If you are looking for travel ideas in the Midwest, you’re at the right place! In the spring of 2023, I visited Nebraska, a quaint state in the Midwest that is home to one of the largest migration events in the world. Honestly, I feel Nebraska is such an underrated destination with so much to offer. If you love taking roads less traveled then keep reading this blog post, I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Why to visit Nebraska?
Nebraska is not quite popular among travelers, in fact, a lot of my friends questioned my choice of picking Nebraska for my vacation. But I did prove them wrong when I shared my experience exploring this beautiful state.
Nebraska is a paradise for birders, with the largest annual migration event in the USA. Thousands of sandhill crane flock to the beds of Platte River for resting and roosting before their long journey back to Alaska and Canada.
Talking about its geographical beauty, the state has vast prairies, rolling hills and the pristine Platte River flowing from east to west that played a major role during the great migration (e.g. Oregon Trail).
We were in Nebraska for 2 days exploring the top three cities, Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney. In this blog post, I’ll share everything we did, our top picks, restaurants we recommend to help you make the most of your time in the Cornhusker state. If you have more questions about planning your trip to Nebraska, drop a comment and I shall get back to you with answers.
Reaching Nebraska from Seattle
There are several regional airports in Nebraska, but for people traveling from Seattle, Omaha (Eppley Airfield) is best city to start your journey in Nebraska. You can either take a direct Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle, which will cost between $200-$300 round trip or one with a layover that would cost between $150-$200.
We on the other hand, decided to split our trip into two journeys instead of a layover. We spent two days in Las Vegas as we were getting an amazing deal ($19 one way ticket) and used our stopover to visit the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Another reason to pick Las Vegas as our stopover was because there were several low-fare flights available to Omaha that offered better prices and timings.
If you live in Colorado, especially in and around Denver or in the neighboring states like Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota, you can take a Flix bus or simply drive.
Omaha Travel Guide: Our 1 Day Itinerary
We spent our first day exploring every nook and cranny of Nebraska’s largest, Omaha. We took a morning flight from Las Vegas and reached Omaha by noon. Since we were traveling just with our backpacks, we headed straight to our first destination instead to the hotel.
Durham Museum
Our first spot in Omaha was the Durham Museum located within the historic Union Station. The museum focuses on showcasing Nebraska’s rich history and its role in the westward expansion of the United States. Omaha played an important role in building the Transcontinental Railroad that connected the east to the west.
We spent almost 3 hours exploring the exhibits and train models on display. They also had a special exhibit section that included various interactive displays that were fun to explore.
For lunch, we stopped by the historic Soda Fountain to enjoy some old-fashioned American food. We had the classic Mac n cheese and a pulled-pork burger with green apple soda and their famous hot chocolate sundae. The food was delicious and cheap! I highly recommend stopping by this place.
The Old Market
Next, we headed to the historic district known as The Old Market that was merely a 10-minute walk from Durham Museum. The Old Market will transfer you straight to the 19th –century America with its charming cobblestone streets, hidden passageways and Victorian buildings.
This place is a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, fine dining restaurants, and lively bars. We had an amazing time strolling through the Old Market—everything was so picturesque that it was hard to resist taking pictures, especially in the hidden passageways.
One store I particularly loved and highly recommend is Hollywood Candy Store. This one-of-a-kind shop offers a mix of retro candies, vintage memorabilia, quirky toys, and an old-fashioned soda fountain. It even features a massive pinball arcade and a mini movie theater, making it a great spot for both kids and adults. We were charmed by the eclectic atmosphere and the wide selection of sweet treats. Hollywood Candy really showed me what decision paralysis looks like!
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Our next stop was one of Omaha’s most popular attractions, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This 3,000 ft suspension bridge connects Nebraska and Iowa by foot and offers a great overlook of the Missouri River. Locals affectionately call it ‘Bob,’ and if you take a photo at the state line with one leg in each state, you’ll be doing something known as ‘Bobbing.’
The bridge was located along the Riverfront, so we took a leisurely stroll by the river, soaking in the riverside views before heading up the ramp to the bridge. We also came across a few public art installations that we really enjoyed. I highly recommend visiting this place, especially during the sunset to enjoy the stunning views of the Missouri River and the city skyline.
Downtown Omaha
Our last stop of the day was Downtown, a perfect blend of historic charm and modern energy. We kicked things off at a popular local coffee shop, Scooters, which originated in Bellevue, Nebraska, and is known for its high-quality coffee and excellent service. As coffee lovers, we had to give it a try, and guess what? We absolutely loved it!
With coffee in one hand and a camera in the other, we explored this vibrant entertainment hub, visiting iconic spots like the historic Orpheum Theater and Gene Leahy Mall.
For dinner, we stopped by Casey’s, a popular general store chain in the Midwest, to try their famous pizza. Conveniently located next to our hotel, we picked up a large pizza for just $15, loaded with meat and vegetables.
