April 24, 2024

Smooal-7oob

Full Of Eastern Travel

10 Best Weekend Trips from Omaha, NE: Top Getaways

Omaha is a Nebraska city on the Missouri River known for its place on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and pioneer legacy.

There’s much to do and see in Omaha, but one of the many things that make this Nebraska city great is how central it is to so many Midwest treasures.

Omaha is the perfect weekend getaway starting point! The Missouri River provides opportunities for fun water recreation, but there is also Platte River State Park to the west.

Beautiful, friendly Iowa is to the east, and Sioux City and the rest of South Dakota is to the north. Kansas City is also a few hours away and the best place to find jazz and barbecue.

These places and more are filled with warm, gracious people, historic points of interest and museums, and charming cities and towns.

There are also tons of state parks close by with hiking trails and biking trails that make for a great weekend getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers.

The midwest is easy to explore by car, so if you’re visiting wonderful Omaha and need to rent one, we find the best rates on Kayak.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’re surrounded by some of the most fascinating history and attractions in the U.S.

Table of Contents

TLDR

The Nebraska city of Omaha makes the perfect base for starting your Midwest adventures. Here are the top getaways we’ve outlined.

Best Trips From Omaha, NE

Here’s our round-up of 10 best weekend getaways and day trips from Omaha, perfect for discovering the gorgeous Midwest.

Platte River State Park

From Omaha: 37 minutes (31.3 miles) via I-80 W and NE-50 S

With an ample amount of camping cabins and lodges to reserve, this beautiful family-friendly state park is a fantastic place to spend a few days and nights.

The park is easy to get to where it sits between Lincoln and Omaha in Nebraska and has a lovely waterfall plus an observation tower for scenic river views.

A two-tiered spray water park has fun slides, dump buckets, a waterfall, and a fountain for kids’ play. The area offers picnic tables and lots of shade for a fun afternoon.

The archery range and shooting range lets you test your aim. There are also hiking and biking trails, horseback riding trails, and the river offering great fishing and canoeing.

Bird watching is ideal here as well.

Crawdad Creek is a natural area offering interactive exhibits and experience playing in the water. Kids will love looking for small water animals and participating in educational activities.

Where to Stay

Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Southwest – La Vista

Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Southwest - La Vista
Image by Booking.com

12331 Southport Parkway
La Vista NE  68128

The Hampton Inn in La Vista is 14.4 miles away from the park. It is 100% non-smoking and offers a complimentary daily breakfast and wi-fi.

It’s conveniently located near shopping at Cabela’s and the Oakview Mall, Historic Old Market, and Henry Doorly Zoo.

Comfort Suites

Comfort Suites - La Vista
Image by Booking.com

8121 Eastport Parkway
La Vista NE  68128

Here you’ll have access to free wi-fi, an indoor pool and whirlpool, free parking, and daily breakfast options.

The guest rooms feature comfortable beds with pillow-top mattresses and down comforters. This property is highly rated by families and couples.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center
Image by Booking.com

12520 Westport Parkway
La Vista NE  68128

An award-winning Embassy Suites, it’s conveniently located near many restaurants and attractions. All of the suites provide a seating area, wi-fi, and two flat screens.

Guests also enjoy the indoor pool with a whirlpool and the fitness center. Daily hot cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception are complimentary.

Courtyard by Marriott Omaha La Vista

Courtyard by Marriott Omaha La Vista
Image by Booking.com

12560 West Parkway
La Vista NE  68128-5610

Adjacent to the La Vista Conference Center with easy access to Omaha, the Courtyard offers a Bistro, heated indoor pool, fitness center, and free wi-fi.

It’s also close to golf and other attractions.

Rentals

  • Elmwood on Main Street is an Airbnb approximately a 25-minute drive from the park. This adorable rental is on the main street between a bank and an antique shop.

    Very cute with a small-town vibe. It sleeps 7 in a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom unit with a fully equipped kitchen. The average rate is $71 per night.

  • In nearby Papillion, there is a basement apartment that has everything you need for a private space with great views outside.

    Comes with a private entrance, large TV, king-sized bed, and a kitchenette. The average rate is budget-friendly $40 per night.

Camping

  • Camper Cabins: Sixteen cabins feature heat and air conditioning. Situated around central shower-latrine buildings are 31 cabins with four to six units in a pod.

    Each has a fire grate for outdoor cooking and a picnic table and a refrigerator. Linens are provided.

