Natural Nebraska
Nebraska is a land that still harbours the undiscovered. The vast state, which takes nearly eight hours to cross by car, includes a plethora of landscapes: yawning prairie, enormous sculpted rocks, wicked badlands, scenic rivers and of course, it has hundreds of miles of renowned, undulating grasslands. The sunsets are some of the best in the world; the sky seems never ending and the rich hues of pink, red and purple are breath-taking. The spirit of the American West lives here still: cowboys still work cattle, and ranches cover thousands of acres in the central part of the state; guest ranches give tourists the opportunity to experience it all at first hand. The people here are as memorable as the scenery - get off the beaten path and take in a warm piece of pie and some Midwestern hospitality at a small town cafe. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of Nebraska's wineries, or go to a local festival for a taste of ethnic flavours. But the best part of Nebraska? It's quiet. Turn off your mobile phone. Unplug the laptop. Put away the files. Relax, breathe in the fresh air and rejuvenate your soul.
Tour starts and ends in Omaha, NE
2 nights - Omaha (Metro), 1 night - Lincoln (Southeast), 2 nights - Grand Island (South Central), 2 nights - North Platte (Southwest), 3 nights - Scottsbluff (Northwest), 2 Nights - Valentine (Sandhills), 2 Nights - South Sioux City (Northeast)
Days 1 & 2
Omaha
Entertaining. Diverse. Delicious. Historic. Make time to experience every facet of Nebraska's largest city.
Omaha is sprawling with a diverse array of neighbourhoods and sections that offer a surprise at every turn. The Omaha Old Market, a familiar favourite, is a historic cobblestone district packed with arts, entertainment and food and drink options. The Riverfront, which opened on the Missouri River in 2022, consists of three parks – Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing – which range from downtown to the riverbank and is a flourishing haven for landscaping, robust public art and recreational diversity. Then, hop onto the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to walk out over the river and get a picturesque look at the skyline.
With a deep history and a rich heritage, the city has no shortage of museums and cultural sites to learn the stories of the past. As the birthplace of figures like Malcolm X and Johnny Rodgers, Omaha is home to the Great Plains Black History Museum, which is an important site for the entire region. Step into the old Union Station at The Durham Museum and enjoy a rotating selection of world-class exhibits. For a modern twist the whole family will enjoy, explore natural phenomena through hands-on activities at Kiewit Luminarium. Or, enjoy long-standing favourites with new innovations, like the world-renowned Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the revamped Joslyn Art Museum.
2 Nights – Omaha
Hotel – Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel (Room Only)
Day 3
Lincoln (60 mi)
Nebraska’s capital and second-largest city is so much more than that. Pick and choose from long-standing favourites and renewed, modern charm.
Lincoln doubles as Nebraska’s capital and big college town. Tour the Nebraska State Capitol, an architectural and historic treasure representing the heritage of the state. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s presence brings with it cultural and artistic attractions, like the International Quilt Museum, the largest of its type in the world, and the Sheldon Museum of Art. A gameday at Memorial Stadium is one of the country’s top college football experiences. Or, catch a performance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Along with its modern, trendy appeal, Lincoln also has unique outdoor and interactive spaces. The Sunken Gardens are a colourful gem sprouting from the site of a former landfill. Pioneers Park Nature Center offers a slice of the prairie right on the city’s doorstep, and the adjacent Pinewood Bowl Amphitheatre is a can’t-miss outdoor performance venue. The kids will enjoy the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and the Lincoln Children’s Museum.
Restored and revitalized while maintaining a vintage brick-street charm, the Historic Haymarket District is a must-visit in the city for dining, drinking and shopping. Pinnacle Bank Arena towers above, hosting University of Nebraska basketball games, as well as headlining concerts and shows. Your food and drink options are plentiful, too. LeadBelly puts a twist on the traditional bar and grill experience. Lazlo’s won’t disappoint either, and their original Empyrean Brewing Co. drinks are a treat as well.
1 Night – Lincoln
Hotel – The Scarlet, Lincoln, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (Room Only)
Days 4 & 5
Grand Island (95 mi)
Visiting Nebraska’s third-largest city will take you both to the heart of some of the state’s biggest events and to one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena on the planet. Lucky for you, it’s all in one place.
Nestled in the middle of the state, Grand Island is host to the annual Nebraska State Fair, so make sure your summer plans include this fun opportunity to delve into Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. Join the crowd for Hear Grand Island, a free, all-summer concert series downtown. Or, take in the most unique annual tradition: The Sandhill Crane Migration. Each March, nearly a million sandhill cranes flock to Nebraska’s Central Flyway, and the area is a fantastic spot to view the awe-inspiring gathering.
