Variety is the name of the game when it comes to Nebraska vacations. This surprisingly diverse state offers an array of options for all kinds of travelers, interests, and budgets. Nebraska vacation spots have something for everyone, including cities large and small, wide-open rural places, and scenic outdoor lands.

Those traveling with youngsters will be happy to know that options for a family vacation to Nebraska are plentiful. In addition to the state capitol that is free to tour, Lincoln has a variety of interesting museums, including the University of Nebraska State Museum, Muller Planetarium, and Lincoln Children's Museum. Nebraska getaways to Lincoln are favorites for sports fans, for both spectators and the active set. The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers has several athletic contests on the schedule; the football games in fall draw tens of thousands of fans over a season.

Not too far away is Nebraska’s largest city, an energetic city that offers an array of eclectic itinerary options. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, a favorite of young visitors and the young at heart, is open year round with a full slate of fun things to do. With a collection of animals from around the world, a desert dome, an IMAX theater, and an aerial sky ride. The Omaha Children’s Museum, designed to engage and inspire imaginations, features a fire and rescue area, and a science laboratory among its hands-on exhibits.

Nebraska Map

These are just two ideas to include on Nebraska getaways to Omaha; there’s no shortage of other interesting places to explore. The Durham Museum fills a grand rail station with exhibits about the frontier and the American West. Travelers also can learn about the explorers who opened up the West at Heart of America Park & Fountain, Lewis & Clark Landing, and the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center.

Omaha, one of the top Nebraska vacation spots, also has a thriving arts scene, as evidenced by places like the Joslyn Art Museum, Bemis Center for the Contemporary Arts, and Hot Shops Art Center. Galleries and boutiques fill the buildings of the eclectic and energetic Old Market District.

From Omaha, it’s easy to reach other Nebraska vacation spots. Those traveling by car can hop on Interstate 80, which cuts right through the middle of the state on its way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Along the way, communities including Ashland, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte, and Sydney offer their own style of Nebraska getaways. In Ashland, the Doorly Zoo operates the Simmons Conservation Park Wildlife Safari, a drive-though animal habitat that also offers hiking, the soaring Strategic Air and Space Museum, and several spots for golfing.

Continuing west on I-80, the next major city is Grand Island, known for its bird-watching opportunities. Many people plan their Nebraska vacations based on the sandhill crane migration. Every spring, thousands of these amazing birds make a stop along the Platte River. Those who book Nebraska getaways during this time can explore with a naturalist guide and learn about wildlife on the prairie at the Wings over the Platte Visitor Center.

Vacationers also can watch the cranes at the Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Visitor and Education Center over in Kearney. This vacation haven is instantly recognizable because of the Great Platte River Road Archway, which spans the highway.

For those interested in the great outdoors, Sydney is a favorite stop on Nebraska vacations. Along with the original Cabela’s store, Sydney has a downtown straight out of the frontier days and a collection of historical attractions.

Travelers also can experience a taste of the wild west over in Scottsbluff, not far from the Wyoming border. This favorite for outdoor recreation was a major landmark for pioneers on their way west.

In fact, there’s a wide array of outdoor places to enjoy all across the state. With a network of state parks, lakes, and recreation areas, anglers, hikers, boaters, swimmers, and more will find plenty of activities to enjoy on their Nebraska vacations.