  • Tepee: Rent an actual tepee in the Pawnee teepee village. Each accommodates 6 to 8 people.

    These have some modern comfort with wooden floors replacing the traditional packed earthen floors.

  • Modern Cabins There are 21 housekeeping cabins with fully equipped kitchenettes and other modern amenities including bathrooms. Linens are provided. 

Mahoney State Park

From Omaha: 30 minutes (30.4 miles) via I-80 W

Families love bringing picnics to this park, also between Lincoln and Omaha, because of its year-round activity.

There is an outdoor waterpark as well as biking and hiking trails, a tree adventure ropes course, and a lookout tower for beautiful views.

The Family Aquatic Center has a swimming pool, two water slides, a zero-entry wave pool, an area for diving, and a deck for sunning.

The ropes course offers groups several hours of tree adventure taking with amazing views, challenging obstacles, and thrilling zip lines.

There is also a driving range, 18-holes of miniature golf, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Golf club rentals are available.

At Owen Marina, visitors can paddle-boat, fish, and grab picnic supplies and groceries. Sandwiches and cold drinks are for sale too.

The marina has a huge stock of balls, bats, rods, and reels to be loaned out at no charge during their business hours.

In addition, Mahoney State Park has reservable picnic shelters great for groups. Check for free nature enthusiasts programs offered throughout the summer as well.

In the winter, families enjoy indoor rock climbing, ice-skating, and sledding.

Where to Stay

Quality Inn & Suites

Quality Inn & Suites West Omaha - NE Lincoln
Image by Booking.com

9505 S 142nd Street
Omaha NE  68138

The Quality Inn & Suites is a good value and is 13.8 miles from the park. Each guest room has a flat-screen TV and free wi-fi.

A free breakfast is served daily and parking is also free.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Omaha I-80

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Omaha I-80
Image by Booking.com

16175 Stevens Point Circle
Gretna NE  68028

All guest rooms offer a flat-screen TV and coffee maker. The property features free parking and wi-fi, an indoor swimming pool with a whirlpool, and a fitness center.

Rentals

  • Modern Loft in Historic Downtown Ashland has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep six. It has vintage furniture and art and charming views of Main Street.

    It also offers a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, office space, queen-sized beds, and a smart TV for streaming. The average rate is $150 per night.

  • Charming Gretna Bungalow has three bedrooms and five beds. It’s 8.5 miles from the park. The home was built in 1890 and has tons of character with vintage art and furnishings.

    It’s also close to restaurants, shopping, golf, and hiking. The average rate is $115 per night.

Camping

  • Little Creek and Lakeside campgrounds have large, hard-surfaced pads, among shade trees near Owen Marina Lake.

    Modern showers, latrines, and drinking water are close to both areas. A coin-operated laundry in the shower building at Little Creek is available.

  • Cabins are located on the ridge and are available year-round. Tableware, cookware, and lines are provided. The cabins are air-conditioned and heated.

    They also have fireplaces, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, TVs, and decks with grills. 

Lodge Rooms

The 40 guest room Peter Kiewit Lodge has air conditioning and heat, wi-fi, telephone, TV, and a private bath.

Many of the rooms here have balconies for great valley views and electric fireplaces.

Indian Cave State Park

From Omaha: 1 hour and 21 minutes (87.5 miles) via I-29 S

This interesting state park borders the Missouri River on more than 3,000 acres. Visitors enjoy the boundless options for camping, picnicking, hiking, and bike ride.

The river views are amazing, and, in the fall, the natural hardwood forests blaze with color.

In October, the park organizes a Haunted Hollow festival with hayrides, decorating contests, crafts, and many other family-friendly games.

The main feature, though, is its large sandstone cave with prehistoric Native American petroglyphs, viewable from the cave’s wooden boardwalk.

But history lovers will appreciate the old restored schoolhouse and general store from St. Deroin, which is an old river town.

Here crafts from that time are demonstrated throughout the summer and fall during living history weekends.

The trail system is impressive and scenic at 22-miles long and there are 16-miles of horse trails.

Along your way, you’ll likely see deer, woodchuck, turkey, beaver, and many species for bird-watching fans.

The Missouri River can be accessed by a well-maintained concrete boat ramp for fishing, hunting, camping, and exploring.

Where to Stay

Audrey’s Motel

Audrey's Motel
Image by Booking.com

1211 State Street
Mound City MO  64470

in nearby Mound City is a clean, comfortable motel with friendly owners. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and have wi-fi. They also offer free parking and a daily buffet breakfast.