The city marks the convergence of old and new for visitors. Fonner Park is a long time favourite and hosts thoroughbred racing and other events throughout the year. Stuhr Museum showcases the history of the Platte River Valley and includes a living history Railroad Town, a re-created 1890s community. And the Railside BID fuses the historic downtown with the newest entertainment and businesses.
Grand Island is a fantastic place to pack up the family and visit. Raising Nebraska gives an interactive exhibition of Nebraska’s agriculture. Stolley Park features an arboretum, wading pool and Kid’s Kingdom. The Happy Brush is a paint-your-own studio that folks of any artistic ability are bound to enjoy. Here in the summer? Island Oasis Water Park is a splashy paradise to help everyone cool off.
Visit Rowe Sanctuary - Rowe Sanctuary works to conserve and restore the Platte River ecosystem, focusing on cranes, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.
The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary is located at the heart of a critical spring staging area for hundreds of thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes, and visitors can experience one of the last great wildlife migrations on the planet. Outside of the spring migration, the sanctuary boasts close encounters with iconic grassland and riverine birds.
Explore Kearney - Kearney's a sure thing for sandhill cranes (you're in the Platte River Valley, after all). But take your eyes off the sky and you'll notice something: there's a museum for every audience in Kearney.
Late February through April, all eyes are on the million sandhill cranes migrating through Kearney along the Platte River Valley. Lower your binoculars to see what else this city has to offer, especially for museum-lovers: follow the migration of Western settlers at The Archway. Learn more about their lifestyle inside the period buildings of Fort Kearny State Historical Park, the first fort built to protect travellers on the Oregon Trail. Or, take your pick—from the Kearney Area Children's Museum to the American Automobile Experience to the Museum of Nebraska Art.
2 Nights – Grand Island
Hotel – Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn & Suites (Inc Breakfast)
Days 6 & 7
North Platte (150 mi)
With parks, amusement centers, a children's museum and loads of cowboy culture, North Platte is just right for families and anyone in search of the Old West.
You’ll find rich history in the place "Buffalo Bill" Cody called home. Visit his ranch—maybe ride horseback on the grounds—at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area (Dusty Trails outfits the rides). Spot other Cody memorials around town and in summer, celebrate his story at the long-running NEBRASKAland Days festival. Several parks and amusement centers add to the fun with go-karts, laser tag and an antique carousel, while some visitors may find it thrilling enough to view the world's largest railroad classification yard at the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center.
Have fun on the water at Lake McConaughy - nearly everything about Lake McConaughy is big. At 30,000 surface acres it is Nebraska’s largest reservoir, its dam is among the largest of its type in the world and its fish grow to trophy proportions, accounting for several state records. Even its nickname, “Big Mac,” reflects its size.
Located eight miles northeast of Ogallala, Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is known to most Nebraskans and residents of neighbouring states as a great place for outdoor recreation. Lake Mac’s white sand beaches and clear waters are a favourite with campers, boaters, wind surfers, swimmers, water skiers, picnickers, scuba divers, hunters, anglers and others seeking outdoor fun.
2 Nights – North Platte
Hotel – Tru by Hilton North Platte (Inc Breakfast)
Days 8, 9 & 10
Scottsbluff (180 mi)
The town of Scottsbluff may not be as well known as the national monument that shares its name, but charm and convenience make the town a smart base for exploring Northwest Nebraska.
With proximity to national historic sites and monuments, a variety of accommodations and a charm all its own, Scottsbluff makes a good jumping-off point for any Northwest Nebraska journey. Go ahead and make your side trips to Gering and Bayard (for Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock National Historic Site, respectively), but return to Scottsbluff to spot bison and tigers at Riverside Discovery Center, visit the grave of Mormon pioneer Rebecca Winters and enjoy a summertime farmers market and locally owned, original restaurants and shops.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site - "Towering to the heavens" is how one pioneer described Chimney Rock, the most recognized landmark along the Oregon Trail. Today a museum operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society pays tribute to those who travelled the trails and features unique exhibits and a gift shop with one-of-a-kind items.
Scotts Bluff National Monument - Established in 1919 by Presidential Proclamations, Scotts Bluff National Monument preserves and protects over 3,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, rugged badlands, towering bluffs, historic trail remnants and riparian area along the North Platte River. The bluff served as an important landmark for pioneers on the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer and Pony Express Trails. Visitors to Scotts Bluff National Monument can walk in the footsteps of pioneers on remnants of the Oregon Trail, drive to the top of the bluff via the Summit Road and stand in awe at the sight of the bluffs raising from the prairie. The park boasts over 100,000 annual visitors.
