Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by Kristin
Nebraska’s largest city, Omaha, is full of fun things to explore, from renowned art museums to family-friendly attractions such as the Henry Doorly Zoo. It is also a great starting point for exploring the open road and destinations within several hours’ drive. Here are the best road trips from Omaha.
Fabulous Road Trips from Omaha
Lincoln
58.7 miles / 56 mins.
Head about an hour southwest to Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln, to check out museums and historical attractions. Start with a visit to the Nebraska State Capitol, whose nearly 400-foot tower is tiled with Art Deco accents. Car buffs shouldn’t miss the Museum of American Speed, which features more than 340 vintage hot-rods and race cars. Other popular attractions include the International Quilt Museum, the Sheldon Museum of Art and the Lincoln Children’s Museum. In the evening, head downtown to browse eclectic boutiques, hear live music and grab a bite to eat.
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Sioux Falls, South Dakota
181 miles / 2 hr. 41 mins.
Offering a unique mix of city life and nature, Sioux Falls is the perfect place to unwind for a weekend. The main attraction is the 123-acre Falls Park near the city center, which invites visitors to get up close and personal with the Big Sioux River’s waterfalls rushing through rock formations. The downtown area is full of antique shops, restaurants and boutiques, as well as the outdoor SculptureWalk public art exhibit. For a year-round activity, the family-friendly Butterfly House & Aquarium features more than 800 butterflies and hundreds of fish species.
Kansas City, Missouri
185 miles / 2 hr. 46 mins.
Looking for an escape to the big city? Kansas City’s unique mix of jazz clubs, barbecue restaurants and sports venues can keep any visitor busy — and well-fed — for days. To get a feel for the city’s culture and history, look no further than the famous 18th & Vine district. The neighborhood is full of iconic music venues and museums such as the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Swing by Arthur Bryant’s for some of the best Kansas City-style barbecue in town, browse the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or visit the more than 1,700 animals that call the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium home. >> Recommended hotels in Kansas City
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
261 miles / 3 hr. 53 mins.
A road trip from Omaha to Cedar Rapids makes for a nice itinerary. Take your pick of attractions ranging from the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library or the African American Museum of Iowa. The 26-acre Brucemore estate is also worth checking out for its Queen Anne-style mansion and impeccable gardens. When you work up an appetite, head to the NewBo City Market to nosh on pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, barbecue and more. If you have the time, head to the college town of Iowa City or the unique German villages known as the Amana Colonies.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
377 miles / 5 hr. 36 mins.
Head north to the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota for a double dose of historic buildings, museums and outdoor activities. Explore the galleries of the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Center, and then take a stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to see more than 40 public artworks. Saint Paul boasts its own set of attractions, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Capitol building and the Minnesota History Center. When the weather is nice, go for a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River or explore one of the area’s many riverfront parks. Want more shopping? The gigantic, world-famous Mall of America is just south of Minneapolis.
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Branson, Missouri
393 miles / 6 hrs.
Sometimes called the “live entertainment capital of the world” or a “family-friendly Las Vegas,” the Missouri town of Branson is a great place to catch a show. The town boasts more than 50 theaters that get all manner of touring acts, but it also offers Silver Dollar City theme park, hundreds of restaurants, and plenty of outdoor fun, thanks to Table Rock Lake and the hiking and biking trails of the Ozark Mountains. >> Recommended hotels in Branson
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