Super 8 by Wyndham Mound City

Super 8 by Wyndham Mound City
Image by Booking.com

109 West 8th Street
Mound City MO  64470

This motel is in a great location and offers an indoor pool and whirlpool. All guest rooms have a flat-screen TV, refrigerators, and a microwave.

A daily grab-and-go breakfast is available. The property is also close to golf and Casino White Cloud.

Rentals

  • Private Stateroom at the River Inn B&B is a floating boutique B&B on the Missouri River in historic Brownville.

    Hiking, biking, shopping, and touring galleries and museums are available close by. Guests can also relax on one of the decks. Rates average $140 per night.

  • Pierce Cottage Guest House is also in Brownville and is a one-bedroom, one-bath hideaway for two. A full home-cooked breakfast is served.

    Rates average $139 per night.

Camping

Willow Lake Recreation Area

From Omaha: 54 minutes (47.7 miles) via I-29 N and US-30 E/Lincoln

Ramble across 220-acres offering countless nature enthusiasts’ activities, including boat ramps, fishing, sandy beaches, playgrounds, picnicking, camping, and six miles of trails for hiking and biking.

The crown jewel of the area is the 27-acre Willow Lake offering boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, and channel catfish are among the fish you can catch from either the pier, one of the jetties, or your boat.

The lake also offers picnic areas with gorgeous lake views, tables, and grills. You can rent one of the shelters if you have a group.

The shelters are close to bathrooms, a playground, and the beach. Swimming at the beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

In the winter, you can ice-fish or snowshoe and cross-country ski on the trails.

Another fun way to explore Willow Lake is by geocaching to scavenger hunt for one of the many caches placed by volunteers.

There is also the Nature Encounter Center with interactive displays and small animals.

Visitors can also enjoy hunting turkey, pheasant, quail, rabbit, and deer in a mix of prairie land and forest. Others can participate in bird watching and morel mushroom hunting.

Where to Stay

Travelodge by Wyndham Missouri Valley

Travelodge by Wyndham Missouri Valley
Image by Kayak.com

128 S Willow Road
Missouri Valley IA  51555

The Travelodge by Wyndham offers wi-fi, laundry facilities, free parking, microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators in each guest room.

Adjacent Penny’s Diner serves classic dishes and is open 24-hours.

Victorian Cottage is in historic downtown Woodbine and has five bedrooms and three baths. It’s perfect for family gatherings.

After hiking at the park, relax in one of the rockers on the charming front porch.

Camping

The park offers cabins, RV camping, and tent sites. The deluxe cabins have kitchens, bathrooms, a living room, and bedrooms, and have heat and air-conditioning.

The cabins are available year-round and have campfire rings, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. All of them are handicapped accessible too.

RV and tent camping is available in campgrounds surrounded by forestland and only feet away from the lake’s edge.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

From Omaha: 2 hours and 34 minutes (166 miles) via I-29 N

This park and lake in South Dakota have everything you need to be active and in nature in one destination.

When you’re there, you have access to archery, biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. And much of the equipment you need can be loaned to you.

Where to Stay

Lewis and Clark Resort

Lewis and Clark Resort
Image by Booking.com

43496 Shore Drive
Yankton SD  50708

The Lewis and Clark Resort offers large, well-appointed cabins and guest rooms with all the essentials, including air-conditioning and cable TV.

It’s in the best location for families and couples to use all amenities this fantastic area has to offer.

It’s only steps from sandy beaches and has a seasonal heated outdoor pool, playground, and garden.

Connect to the free wi-fi anywhere in the resort. Some cabins have a patio overlooking the water and some of the guest rooms have kitchens with refrigerators and ovens

Guests will have use of stainless steel grills and can rent bikes to explore six miles of trails plus access to a mountain of other games and gear.

Next door to the resort is a fully-equipped, full-service marina with fuel, picnic supplies, equipment and boat rental, and a restaurant.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yankton
Image by Booking.com

2607 Broadway Avenue
Yankton SD  57078

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers free parking, air-conditioned rooms, free wi-fi, a fitness center, a whirlpool, and an indoor pool.

Some guest rooms have kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves and breakfast is served daily.

Rentals

  • Rent a cabin in Yankton, great for large families and less than a mile from the park. Enjoy wood-burning stoves and decks for beautiful views and stargazing.

    Rates average $275 per night.