Park grounds, trails and picnic area are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor Center and Summit Road hours vary upon season and road conditions.
Visit nearby Chadron, it's pine ridge landscape and rich heritage guarantee a strong sense of place with potential for adventure. As a former fur-trading post, Chadron is ideal for exploring High Plains heritage. Don't miss the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center or the Museum of the Fur Trade. Then make time for exploring Chadron's other side: in this home of the Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and Nebraska's first state park (named Chadron, naturally), you might choose to hunt, ride horseback or mountain bike through rolling, scenic terrain.
Crawford - From the moon-like landscape of Toadstool Geologic Park to the scenic pine ridge, you can go high-adventure or low-key in Crawford. Whether you're into hiking or photography, you'll want to explore the rare rock formations of Toadstool Geologic Park. Take adventure up a notch with a stagecoach or Jeep tour at Fort Robinson State Park. For the total package, stay at a Crawford guest ranch. By day, you might hike alongside a fossil-hunter or ride horseback along western Nebraska's pine ridge; by night, stargaze and retire to your room on the
3 Nights – Scottsbluff
Hotel – Fairfield Inn & Suites Scottsbluff (Inc Breakfast)
Days 11 & 12
Valentine (220 mi)
Your Valentine itinerary reads like a best-of list touting Nebraska's great outdoors.
When a nationally designated scenic river and wildlife refuge, Nebraska's tallest waterfall and an epic pedestrian path fall within the boundaries of where you're going, you know your vacation pics are going to look like a highlight reel. Welcome to Valentine, where outfitters can equip you to tube for a day or kayak overnight on the Niobrara National Scenic River. Where you can hike to that crashing waterfall inside Smith Falls State Park. Where you can discover a prairie-marsh ecosystem teeming with waterfowl and wildlife at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. And where you can follow the Cowboy Trail for 195 miles by foot or bike.
2 Nights – Valentine
Hotel – The Prairie Club (Room Only)
Days 13 & 14
South Sioux City (227 mi)
Think of South Sioux City as your three-in-one travel bonus: this trio of metropolitan areas includes locations in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.
The Missouri River helps define the borders of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, creating an area rich with Native American history and Lewis and Clark lore. Two scenic byways—the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway and the Outlaw Trail—thread through the area, creating ready-made itineraries. Or, create your own by winding your way to Blackbird Scenic Overlook above the Missouri River, the burial site of an Omaha Chief which was visited by Lewis and Clark. Visit Woodland Trails at the Winnebago Village Center to browse the gallery and take home arts and crafts created by Native American makers. Casinos provide another form of entertainment here, but you may prefer to test your luck outside: from city and state parks to the 20-mile Al Bengtson Bike Trail.
2 Nights – South Sioux City
Hotel – South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront (Room Only)
Day 15
Omaha via Norfolk (75 mi & 120 mi)
Today you can head straight to Omaha to take your flight home or leave bright and early and visit Norfolk wither to stay in the area or a stop before driving to fly home from Omaha. When the Cowboy Trail and Elkhorn River help define a place, expect epic biking, hiking and river-running - As a trailhead for the 195-mile Cowboy Trail, Norfolk has a way with hikers, bikers, stroller-pushers and leisurely walkers. Find the trailhead in Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, where you can camp and enjoy the Elkhorn River. Fish or hook up with NorthFork Outfitting to rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or other vessel to experience the river up-close. When you're hungry, try any of Norfolk's locally owned, original restaurants or craft breweries. And for a taste of local history, stop into the Elkhorn Valley Museum. Amid agricultural exhibits, check out the gallery dedicated to Johnny Carson, who considered Norfolk his hometown.
Flight home or extend your stay.
TOUR COST
All 'from' prices quoted below are per adult person, per package in £ GBP
The exact cost of the tour will depend on the date of travel and the availability at the time you book.
Your holiday includes:
Return flights to Omaha
14 Nights accommodation as above including all taxes
Breakfast as stated above
Car hire including all taxes, fees, unlimited mileage and breakdown cover.
October - March = From £1,849 per person based on 2 adults sharing
June - September = From £2,299 per person based on 2 adults sharing
Pre, post or extra nights
Pre, post & extra nights within the itinerary are available to be added to this tour, please let us know at time of booking if you would like to extend your stay anywhere and we will be happy to quote the extra nights.
