- Mid-March to early April brings hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes to the Platte River
- Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock mark the Oregon Trail
- Omaha has one of the best zoos in the US
- Best done as part of a longer Great Plains road trip
- Airports
- Omaha (OMA), via a US hub such as Chicago or Dallas; Denver (DEN) is about 3 hours' drive from western Nebraska
- Best time to go
- March-April for the crane migration; May-October for road trips
- Type
- State
Nebraska rarely tops a British wish list, and that is part of its charm. This is the heart of the Great Plains, a state of big skies, cattle country and the routes the pioneers took west. The Oregon, California and Mormon trails all followed the Platte River across Nebraska, and the sandstone landmarks that guided them still rise out of the prairie in the west.
Omaha and Lincoln, the capital, are friendly, affordable cities, while the Sandhills in the middle of the state form one of the largest grass-stabilised dune systems in the world. For the wider picture, see our USA guide.
Things to do
- Sandhill crane migration – each spring roughly half a million or more cranes gather along the Platte River near Kearney. Dawn and dusk viewing from hides is unforgettable.
- Scotts Bluff National Monument – drive or hike to the top for views over the North Platte valley and the wagon ruts of the Oregon Trail.
- Chimney Rock – the most famous landmark of the westward migration, mentioned in countless pioneer diaries.
- Omaha – the brick warehouses of the Old Market, the Joslyn Art Museum and Henry Doorly Zoo, with its huge indoor desert dome and rainforest.
- The Sandhills – drive the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway (Highway 2) through rolling grass-covered dunes and tiny ranch towns.
- Carhenge – a full-scale replica of Stonehenge made from vintage cars near Alliance, which British visitors tend to enjoy.
- Niobrara National Scenic River – canoeing, tubing and waterfalls in the north, especially around Valentine.
- Toadstool Geologic Park – eerie badlands in the far northwest.
Where to stay
- Omaha – the best choice of hotels, especially in and around the Old Market.
- Kearney – the base for crane season; book early as rooms fill up.
- Scottsbluff and Gering – convenient for the western landmarks.
- Valentine – cabins and motels for the Niobrara and Sandhills.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Fly to Omaha with one connection, typically through Chicago, Dallas or Atlanta, or fly to Denver and drive; western Nebraska is about three hours from Denver. Interstate 80 crosses the state east to west, but the back roads are far more interesting. You will need a hire car and an approved ESTA.
Best time to visit
Mid-March to early April is crane season and the state's busiest time for wildlife lovers. Late spring and early autumn are pleasant for driving. Summers are hot with dramatic thunderstorms, and winters can be bitterly cold and windy on the open plains.
For the cranes, book a guided dawn hide at the Crane Trust or Rowe Sanctuary well in advance; they sell out months ahead.
Top attractions in Nebraska
NatureCentral Park
Manhattan's 843-acre green heart, with lakes, meadows, bridges and woodland stretching for 51 blocks between Midtown…
LandmarkStatue of Liberty
The copper colossus in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886, visited by ferry with Ellis Island on the same trip.
Nebraska on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Nebraska worth visiting?
As a destination on its own, it suits wildlife and history enthusiasts. Most British visitors enjoy it as part of a longer road trip between Chicago and the Rockies, or on the way to the Black Hills of South Dakota.
How long should I spend in Nebraska?
Two or three days covers Omaha and the western landmarks. Add a day around Kearney during crane season.
When exactly do the sandhill cranes arrive?
Numbers usually build from late February and peak from mid-March into early April, though timing varies with the weather each year.
Is it easy to drive in Nebraska?
Very. Roads are straight and quiet, but distances between fuel stations can be long in the Sandhills, so fill up when you can.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
