12 days in Nebraska Itinerary

A major transportation hub, Omaha was once considered little more than a stopping point on a pioneer's journey west.

Omaha is known for zoos & aquariums, shopping, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: catch a live performance at Henry Doorly Zoo, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, take in the views from Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and look for gifts at Old Market Candy Shop.

To see maps, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Omaha trip planner.

Minneapolis to Omaha is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Minneapolis in September, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Omaha: temperatures range from 81°F by day to 59°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Mon) so you can go by car to Gering.

Gering is a city in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, United States. On the 12th (Tue), explore the striking landscape of Scotts Bluff National Monument and then get great views at North Overlook. On the 13th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the masterpieces at Carnegie Arts Center, then pause for some photo ops at Carhenge, then admire the local landmark of City of Alliance Central Park Fountain, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Monument Valley Pathway.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Gering journey planner.

You can drive from Omaha to Gering in 7 hours. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Mountain Standard Time (MST) is minus 1 hour. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Omaha in September since evenings lows in Gering dip to 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to North Platte.

North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. Start off your visit on the 14th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Fort Cody Trading Post, immerse yourself in nature at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, then steep yourself in history at Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard, and finally walk around Cody Park. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Lincoln County Historical Museum, then play a few rounds at Wild Horse Golf Club, and then contemplate the long history of Original Pony Express Station & Museum.

To see photos, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the North Platte online travel route planner.

Traveling by car from Gering to North Platte takes 3 hours. The time zone difference moving from Mountain Standard Time (MST) to Central Standard Time (CST) is 1 hour. Expect a daytime high around 81°F in September, and nighttime lows around 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Kearney.

Kearney is a city in and the county seat of Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States. Kick off your visit on the 16th (Sat): examine the collection at Nebraska Firefighters Museum, enjoy breathtaking views from Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, then see the interesting displays at Classic Car Collection, and finally explore by horseback at Christine's Horseback Riding.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Kearney tour planner.

You can drive from North Platte to Kearney in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Kearney are 80°F, while nighttime lows are 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Lincoln.

Lincoln is the capital of the U.S. state of Nebraska and the county seat of Lancaster County. Step out of Lincoln with an excursion to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland--about 32 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Sunken Gardens, walk around Pioneer Park Nature Center, get to know the resident critters at Lincoln Children's Zoo, and see the interesting displays at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.

For photos, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Lincoln trip itinerary app.

Drive from Kearney to Lincoln in 2 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.