26 Exciting Things to Do in Nebraska in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

If someone were to ask what the most underrated state is, my answer would come easily: Nebraska. The Cornhusker State is nothing short of incredible—so much so that I've created a bucket list of all the things I'd like to see and do around the state this coming year.

From beautiful state parks to the most charming small towns and local eateries, Nebraska truly has something for everyone. Take a look at the following 26 things to do in Nebraska in 2026, and see which attractions and experiences you'd like to add to your own travel itinerary for the year.

1. Hike Saddle Rock Trail - Scott Bluffs

The Saddle Rock Trail is nothing short of legendary; it’s not long, coming in at just over three miles in length, and it’s not overly difficult. From the visitor center at Scotts Bluff National Monument, you’ll follow the well-marked trail to the summit, where the views will blow you away. Download a map of the hike to help you get around. 

2. Enjoy BBQ at Swine Dining - Bellevue 

Hungry? Well, after all that hiking on the Saddle Rock Trail, you sure will be. Enter Swine Dining BBQ, a nothing-short-of-perfect barbecue joint in Bellevue, Nebraska. Indulge in ribs, chicken, sandwiches, sausages, and so much more. Your taste buds will celebrate every time you roll up. There’s also a location in Omaha, so bring your appetite and enjoy.

3. Stay at Merritt Dam Road Hill House - Valentine

If you’re looking to get away from it all, the marvelous Merritt Dam Road Hill House in Valentine, Nebraska, sleeps up to six in three gorgeous bedrooms. It’s perfect for family escapes or a couple’s outing, and it’s truly away from it all. The cozy fireplace is a big plus, and I fell madly in love with those vaulted ceilings. I can't wait to go again this coming year.

4. Experience Winter - Nebraska  

From tree lightings to winter festivals, holiday towns, and outdoor shenanigans like sledding, winter in Nebraska is a special time to get out and enjoy. It can get cold, but if you dress warmly, you'll be just fine. Spend your season on the trails, sledding, ice skating, or maybe exploring small towns that go all-out for the holidays with lights and festivities. No matter what you do, it’s sure to be a delight.

5. The Best City to Visit in Nebraska in 2026 - Lincoln

A 2021 study from WalletHub reported that Lincoln, Nebraska, is one of the happiest cities in the U.S. The unemployment rate is significantly lower than the national average, plus there are plenty of fun things to do, see, and experience while in town. My favorite attraction in the entire city is the Sunken Gardens. You must see them to understand. 

6. Stay at the Hotel Deco - Omaha  

The Hotel Deco is a marvelous hotel located in the heart of Omaha’s historic district. The Art Deco architecture dates back to the 1930s, when it was an office building that lived a very different life. Today, it’s one of Nebraska's most beautiful and upscale accommodations. It was turned into a hotel in 1989, and in 2010, it became Hotel Deco, now one of the best hotels in Nebraska. The suites are luxurious and roomy, offering the perfect way to unwind.  

7. Take a Day Trip - Nebraska

When it comes to day trips, Nebraska has no shortage of options. In 2026, I hope to visit historic sites, ghost towns, state parks, and plenty of other places. I personally enjoy doing at least one (or three) per season, so fall color trips, winter wonderland trips, spring wildflower trips, and other seasonally based activities are on the table. Day trips in Nebraska in 2026? I think yes.

8. Visit Scotts Bluff National Monument - Western Nebraska

Grab yourself a National Parks Pass and hit up some of the Cornhusker State’s most amazing parks—like Scotts Bluff National Monument. The pass enables you to get into Nebraska’s national parks and sites for free, so get ready to become enamored with the stunning rock formations and fields of sunflowers in the state. It's one of the coolest natural wonders to see in 2026. 

9. Celebrate Spring - Nebraska

Spring means a lot of things, but to Nebraskans, it is often, first and foremost, the harbinger of warmer days. As soon as the first hint of spring arrives, it’s on. Enjoy flower blooms, botanical gardens, various awe-inspiring hikes, or simply spend time outdoors. Spring in Nebraska is special in its very own way.

10. Experience a Themed Concert - Omaha 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, date night idea, or self-care evening, you’ll love checking out an incredible orchestra concert by the Omaha Symphony. On March 21, 2026, the company will perform Tribute to the Who, the iconic British 70s band. The show will even include rock instruments and vocalists. It's sure to be an exciting night.

11. Hike Ruthie's Backyard, Pumptrack, and Eastbound and Down Loop - Louisville

The name is a bit of a mouthful, to say the least, but I promise—this 7.5-mile-long hiking trail in Nebraska is worth every step. This trail leads hikers through Platte River State Park on two separate loops; on the way, you’ll encounter Platte River, Stone Creek Falls, and Jenny Lake. If hiking isn’t your thing, consider doing a horseback guided trail ride. This is one hike in Nebraska that I look forward to every year.  

12. Take a Road Trip - Nebraska  

When people think about great states for road tripping, road trips in Nebraska are probably not the first to come to mind. This is unfair, if you ask me, as this amazing state has seemingly endless options for the ultimate road trip. Embark upon a ghost town road trip, a state park road trip, or perhaps a charming small town road trip in 2026.

13. Stay at The Peregrine - Omaha

Of all the places to stay in Nebraska, Omaha definitely has some of the most outrageously unique spots. The Peregrine is aesthetically gorgeous, with beautiful rooms for every occasion, and it’s nestled right in the heart of downtown. The colorfully lit WoodmenLife Center is right next door, and the Joslyn Art Museum and Henry Doorly Zoo are just ten minutes away.

