and more. In February and March, the Sandhill crane migration (roughly one million birds land in the Platte River Valley) takes center stage. As the weather warms up in spring and summer, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the state’s outdoor wonders, including its lakes, rivers, state parks and buttes.

Q: What are some popular annual events in Nebraska?

A: Nebraska has fun and unique events every season of the year. Check out our events calendar here to see what’s coming up, but here are just a few of our favorites:

• College World Series (Omaha)

• Cinco de Mayo (Omaha)

• Omaha Freedom Festival (Omaha)

• Great American Comedy Festival (Norfolk)

• Testicle Festival (Ashland)

• NEBRASKAland Days (North Platte)

• Husker Football (Lincoln)

• Seward Fourth of July (Seward)

• Nebraska’s Big Rodeo (Burwell)

• Fur Trade Days (Chadron)

• Nebraska Star Party (Valentine)

• Nebraska State Fair (Grand Island)

• Old West Balloon Fest (Gering, Scottsbluff, Mitchell)

• Kool-Aid Days (Hastings)

• Junkstock (Waterloo)

• AppleJack Festival (Nebraska City)

• Light of the World Pageant (Minden)

• Zoo Lights (Lincoln)

• SantaLand (Creighton)

Q: Does Nebraska have a travel guide book? Can I get a map?

A: Yes, Visit Nebraska releases a free annual travel guide featuring the state’s attractions by regions, scenic byways, local businesses, trip ideas and much more. You can request your guide or view it digitally here. State highway maps are available by request here through the Nebraska Department of Transportation, or contact our office and we will send one to you.

Q: Are there national parks to visit in Nebraska?

A: While Nebraska does not have any of the United States’ 63 national parks, the state is home to several national monuments, historic sites and trails and rivers.

• Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

• Scotts Bluff National Monument

• Homestead National Historic Park

• Chimney Rock National Historic Site

• Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

• Oregon National Historic Trail

• Pony Express National Historic Trail

• Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

• California National Historic Trail

• Missouri National Recreational River

• Niobrara National Scenic River

Q: What are some scenic byways for a road trip through Nebraska?

A: Nebraska has nine scenic byways. Each one of these shows off a different part of the state and is a perfect way to get off of the Interstate and explore the different regions of Nebraska! 

• Western Trails Scenic Byway – U.S. 26 and State 92 from the Wyoming border to Ogallala. Storied sites, picturesque trails and sparkling lakes await your discovery.

• Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway – State 2 from Grand Island to Alliance. World-class natural wonders await, as Sand dunes and the Nebraska National Forest rise from the plains.

• Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway – U.S. 75 North between South Sioux City and Omaha. Through bountiful cropland and beautifully wooded bluffs framing the Missouri River, you’ll discover Native American culture and bustling Omaha.

• Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway-U.S. 30 across the state. Experience the history of cowboys, pioneers and Pony Express riders-plus cultural and natural treasures-as you cross the entire state of Nebraska.

• Loup Rivers Scenic Byway-State 11 and State 91 between Dunning and Wood River. From far-stretching farmlands, red barns and silos to nature-scapes of the Sandhills and Calamus River, this byway is a treat for photographers and those willing to just sit back, relax and take it all in.

• Heritage Highway Scenic Byway-U.S. 136 between Edison and Brownville. Traversing 10 counties, this byway transports road-trippers to communities where Nebraska’s history is preserved and worth exploring.

• Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway-U.S. 20 between the Wyoming border and Valentine. This route takes you through rolling Sandhills in the each, wild prairies in the northern panhandle and scenic buttes, the Pine Ridge and Fort Robinson in the west.

• 385 Gold Rush Scenic Byway-U.S. 385 between Chadron and Sidney. Today, U.S. 385 is considered one of the most scenic and historic roads in the nation, with impressive pine-covered buttes, rolling hills and lush river valleys.

• Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway-State 12 between South Sioux City and Valentine. Some of Nebraska’s top outdoor playgrounds are along this beautiful route.