Nebraska illustrates everything great about the American heartland.
With endless miles of rolling hills and flat prairies broken by bustling cities of both cultural and historical significance, there’s no shortage of worthwhile experiences awaiting eager groups that visit the Cornhusker State. Whether hiking shimmering plateaus or dining in any one of the state’s amazing restaurants and casual eateries, travelers will find Nebraska delivers a wealth of opportunities capable of elevating a group trip into something unforgettable.
Popular Demand
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
At the heart of Nebraska’s landscape is the unparalleled Chimney Rock National Historic Site. This iconic 325-foot natural spire is composed of sandstone and volcanic ash naturally molded over the course of millennia. While it was designated a National Historic Site in 1956, Chimney Rock served as something of an unofficial gateway for pioneers traveling westward throughout the 19th century, most especially those traveling along the Oregon and California trails. Today, travel planners will find the landmark complemented by an informative visitor center and nearby museum, accompanied by sweeping views of the spire and the pastoral North Platte River valley.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Nebraska isn’t exactly known for innovative milestones in the aviation and aerospace industries. But a visit to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland shows off the incredible achievements of NASA, the U.S. Air Force and other influential giants in the American space program. A celebrated affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, the museum has a massive collection of planes, missiles and other Cold War-era machinery for visitors to see throughout the property. Groups can take guided tours of the museum for an up-close look at some of the most awe-inspiring aircraft of the past century.
Sandhill Crane Migration
One of the most breathtaking annual events on Nebraska’s calendar is the Sandhill Crane migration, which occurs from late February well into April. During those weeks, visitors can witness an awe-inspiring number of Sandhill Cranes migrating from their wintering grounds in the southwestern U.S. up to their breeding territory in Canada and Alaska. With Nebraska’s Platte River serving as an important temporary nesting ground for the birds, the Sandhill Crane migration provides travelers a glimpse of a key natural wonder in the Midwest.
Up and Coming
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
One of the most popular attractions in the city, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium has recently undergone a massive expansion. At the center of these updates is the new Hubbard Orangutan Forest, an indoor/outdoor habitat specially built for the zoo’s orangutan and siamang residents. Opened in 2024, the forest is one small part of the zoo’s expansive Asian Highlands, an 8-acre exhibit that displays everything from tigers and snow leopards to red pandas and Indian Rhinos. The zoo offers special rates for groups larger than 50, as well as a variety of behind-the-scenes tours that let them get a closer look at some of its most fascinating species.
Joslyn Art Museum
The Joslyn Art Museum is one of Omaha’s top attractions. But if travelers were looking for another reason to drop by this historic museum, the Joslyn has recently gone through a significant two-year transformation, adding dozens of exhibits within its newly opened 42,000-square-foot space. With numerous pieces making their way into the museum, groups can spend hours within the Joslyn and still find new paintings, sculptures and other works of art to admire. Groups can opt for guided or self-guided tours of the museum.
Overnight Sensations
River Inn Resort
Docked in Brownville, the River Inn Resort is a charming boutique hotel unlike any other in the state. At first glance, in fact, the River Inn might seem like a venue travel planners would expect to find on the banks of the Mississippi. Floating on the Missouri River, courtesy of its steamship-inspired design, the 18-room River Inn Resort offers gorgeous views of the river and its surrounding landscape.
High Plains Homestead
Located just outside Crawford, High Plains Homestead caters to those looking for an authentic hotel that doesn’t seem like a hotel. Carefully designed to take on the appearance of an 1880s frontier outpost, High Plains Homestead immerses guests in a bygone era of American history, right down to a meticulously re-created schoolhouse and other period-accurate buildings. The hotel offers convenient access to rental cabins and bunkhouses for groups looking for a glamping experience.
Memorable Meals
Gorat’s
Often touted as one of Warren Buffet’s favorite restaurants, Gorat’s has a history dating back to 1944 and continues to serve the same Italian-infused dishes that helped establish the steakhouse as a must-try Omaha staple. Leaning into Nebraska’s traditional fare of generously sized steaks and cozy side dishes, Gorat’s is open for brunch, lunch and dinner and offers private dining for up to 120 guests. Popular appetizers include onion rings, fried calamari and deviled eggs, while mains like the Whiskey Ribeye, prime rib and Canadian walleye are rib-sticking favorite entrees.
Billy’s Restaurant
A popular steakhouse frequented by locals and out-of-town travelers alike, Billy’s Restaurant combines an immersive atmosphere with a first-rate dining experience. Named after three-time presidential nominee William Jennings Bryan, this Lincoln restaurant is housed within the famed 1887 Noble-Dawes House just outside the Nebraska State Capitol. Drawing on this 19th-century influence, sitting down at the restaurant might feel like stepping back in time straight to the Gilded Age. Faithfully serving hungry patrons since 1986, the restaurant boasts a long line of steaks and seafood. Its top crowd-pleasers include crab cakes, rack of lamb and filet mignon.