14. Explore Smith Falls - Valentine 

It's true: there are waterfalls in Nebraska! And one of the greatest is Smith Falls in Valentine. It's the tallest in the state—70 feet straight up— and intensely photogenic. Plus, during the summer, it makes for the perfect swimming hole. While you’re here, you’ll want to explore Smith Falls State Park, too. It’s an unforgettable experience.

15. Jump in a Swimming Hole - Nebraska

Speaking of swimming holes, come summer, you’ll want to know where all the best ones are. That’s easy, considering there are more than 2,000 lakes in Nebraska. Summer is an amazing time of year, and as we all know, it can get a smidge... hot. Luckily, there is an assortment of fun things to do in Nebraska in the summer, from lakes to water parks, camping, and more. One of the best spots for water sports is the Louisville Recreation Area.

16. Eat Steak at Ole's Big Game Steakhouse - Paxton

Ole's Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge has been around since the day after Prohibition ended. It's one of the oldest restaurants in Nebraska, and is well worth the drive to experience. The restaurant is a hunter’s dream come true, with more than 200 taxidermized critters hunted by the founder himself. It's one of the best restaurants in Nebraska to visit in 2026.

17. Visit Old Towns - Bellevue, Florence, Nebraska City

Nebraska is an old state, but it’s an even older territory. Humans and Nebraska go way back, and as a result, there are some towns you can visit to this day that are older than our statehood itself. A few of the oldest towns in Nebraska include Bellevue (founded in 1823), Florence (founded in 1854), Nebraska City (founded in 1855), and many more. Which are you adding to the list this coming year?

18. Explore the Old Texas Trail - Ogallala 

Ogallala is a small city in Keith County, Nebraska, with a population of just over 4,800 people as of the 2020 census. It’s one of the most well-known towns along the old Texas Trail, and once upon a time, it was a booming cowboy town complete with its very own Boot Hill. Today, popular attractions in town include Lake McConaughy, the Mansion on the Hill, Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, and many more. You may never want to leave this small town in Nebraska.

19. Relax at This Tiny House - Ponca

Have you ever dreamed of a rural getaway to a tiny home with its very own private hot tub? If so, stay at the Magnolia Tiny House in Ponca. The interior is only 8.5 by 28 feet, but its design and use of space make it seem much larger. It has everything you need—a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a shower, two beds, a washer and dryer, and heated flooring. Outside, you'll find a deck, a grill, a fire pit, and a hot tub.

20. Stroll Through Toadstool Geologic Park - Harrison

Harrison, Nebraska, is known for its very strange and beautiful highlight: the Toadstool Geologic Park. This park is notable for its bizarre geography and intriguing geology, with mushroom-shaped rocks and awe-inspiring bluffs. Fossil deposits are a common sight along the trails—it's a quiet and peaceful place to spend time this coming year.

21. Learn at Indian Cave State Park -  Shubert

Indian Cave State Park is a place filled with wonder and mystery that's sure to fascinate. Here, you’ll find a big, shallow sandstone cave containing petroglyphs that are thought to be thousands of years old. But there's a catch: we have no idea who did these or when. They haven’t been linked to any one culture, nor any time period. Mull over what you think happened when you visit in 2026.  

22. Celebrate Autumn - Nebraska 

Autumn in Nebraska can be truly dazzling—sometimes surprisingly so. Where there’s foliage, there’s color, and there are so many things to do in Nebraska in the fall that you’ll never get bored. This is one of the best times to visit, with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, graveyards, and more. And don’t forget to do a Nebraska fall colors drive, either.  

23. Investigate Verges Cave - Norfolk

What’s even more fun than exploring a cave? Exploring an allegedly haunted cave. Okay, maybe not for everyone... but I think it’s a blast. The old Verges Cave in Norfolk is not a natural cave, but it sure is creepy. Scrawled on the walls are strange cartoons, remnants of the various lives of the cave since its inception in the 1930s. It’s not exactly known why it was dug, so of course, this means there is an amalgamation of ghost stories surrounding it.

24. Celebrate 'Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day' - Greeley

Are you Irish? Same. Are you not Irish? Well, that’s just fine: Everyone is welcome at the Greeley Irish Festival, lovingly referred to as the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Festival.” It's a large-scale event for the small town, drawing more visitors than any other event throughout the year! Enjoy beer and food, live music, Irish dancing, and more at this special event in September.

25. Stroll the Schramm Park Nature Loop - Gretna

Last on this list, but by no means least, the Schramm Park Nature Loop is an adventure and a half. It’s 2.2 miles long, and it’s rated as moderately difficult. This hike offers a perfect view of the Schramm Park State Recreation Area, featuring its three suspension bridges that dangle over the canyon. Adventurers and casual hikers alike will adore this one.  

26. Attend the Old West Balloon Fest - Mitchell

One of the most iconic Nebraska events is the Old West Balloon Festival—it happens every year in August and dazzles tourists and locals alike. Bright and early in the morning, participants can see hundreds of larger-than-life balloons take flight in various participating towns, making the sky a colorful image. In 2026, it will take place from August 10 to 16.

There you have it: 26 ideas for the best things to do in Nebraska in 2026. Which are you adding to your bucket list? If you're already planning your day trips, road trips, or weekend getaways to experience these attractions, use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your way.