Central Nebraska

Travel Guide

Grand Island featuring a house
Great Platte River Road Archway which includes a bridge
Great Platte River Road Archway showing a statue or sculpture
Classic Car Collection showing heritage elements and interior views
Great Platte River Road Archway which includes interior views

Experience the pioneering spirit of this region as you make your way over flat prairies, hike through sand dunes and watch trains zoom through the countryside. 

Central Nebraska was once a key stop on the journey westward for American pioneers. Historic trails through the region helped explorers tame the prairies and settle new towns. Come here today to visit its cultural attractions and to experience the small-town charm that makes it a must-visit for tourists looking for an escape from the big city lights.

One of Central Nebraska’s most unique attractions is the Archway. This museum is housed inside a bridge spanning Interstate 80 and is dedicated to 19th-century pioneers. Enjoy interactive exhibits on the history of the railroad.

Head to the city of Lexington to shop for upcycled vintage furniture. History buffs should stop by the Dawson County Historical Museum and the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, while oenophiles can go wine tasting in rural vineyards. Drive 20 minutes southwest from Lexington for outdoor fun swimming in Johnson Lake.

Grand Island is a town that brims with history and hospitality. Head to the Stuhr Museum to see the 1890s Railroad Town, where costumed actors help capture the essence of a prairie community. Inspect early farm equipment in the exhibits and let the kids run free in the children’s interactive play area. Downtown Grand Island has galleries, while the Island Oasis Water Park is a thrilling way to cool off on a hot day.

Spot local wildlife in Kearney, known as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World. Watch hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes pass over the Platte River on their migration path between February and April. Also in the Sandhills region is Nebraska National Forest, a superb hiking and star-gazing destination.

The Central Nebraska Regional Airport serves seasonal flights from nearby cities. Alternatively, drive into Central Nebraska using Interstate 80 or the Lincoln Highway. Take the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway or the Loup Rivers Scenic Byway for a well-signed journey across the region.

Come to Central Nebraska to discover America’s rich past while enjoying its present-day beauty.

Where to stay in Central Nebraska

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Kearney Downtown Historic District

While visiting Kearney Downtown Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like The World Theatre and Museum of Nebraska Art.

Kearney Downtown Historic District
Grand Island featuring interior views, art and zoo animals

Railside

Though Railside may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Island Oasis Water Park and Nebraska State Fair Grounds.

Railside
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Central Hastings Historic District

Central Hastings Historic District might not have many top sights, but Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History and Heartwell Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Central Hastings Historic District
Holiday Inn Kearney by IHG
Holiday Inn Kearney by IHG
3 out of 5
110 2nd Ave, Kearney, NE
The price is S$175 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$175
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kearney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (840 reviews)
"Kids loved the pool slides. Friendly staff, clean rooms. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Kearney by IHG
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kearney
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kearney
3 out of 5
108 3rd Ave, Kearney, NE
The price is S$182 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$182
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kearney. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Motel was nice. Breakfast good. Love that they had a pop machine. I don’t get the point of asking me to check in on line only to wait in line 20 minutes to get key. I don’t mind waiting but I dont see how on line helped me or the check in clerk."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kearney
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kearney
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kearney
2 out of 5
104 Talmadge Rd, Kearney, NE
The price is S$124 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$124
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kearney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
👍
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kearney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Glenvil Cabin w/ Gas Grill: Steps to Dock & Pond!
Glenvil Cabin w/ Gas Grill: Steps to Dock & Pond!
3 out of 5
Glenvil
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Glenvil. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning.
Glenvil Cabin w/ Gas Grill: Steps to Dock & Pond!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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