Three-Day Hub & Spoke Lincoln Itinerary: Exploring UNL and Southeast Nebraska
Explore the heart of Lincoln and the scenic southeast corner of Nebraska on a meticulously planned three‑day itinerary. From iconic UNL sites to local culinary gems, this guide offers a balanced mix of culture, history, and flavor.
Pro Tip
Enjoy both urban vibrancy and tranquil landscapes—Lincoln and southeast Nebraska offer iconic sites and local favorites for a well‑balanced trip.
Day 1
Start your morning at The Mill for a quick coffee or a sit‑and‑stay pastry.
800 P Street #100
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 475-5522
Read More
Stroll along the brick streets of the Historic Haymarket and browse niche gift shops and boutiques such as Licorice International, From Nebraska Gift Shop, and KD Designs.
8th and P Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 435-7496
Read More
Round the Bend Steakhouse is one of the premier steakhouses in Nebraska, featuring a 10,000‑sq‑ft ballroom and an outdoor beer garden. Located in the rolling hills of the Platte River Valley, it serves hand‑cut, cooked‑to‑perfection ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon.
30801 East Park Highway
Ashland, NE
United States
(402) 944-9974
Read More
Plan a visit over Father’s Day weekend to experience the famous “Testicle Festival” and maybe even enter the “Ball Eating Contest” for a chance to win ironic bragging rights among Nebraskans.
28210 W Park Highway
Ashland, NE
United States
(402) 944-3100
Read More
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum houses the largest Cold War aircraft collection in the U.S. Explore restored aircraft and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
28210 W Park Highway
Ashland, NE
United States
(402) 944-3100
Read More
Visit Baker’s Candies, a celebrated Nebraska confectionery. Sample the smooth chocolate meltaways and other gourmet treats.
831 S Baker Street PO Box 88
Greenwood, NE
United States
(402) 789-2700
Read More
Named after UNL’s famed show choir, Screamers Dining & Cabaret offers a diverse menu and live entertainment.
803 Q Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(531) 500-2550
Read More
Finish the day at the Hilton Garden Inn, featuring refurbished rooms, a range of amenities, and a relaxing outdoor patio.
801 R Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 475-9000
Read More
Day 2
Start the day at Green Gateau, where upscale cuisine sets the tone for a memorable morning.
330 S 10th Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 477-0330
Read More
Explore the Nebraska State Capitol, a landmark that took over a decade to design and construct. Take a guided tour or wander through its mosaics and limestone hallways.
1445 K Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 471-0448
Read More
The International Quilt Museum houses the world’s largest public quilt collection and over 4,000 artifacts from more than 55 countries.
1523 N 33rd Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 472-6549
Read More
Enjoy lunch at H.F. Crave, where chefs use local beef from Hollenbeck Farms and grow much of the seasonal produce that graces the menu.
4800 Holdrege Street #100
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 480-7399
Read More
Visit the Larson Tractor Museum on UNL’s East Campus to learn how tractor testing and performance data shape modern agriculture worldwide.
35th and Fair Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 472-8389
Read More
Cross East Campus to the UNL Dairy Store, supplying premium dairy products since 1917 and featuring handmade ice creams, meats, and cheeses.
114 Food Industry Complex
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 472-2828
Read More
Drive about 20 miles north to James Arthur Vineyards, where award‑winning wines are grown locally and produced in the rolling hills of Nebraska.
2001 W Raymond Road
Raymond, NE
United States
(402) 783-5255
Read More
Return to the Hilton Garden Inn for an evening of comfort, cocktails, and a scenic patio.
801 R Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 475-9000
Read More
Day 3
Begin at Greenfield’s Café & Restaurant, offering mimosas and fluffy buttermilk pancakes at any hour.
7900 S 87th Street
Lincoln, NE
United States
(402) 420-3232
Read More
Travel an hour southeast to the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, home to over one million artifacts and the original equipment used to build the “ELI” windmills.
1416 Central Avenue
Nebraska City, NE
United States
(402) 873-1078
Read More
Dine at Timbers in the picturesque Lied Lodge, an award‑winning restaurant overlooking Arbor Day Farm.
2700 Sylvan Road
Nebraska City, NE
United States
(402) 873-8740
Read More
Explore J. Sterling Morton Mansion, the original estate of Arbor Day’s founder, now a 52‑room historic home filled with authentic furnishings.
2600 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE
United States
(402) 873-7222
Read More
Spend the afternoon at Arbor Day Farm, hiking its 260 acres of wooded trails, tree‑to‑tree climbing, or the Discovery Ride for an immersive forest experience.
2611 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE
United States
(402) 873-8717
Read More
End your trip with a classic shredded beef sandwich at Dinty Moore’s Lunch Room, one of southeast Nebraska’s oldest eateries.
108 S 8th Street
Nebraska City, NE
United States
(402) 873-5833
Read More