  • The Cardinal House in Yankton is also a great option for families. Walk or ride bikes to the beach.

    When not hiking and exploring the park, head to downtown Yankton, 10-minutes away, for dining and shopping. Rates average $225 per night.

  • Pierson Ranch Overlook is a two-bedroom, one-bath house, with a large deck overlooking the Pierson Recreation Area.

    It has a private entry, laundry room, and queen-sized beds. It averages $135 per night.

  • 6-Bedroom Home with Amazing Lake View is a large home on a hilltop with scenic views of Lewis and Clark Lake. It’s also minutes away from several marinas.

Lee G. Simmons Park and Wildlife Safari

From Omaha: 31 minutes (30.5) via I-80 W

This beloved drive-through safari park is a 4-mile-long wildlife adventure with North America’s elk, bison, white-tailed deer, and antelope.

You’ll find the 440-acre conservation park close to Ashland, Nebraska. The park includes prairies and wetlands, an overlook spot, trams, and a visitor center.

Daily from March to October, visitors can drive through the park, walk the paths, or tour with a guide to get up-close views of the animals and plants native to North America.

Families with young kids will love this park and it won’t take too much of your time to go through it.

Lincoln

From Omaha: 56 minutes (59 miles) via I-80 W

The capital city of Lincoln is packed with things to do for families with kids of all ages. It’s home to the University of Nebraska and many tech startups, so it has a youthful, fun vibe.

It’s also a hub for foodies because of the many upscale restaurants and art lovers who will appreciate all the opportunities to experience the culture. 

Lincoln has a rich political history too. The capitol building is stunning with a domed tower and observation decks. 

Open year-round, the Sunken Gardens is also a sculpture garden with beautiful plants, flowers, and lily ponds. The best time to visit is at sunset when it’s quiet and cool, and you have lots of time for exploring before they close at 11 p.m. 

For animal encounters, visit the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, specially designed for young kids. They’ll love all the opportunities to interact with and learn about endangered species, like the Sumatran tiger.

They can also feed giraffes!

The Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska is famous worldwide for its extensive collections of American art and sculpture garden.

It holds more than 12,000 works including landscapes, abstracts, still life, and sculptures. Admission is free.

See more of Lincoln’s history in the Haymarket District. This is the site of Lincoln’s first open-air “Market Square” for produce and livestock established in 1867.

This was also home to immigrants camping in the city. In 1874, officials moved the market and installed scales for weighing cattle, hay, and produce.

Now, it’s a shopping and dining district with chef-run restaurants and exclusive boutiques. At night, it’s a great place for entertainment.

Where to Stay

Comfort Suites Lincoln East

Comfort Suites Lincoln East
Image by Booking.com

331 North Cotner Boulevard
Lincoln NE  68505

All guest suites offer a seating area, microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. A daily continental breakfast is served.

The hotel is pet-friendly and guests can enjoy the fitness center and nearby attractions.

Graduate Lincoln

Graduate Lincoln

141 North 9th Street
Lincoln NE  68508

This charming hotel offers a restaurant, lounge, pool, and fitness center.

It’s a short distance to the Sheldon Museum, the Lincoln Children’s Museum, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and other attractions.

Rentals

Grand Island

From Omaha: 2 hours and 14 minutes (148.6 miles) via I-80 W

A city in central Nebraska, Grand Island is full of history and charm. The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer and the Burlington Station are great places to learn about the region’s early years.

The Stuhr Museum is one of the best living history farms in America. It offers 200-acres of historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits.

Interpreters in costume show you how the pioneers lived and worked on the prairie as merchants, craftsmen, and blacksmiths.

There are also Native American artifacts and a Pawnee Indian earth lodge.

For nature, see the Crane Trust Center with a butterfly garden and trails and to see the sandhill cranes as they migrate along the Platte River.

Don’t miss Stolley Park, Mormon Island State Recreation Area, or the Island Oasis Water Park either!

You can also explore the area’s roadside attractions, horse racing, and wineries. The town also hosts the Nebraska State Fairs.

Where to Stay

Comfort Suites Grand Island

Comfort Suites Grand Island
Image by Booking.com

228 Lake Street
Grand Island NE  68803

The Comfort Suites is an excellent option for couples or solo travelers visiting Grand Island.

It offers free parking, a business center, wi-fi, a pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center, plus a continental breakfast is served each morning.

Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn and Suites

Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn and Suites
Image by Booking.com

2707 South Locust Street
Grand Island NE  68801

The Best Western offers a whirlpool and indoor pool, fitness center, and a business center. A complimentary breakfast is served daily.

All guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. There is also a nice patio area for relaxing and the hotel is close to area attractions.

Comfort Inn Grand Island North

Comfort Inn Grand Island North
Image by Booking.com

3535 West State Street
Grand Island NE  68803

The Comfort Inn is conveniently located near area attractions. The hotel features an indoor pool and whirlpool, and complimentary breakfast, coffee, and daily newspaper.

Past guests have rated the service very high.

Rentals

  • Beautiful White House is centrally located and has everything you and your family need for a comfortable stay.

    It’s spacious with a fully equipped kitchen and patio with a grill. The average rate for this two-bedroom, one-bath home that sleeps six is $61 per night.

  • Beautiful & Relaxed Detached Mother-in-Law Suite is a one-bedroom, one-bath private, spacious suite. Guests will have a private entrance and a backyard with a pool.

    The suite also has cable TV, wi-fi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, microwave, coffee, and a tea kettle. The average rate is $81 per night. 

Kansas City

From Omaha: 2 hours and 40 minutes (185.1 miles) via I-29 S

A vibrant city in western Missouri, Kansas City is famous for its jazz heritage. KC also has fantastic barbecue and breweries.

This is one of our best road trip ideas for couples. One hidden gem is the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which is one of many national museums found here.

The landmark museum was built in the Egyptian Revival style and holds more than 100,000 exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can see a howitzer crater and the infamous trenches too.

The National Frontier Trails Museum tells the story of America’s western trails. Exhibits show 2,600 authentic letters and diary entries, artifacts, and covered wagons that detail the history of life moving westward.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum showcases the history of the game of both the Negro National League and the city’s Monarchs.

Learn about the racism the ballplayers, including baseball great Jackie Robinson, endured on and off the field in this poignant institution through timelines, galleries, and displays.

The American Jazz Museum celebrates jazz music and its place in KC history. It’s in the famous 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District and holds exhibits of the careers of Charlie “Bird” Parker, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald, plus other greats.

The Blue Room is a real jazz club with photographs and memorabilia of the famous acts that have played there through the years.

And there are countless other jazz clubs and venues where you can hear the special brand of KC jazz every night of the week. 

The Majestic Restaurant and Jazz Club is downtown and it’s the best place to catch great nightly acts along with a terrific steak dinner and cocktails. 

Budget Hotels

Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport

Holiday Inn Kansas City
Image by Booking.com

11728 North Ambassador Drive
Kansas City MO  64153

The Holiday Inn features free wi-fi, free parking, a tour desk, on-site shops, and an indoor pool.

Their restaurant, Kem’s Cafe and Lounge, serves American cuisine for breakfast and lunch. Guests can enjoy cocktails in the lounge.

Holiday Inn Express Kansas City Downtown

Holiday Inn Express Kansas City Downtown
Image by Booking.com

417 East 13th Street
Kansas City MO  64106

The Holiday Inn is in the heart of the city and close to many downtown attractions and venues. All guest rooms have a refrigerator, microwave, and flat-screen TV.

The hotel serves a complimentary daily breakfast buffet and has a fitness center and business center.

Candlewood Suites Suites Kansas City Northeast

Candlewood Suites Suites Kansas City Northeast
Image by Booking.com

4450 North Randolph Road
Kansas City MO  64117

The Candlewood Suites is across from the Worlds of Fun Amusement Park and within walking distance of restaurants.

It also offers free wi-fi, an indoor pool, a convenience store, and a fitness center. All the suites have flat-screen TVs, work desks, and fully-functioning kitchens.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites Country Club Plaza     

Hampton Inn & Suites Country Club Plaza     
Image by Booking.com

4600 Summit Street
Kansas City MO  64112

Only steps away from shopping and dining in historic Country Club Plaza, the hotel offers wi-fi, a pool, and a fitness center. A hot buffet breakfast is served daily.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport

Fairfield Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
Image by Booking.com

11820 North West Plaza Circle
Kansas City MO  64153

Guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, and wi-fi. The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center and a continental breakfast is served daily.

Laundry services are available.

Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport

Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport
Image by Booking.com

11832 North West Plaza Circle
Kansas City MO  64153

The Four Points offers a shuttle service for a five-mile radius, free wi-fi, and a restaurant. The Boulevard Grill serves American cuisine in a casual atmosphere and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Luxury Hotels

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Image by Booking.com

One East Pershing Road
Kansas City MO  64108

The Westin is in Hallmark’s Crown Center. Guests can easily access 85-acres of restaurants, shops, and theaters. Each guest room provides a work desk, seating area, and flat-screen TV.

