Highest-rated free things to do in Nebraska, according to Tripadvisor
Highest-rated free things to do in Nebraska, according to Tripadvisor
It is incredibly expensive to be an American. While workers in the United States have seen an 80% increase in wages over the past 50 years, those gains haven't caught up with the ever-growing cost of living, according to a 2024 report from Consumer Affairs. Between 1970 and 2022, the national consumer price index increased by over 500%, while wages only grew by 80%.
That imbalance has put a huge strain on the average American. The number of cost-burdened households in the U.S. reached an 11-year record in 2022, according to an analysis of Census Bureau data by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. In June 2024, Redfin reported that the median U.S. home sale price hit an all-time high of $394,000.
It's no wonder that maintaining savings, paying down debts and mortgages, and regular expenses are taking precedence over vacations. But not everything that's enjoyable has to come at a high price. In fact, there's a roster of completely free things to do in Nebraska.
Think about the most common items on a vacation getaway itinerary: sightseeing, touring landmarks, or completing a nature walk. Or, maybe you're just aiming to relax and want some peace and quiet. Whether you're a history buff or aching to dip your toes in some cool water, you can find all this and more without swiping your credit card or crossing state lines.
To help you find your next free activity, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated free things to do in Nebraska using data from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks places using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, an activity with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Data is as of June 12, 2024.
Read on to start planning a weekend of free fun near you!
#30. OPPD Arboretum
- Rating: 4.5/5 (75 reviews)
- Address: 108th and Blondo Streets Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#29. Hike-Bike Trail Bridge
- Rating: 4.5/5 (61 reviews)
- Address: 1020 V Road Kearney, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#28. Chalco Hills Recreation Area
- Rating: 4.5/5 (74 reviews)
- Address: 8901 South 154th St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#27. Boiler Brewing Company
- Rating: 5/5 (50 reviews)
- Address: 129 North 10th St. Suite 8 Lincoln, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#26. Hot Shops Art Center
- Rating: 4.5/5 (96 reviews)
- Address: 13th & Nicholas Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#25. Lewis & Clark Landing and Riverfront Park
- Rating: 4/5 (157 reviews)
- Address: 515 North Riverfront Drive Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#24. James Arthur Vineyard
- Rating: 4.5/5 (71 reviews)
- Address: 2001 West Raymond Road Raymond, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#23. Pony Express Station
- Rating: 4.5/5 (189 reviews)
- Address: 1500 Lake Ave. Ehmen Park Gothenburg, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#22. Sheldon Museum of Art
- Rating: 4.5/5 (100 reviews)
- Address: 12th and R Sts On the campus of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#21. Zorinsky Lake and Recreation Area
- Rating: 4.5/5 (137 reviews)
- Address: 15600 F St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#20. Holmes Park & Lake
- Rating: 4.5/5 (92 reviews)
- Address: 70th and Normal Blvd. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#19. Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters
- Rating: 4.5/5 (158 reviews)
- Address: 3215 State St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#18. Petrified Wood Gallery
- Rating: 5/5 (98 reviews)
- Address: 525 East 1st St. Ogallala, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#17. Holy Family Shrine
- Rating: 5/5 (122 reviews)
- Address: 23132 Pflug Road Gretna, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#16. Yanney Heritage Park
- Rating: 5/5 (90 reviews)
- Address: 2020 W. 11th St. Kearney, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#15. Kenefick Park
- Rating: 4.5/5 (130 reviews)
- Address: 100 Bancroft St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#14. Heartland of America Park
- Rating: 4.5/5 (292 reviews)
- Address: 800 Douglas St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#13. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
- Rating: 4.5/5 (183 reviews)
- Address: 301 River Road Harrison, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#12. Cody Park
- Rating: 4.5/5 (212 reviews)
- Address: North Hwy 83 North Platte, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#11. Pioneer Park Nature Center
- Rating: 4.5/5 (154 reviews)
- Address: 3201 South Coddington Ave. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#10. Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
- Rating: 4/5 (266 reviews)
- Address: 1001 Douglas St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#9. Homestead National Historical Park
- Rating: 4.5/5 (220 reviews)
- Address: 8523 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#8. St. Cecilia's Cathedral
- Rating: 4.5/5 (165 reviews)
- Address: 701 North 40th St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#7. Carhenge
- Rating: 4.5/5 (665 reviews)
- Address: Route 87 On Us Highway 87 Alliance, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#6. First National's Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park
- Rating: 4.5/5 (251 reviews)
- Address: 1400 Capitol and 1600 Dodge St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#5. Joslyn Art Museum
- Rating: 4.5/5 (901 reviews)
- Address: 2200 Dodge St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#4. Nebraska State Capitol
- Rating: 4.5/5 (877 reviews)
- Address: 1445 K St. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#3. Sunken Gardens
- Rating: 4.5/5 (764 reviews)
- Address: 2600 D St. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#2. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,483 reviews)
- Address: 705 Riverfront Drive Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#1. Old Market
- Rating: 4.5/5 (2,581 reviews)
- Address: 1100 Howard St. Omaha, Nebraska
- Read more on Tripadvisor
This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Zuri White-Gibson, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states and Washington D.C.
