Nebraska [Getaway Guides]

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Nebraska

In between the cheers and chants in Kansas City, put away your fan scarf for a few days and take the opportunity to explore more of America’s heartland. Hop onto I-29, and you’ll have a straight path north to Nebraska, the “Cornhusker State.” The capital city, Lincoln, is about a three hour’s drive away. Enjoy the great outdoors in the birthplace of Arbor Day. Explore one of the best zoos in the country. Savor a state delicacy, the Runza. And if you time it right, you can catch some of college baseball’s best. Read on for a three-day itinerary on exploring Nebraska between the games.

Nothing says “welcome to Nebraska” like stopping for a Runza. This warm, fresh pocket of bread stuffed with ground beef, onions, cabbage and a blend of spices is a delightful dish that the state is known for. Its roots come from European immigrants who settled in the region. You can find one throughout Nebraska at its namesake's restaurants, including a location just west of the Missouri River in Nebraska City. After refueling, stick around and explore more of what is the birthplace of Arbor Day. When you think of a Great Plains state, you might now think of trees. But the tree planting holiday was first proposed by Nebraskan J. Sterling Morton in 1872, and by 1885 April 22 was officially selected for the state holiday. Today, every state and many countries around the world celebrate their own version of this holiday.

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Runza and onion rings

Nebraska City

Lincoln

Omaha

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Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha

Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, home to the College World Series

Legacy of the Plains Museum

Arbor Day Farm

Historic Haymarket

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Charles Schwab Field

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

See some of the fruits of this holiday with a visit to Arbor Day Farm, which covers 260 acres of tree-filled, natural land. Here you can experience Tree Adventure, where you can hike some of the forested trails and journey up Treetop Village—where nearly a dozen treehouses are connected by netted walkways and bridges, a perfect way for the whole family to stretch their legs after the drive up. Stop by Apple House Market to taste some of their hand-crafted wines and apple cider; and pick up some local specialty items like jam, pies, popcorn and seasonal fruit grown at the farm.

Visit the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park to see where it all began. The park includes the estate once home to Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton. You can tour the mansion where Morton lived, walk the trails and discover the park’s lilac collection, featuring over 200 varieties—where vibrant colors and floral fragrances are sure to ignite your senses. Consider driving one hour west to Lincoln to spend your first night.

Despite being one of Nebraska biggest cities, the state capital, and home to the main campus of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln still provides the ease and charm you’d expect in a small town. On a warm Midwest summer day (where nice weather is never taken for granted), you’ll be welcomed by locals enjoying the over 130 parks and over 130 miles of trails around town. One such spot is Sunken Gardens. This former dumpsite-turned-garden sits on 1.5 acres and features different floral schemes every year with over 30,000 different annuals.

You’ll see the Nebraska State Capitol miles before you arrive. Open daily, you can join a free guided tour to learn more about the building’s history. The observation decks on the 14th floor are also open to the public (weather permitting). The Museum of American Speed is a must-see for any car enthusiasts. This sprawling 150,000 square foot museum features displays like the Model T, pedal cars and a NASCAR collection. Be sure to budget at least a couple hours to explore the three floors of exhibits. Cap off a perfect summer day with some ice cream at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Dairy Store. The store opened its doors over 100 years ago, and it serves as an experience opportunity for the university’s food science students. Today they sell ice cream, cheeses and meats made by students in the on-site plant. Find signature flavors like Scarlet and Cream, a nod to the university's colors, comprised of strawberry ice cream and a strawberry swirl; and rotating seasonal options like peach and lemon custard.

End the day with a stop at the Historic Haymarket district. Explore shops like the Burlington Antique Mall or pickup a memento at the From Nebraska Gift Shop. Grab a bite to eat at one of the dozens of bars and restaurants in the district. Lazlo's Brewery & Grill is a beloved local spot that’s been around for over 35 years. Sip on a beer from their in-house brewery, Empyrean Brewing Co.; and try favorite dishes like their lahvosh, a base of sweet cracker bread covered with cheese and toppings of your choice. Stay in one of the district’s nearby hotels and top off the day with a nightcap at Alchemy Aqua Vitae, a cocktail bar featuring an expansive drinks menu with more than 100 whiskies to choose from. Or, consider heading to Omaha for the night to start exploring the state’s biggest city first thing in the morning.

Consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the country, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is worth a visit. There are over a dozen exhibits, including their Desert Dome, said to be the largest indoor desert in the world. This impressive structure is comprised of 1,760 tinted panels and stands 13 stories tall. Inside, the dome represents three different deserts from around the world. Plus, there’s a special room showcasing freshly young reptiles and amphibians. The Lied Jungle, one of the largest indoor rainforests where you’ll walk amongst tropical plants, hear waterfalls and see monkeys, pygmy hippos and more.

To explore more of the city, head down to the RiverFront. Comprised of three different parks near the water, you’ll find focal points like playgrounds, a pier and a sculpture garden. The gathering place bridges Omaha’s lively North Downtown (NoDo) with the Old Market Entertainment District. The latter will give a vintage feel with brick buildings; cobblestone roads; and shops like Homer’s Music record store and Hollywood Candy, where you’ll find nostalgic sweets. The NoDo area has concert venues; film theaters; and Charles Schwab Field Omaha, which is home to the NCAA Men's College World Series. The tournament is set to start June 12 and last through either June 21 or 22 (depending on how the finals go). Whether you buy tickets to the games, or just tailgate with the fans nearby, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

As day 3 comes to an end, you can explore even more of Nebraska—heading west on I-80 out to North Platte for a taste of the “Old West” and a try to river tanking (yes, tank, not tube) or head northwest to the Nebraska Sandhills for epic stargazing. If you have more games to get to, a quick three-hour trip down I-29 will get you back to Kansas City. Or, you can catch a flight from Eppley Airfield to fly nonstop to host cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle and New York City.

Sunken Gardens

Nebraska State Capitol Building (left); UNL Dairy Store (right)

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park

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