Stops along 80 through Nebraska? (Omaha, Lincoln: hotel, taxi, restaurant)

[Griffland219]

I'm thinking of taking a trip from Chicago to Denver through Nebraska and through Kansas on the way back. I would be staying in Omaha for a day and do a little sightseeing around there, but may just drive all the way to the Denver area for my next hotel. So, I'll basically have a day of driving through Nebraska. I know I can't possibly see everything on a quick drive through, but what interesting things should I watch for on the highway, and what quick attractions could blow a little time and give me a little break not super far off the highway? I would probably like to see a bit of Lincoln, and may stop in Grand Island and North Platte for gas, food, etc. Thanks!

[iamjacobm]

Between Omaha and Lincoln is the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum. Huge hanger filled with old military airplanes, rockets and missiles.

In Lincoln the best quick thing to do IMO would be to see the capitol building, beautiful architecture.

Frankly the rest of I80 through Nebraska is pretty dull. There is a museum that arches over the interstate in Kearney that is focused on the history of westward expansion. Paxton is a tiny town that has a casual restaurant that is known for its numerous taxidermy animals on display, Ole's Big Game Steakhouse.

Really though I80 through NE is a lot of road and not a whole lot else.

[Aredhel]

Originally Posted by iamjacobm

Between Omaha and Lincoln is the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum. Huge hanger filled with old military airplanes, rockets and missiles.

In Lincoln the best quick thing to do IMO would be to see the capitol building, beautiful architecture.

These two together would pair nicely to fill a day. Spend the morning at the SAC Museum, then drive the west of the way to Lincoln to see the Capitol Building and maybe the Haymarket area, then either overnight in Lincoln or head off to Grand Island (depending on the weather, how late you want to stay in Lincoln, and how tired you are).

Frankly the rest of I80 through Nebraska is pretty dull. There is a museum that arches over the interstate in Kearney that is focused on the history of westward expansion. Paxton is a tiny town that has a casual restaurant that is known for its numerous taxidermy animals on display, Ole's Big Game Steakhouse.

Don't forget the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, and Harold Warp's Pioneer Village in Minden. Both are well worth a look.

The Nebraska State Fair is also held in Grand Island; you haven't said when you're planning this trip, OP, but if that overlaps with your trip dates it's another possible attraction to see (as is the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines area; it's held a week or so earlier). Once yu know your travel dates and have the main route planned, I'd consider doing some Google searches to see if any other state or county fairs or rodeos overlap with your trip dates.

[NDak15]

USA Steak Buffet is a good place to eat in Kearney.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by iamjacobm

Between Omaha and Lincoln is the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum. Huge hanger filled with old military airplanes, rockets and missiles.

In Lincoln the best quick thing to do IMO would be to see the capitol building, beautiful architecture.

Frankly the rest of I80 through Nebraska is pretty dull. There is a museum that arches over the interstate in Kearney that is focused on the history of westward expansion. Paxton is a tiny town that has a casual restaurant that is known for its numerous taxidermy animals on display, Ole's Big Game Steakhouse.

Really though I80 through NE is a lot of road and not a whole lot else.

^never left the interstate