On the day of our return, we stopped by Kitchen Table, a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown. Known for its locally sourced ingredients and cozy atmosphere, it was the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast. We enjoyed biscuits and eggs, served with potato wedges on the side, and paired it all with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. We loved the friendly vibes, and the food quality was top notch! I highly recommend adding this restaurant to your list when visiting Omaha.
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a popular spot in Omaha that we skipped, as we no longer enjoy visiting zoos. However, if you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to start your trip. This world-renowned zoo is home to over 17,000 animals from around the globe and features several unique exhibits, including the largest indoor rainforest in North America, a desert dome, and an aquarium with one of the world’s largest indoor shark exhibits. You can also attend the educational programs and events happening throughout the year.
Lincoln Travel Guide: Day Trip Itinerary from Omaha
On day 2, we set out to explore two cities in Nebraska. Given our tight schedule, we had a specific list of spots to visit in each city. Our first city was Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska that was just an hour drive from our hotel in Omaha.
Nebraska State Capitol
We started our day at the Nebraska State Capitol, located in the heart of Lincoln. This iconic architectural landmark is known for its unique blend of Art Deco and Romanesque Revival styles architecture.
The State Capitol was completed in 1932 and features a towering dome as its centerpiece, topped by the ‘Sower’ statue, which symbolizes the cultivation of knowledge and growth. The interior boasts beautifully crafted murals and intricate mosaics, showcasing the effort that went into creating this state-of-the-art building.
We attended a public guided tour that provided insight into the building’s history, design, and the state’s legislative process. We had a great time learning about the State Capitol and how things work in the state of Nebraska.
Tour ticket & Timing: FREE tour, 9AM to 4PM every hour (except noon)
Sunken Gardens
Next, we headed to the Sunken Gardens, a beautiful terraced garden featuring thousands of seasonal flowers, an ornate gazebo, ponds, and mini waterfalls, all connected by paved pathways. Since it was winter, most of the flowers were withered, but we still enjoyed a pleasant stroll around the park, exploring the little waterfalls and ponds.
I recommend checking the latest photos on Google Maps before visiting this place. Alternatively, you could visit the Nebraska History Museum, the Sheldon Museum of Art, or explore downtown, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
Kearney Travel Guide: Day Trip Itinerary from Omaha
We then headed to our most-anticipated spot, Kearney, known as a prime location for viewing the Sandhill Crane migration. The drive took us 1.5 hours from Lincoln through picturesque country roads and open fields. Our goal was to reach the visitor center before dusk to scout out the best viewing spots for observing the cranes up close.
There are several viewing decks between Alda (where the visitor center is located) and Kearney that you can choose from. Here’s a list of the spots we explored:
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, near Wood River, is a great place to stop before starting your exploration. We made it our first stop and learned a lot from their educational exhibits. We also spoke with a few rangers to gain a better understanding of the area. I wish we had more time for the guided tour—if you have the opportunity, don’t miss it.
It was already lunchtime when we reached the visitor center, so we headed straight to the café and grabbed a hot dog. The outdoor seating area was perfect for our meal. After lunch, we set out on the nature trail to explore the expansive prairies. We walked along the banks of Wood River in search of birds and wildlife, spotting a few river birds resting by the shore but no cranes yet!
Timing: Daily 8 AM to 5 PM
Alda Sandhill Crane Viewing Deck
Next, we headed to Alda Sandhill Crane Viewing Deck, a popular spot for observing sandhill cranes near the visitor center. The deck offered expansive views of the surrounding wetlands, providing an excellent vantage point for birdwatching.
There are several viewing decks between the visitor center and Kearney where you can observe the cranes up close without disturbing their habitat. Based on a recommendation from a ranger, we decided to visit the Alda Sandhill Crane Viewing Deck. The ranger mentioned that cranes had recently been spotted there, making it a promising spot for our birdwatching.
After waiting patiently for about an hour and finally heard our first crane calls from a distance. We then decided to head to the Sandhill Crane Public Viewing Roadside Turnout, where we spotted our first crane in a cornfield, calling out to the rest of their flock and made this our final observation point. Soon the sky was filled with thousands of cranes landing in the field. The air was alive with the enthusiasm of fellow birders and the sound of thousands of cranes calling all at once. Here’s a video to capture the moment.
After spending another hour observing the cranes, we headed back to our hotel. The drive back to Omaha took about two hours. On the way, we stopped at Wong’s Hunan Garden for dinner. This no-frills American-Asian restaurant offers a variety of Chinese and Korean dishes. After a long day of driving, the hot soup was incredibly comforting, and the stir-fry was exceptionally good.
Overall experience and my final thoughts
Nebraska was full of surprises, and I was thrilled with my decision to explore the state despite initial doubts. What I loved most was its welcoming vibe and the many spots that could rival those in larger cities across the US!
Additionally, the food was exceptionally delicious, with generous portions and affordable prices. I would definitely love to visit again and highly recommend adding Nebraska to your travel list.