The hotel also offers a whirlpool, steam room, sauna, outdoor heated swimming pool, track, and tennis courts.

The Fontaine

The Fontaine
Image by Booking.com

901 West 48th Place
Kansas City MO  64112

Located in the Country Club Plaza Shopping District, The Fontaine offers guest rooms with free wi-fi and flat-screen TVs. All rooms feature hardwood floors and an oversized walk-in shower with a rain shower head. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool and the fitness center.

A complimentary shuttle is provided to all destinations within a 5 miles radius. On the top floor of the hotel, 901 West serves upscale Mediterranean cuisine along with beautiful city views.

Solarium Lounge serves a free European breakfast each morning.

InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza

InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
Image by Booking.com

401 Ward Parkway
Kansas City  MO  64112

The Intercontinental offers a restaurant, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Many guest rooms feature views of Country Club Plaza.

Fine dining is available at The Oak Room, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rentals

  • Cozy Artist Studio Loft in the Heart of the City is available for rent with access to neighborhood restaurants, and boutiques and is located above King G’s Bar and Deli.

    It averages $104 per night.

  • Glamorous Retreat is in the Crossroads Arts District with access to galleries, restaurants, and shopping.

    It averages $54 per night.

Sioux City

From Omaha: 1 hour and 25 minutes (96.4 miles) via I-29 N

The fun thing about Sioux City, Iowa, is that it actually is a “tri-state” area. The city includes parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. 

This means people, couples or solo travelers, taking trips from Omaha here are certain to find unique things to see and do, as well as delicious food.

Sioux City also has miles of trails for exploring and lots of music and art festivals to feed the soul.

The Sioux City Art Center is the area’s premier destination for permanent collections, classes, and exhibitions. There is also the Sioux City Public Museum for exhibits about local history.

For early history and Missouri River lore, see the Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center. Check out the Sioux City Railroad Museum too.

Where to Stay

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sioux City

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sioux City
Image by Booking.com

4723 Southern Hills Drive
Sioux City IA  51106

The Holiday Inn Express features an indoor pool, fitness center, and whirlpool. Every guest room offers a flat-screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, and a work desk with an ergonomic chair.

A daily continental breakfast is served. The Sioux City Art Center and the Orpheum Theater are 6 miles away.

Courtyard Sioux City Downtown/Convention Center

Courtyard Sioux City Downtown/Convention Center
Image by Booking.com

901 4th Street
Sioux City IA  51101

The Courtyard Sioux City in Downtown is within a 7-minute walk of the Convention Center and has non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, and a restaurant and bar.

Guests at the hotel enjoy a daily à la carte breakfast. Points of interest include Sioux City Orpheum, Sioux City Art Center, and Tyson Events Center.

The Warrior Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Warrior Hotel Autograph Collection
Image by Booking.com

525 6th Street
Sioux City IA  51101

Located steps from Sioux City Orpheum, The Warrior Hotel offers accommodations with a restaurant, bar, concierge services, and private parking.

The hotel also features an indoor pool, free WiFi, and an à la carte or a Full English/Irish breakfast served daily.

Rentals

  • A small one-bedroom Bungalow offers basic furnishings including a queen-sized bed and TV. A second bedroom serves as the laundry room with a washer and dryer.

    The average nightly rate is $63 per night.

  • Tiny House, at 400 square feet, is completely remodeled and sits in a residential neighborhood, across the street from Briar Cliff College.

    It’s an open concept with a full kitchen, living room, bedroom with a queen bed, and a bathroom with a full-sized tub/shower plus a washer and dryer.

    The average nightly rate is $37 per night.  

FAQ

What city near Omaha has the freest things to do?

Kansas City offers many free activities throughout the year. Check out the exhibits at the Hallmark Visitors Center, see the model trains at Union Station, and design your own currency at the free Money Museum. 

Which place is best to visit in the winter?

Willow Lake Recreation Area has a range of winter activities and it also offers cabins for winter stays.

Which city is best for an extended weekend getaway?

Lincoln has enough shopping, dining, museums, and history to keep you busy for more than a weekend. If you’re looking for more than a day trip or for a weekend mini-vacation of three to four days, head to Lincoln!


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