This may become your new favorite state! Discover the warmth, bounty, and industry of the Cornhusker State as we unveil Nebraska’s hidden gems and introduce you to warm-hearted locals. Experience the beauty and history of Outlook Nebraska, Lauritzen Garden, Stuhr Museum, and Arbor Day Farm. Go stargazing and learn how to go Tanking, a North Platte tradition with local experts. Delve into the rich history of the Pioneers, Buffalo Bill, Cranes, and the Wild West!
DAY 1—WELCOME TO COUNCIL BLUFFS!
Meet your fellow travelers at our welcome dinner in Council Bluffs, IA. Our hotel is situated right on the Missouri River, offering beautiful views of Nebraska when you look across the river. D
DAY 2—OMAHA/OUTLOOK NEBRASKA/GENERAL CROOK HOUSE/GARDEN TOUR
This morning, head into Omaha, NE for a guided behind-the-scenes tour of Outlook Nebraska. This unique and inspiring factory produces toilet paper for U.S. Military bases around the world employing primarily blind and visually impaired employees. Next, we have been invited to enjoy lunch at the home of General George Crook and his wife, Mary Tapscott Dailey Crook. We will step back in time to 1879 and enjoy lunch in the dining room followed by time to look around the Italianate style house known as Quarters One. This afternoon, visit Lauritzen Gardens, home to 100 acres of urban oasis and twenty themed gardens. Enjoy an evening of German dancing, singing, and food with Omaha’s German American Society tonight. B, L, D
DAY 3—AIR COMMAND AND AEROSPACE/STUHR MUSEUM/ STAR GAZING
Prepare for liftoff as we visit the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum to learn about the impressive feats, rare artifacts, and remarkable space exploration stories. After lunch, head to the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. This museum is dedicated to the legacy of the pioneers who settled in the plains of central Nebraska during the late 19th century. Walk through an 1890s-era prairie town, art gallery, and historic artifact space. After settling into our hotel, enjoy dinner and star gazing with an astronomer and a powerful computerized telescope. You don’t want to miss the extraordinary night sky of Western Nebraska. B, L, D
DAY 4—TRAINS/BUFFALO BILL/WWII CANTEEN/TANKING/NORTH PLATTE
This morning, we’ll visit the Golden Spike Tower. Rising eight stories above the tracks, you will get panoramic views of Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, the largest classification rail yard in the world. Over 10,000 rail cars pass through Baily Yard each day! Next, we will visit Cody Train Museum and get an up-close look at these trains including the Union Pacific 3900 Series Challenger Steam Locomotive. Today’s lunch is extra special! While you eat a canteen-style lunch, listen to stories from a local historian as he recounts one of the greatest volunteer efforts the U.S. has ever seen. Volunteers from around North Platte fed, comforted, and supported over 6 million people during WWII as they traveled through the town on their way to the front. This afternoon celebrates North Platte's old west heritage with a “Wild West” skit involving Buffalo Bill, a wagon ride, and time to explore an old West Town. To end the day, we will go tanking down a gentle part of the river like the locals. Enjoy the beautiful Nebraska scenery from the inside of a cattle tank. This is safe and fun for all ages and abilities. B, L
DAY 5—GREAT PLATTE RIVER ROAD ARCHWAY/PIONEER VILLAGE/CRANES/LINCOLN
After breakfast, head to the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. Here, we’ll experience an interactive and award-winning narration of the story of the pioneers who played a significant role in shaping the nation during the Oregon Trail era to present day. Before we leave, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the archway. Next, see history unfold before your eyes as we visit Pioneer Village. This attraction has something for everyone from antiques, a historic village, farming equipment, and vintage cars. Afterward, visit the Crane Trust Nature and Visitors Center where we’ll learn about the great crane migration. After checking in to the beautiful Graduate Hotel in Lincoln’s Haymarket Square, enjoy dinner on your own and time to explore the unique shops in the Square. B, L
DAY 6—LINCOLN/SINGING WAITERS/LIED LODGE/ARBOR DAY FARM
This morning, tour the Tractor Test Laboratory at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, the designated tractor testing station for the United States. Here we’ll learn about the rigorous processes that ensure tractors are farm-ready. Next, we'll have lunch at Screamers, a restaurant named after the Scarlet and Cream singers, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Show Choir for 35 years. As we dine, our talented waitstaff will entertain us with live performances of some of our favorite tunes. This afternoon, we’ll head to Nebraska City, home of Arbor Day. We’ll enjoy a scenic wagon ride through Arbor Day Farm, where our guide shares insights about the native trees, animals, and orchards. Next, visit Arbor Lodge Mansion, the 52-room original home of the Morton family. Tonight, relax at Lied Lodge. B, L
DAY 7—FAREWELL NEBRASKA
Enjoy breakfast before we head home with fond memories of our time traveling through Nebraska. This may even be your new favorite state! B
QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Nights 1-2: Holiday Inn, Council Bluffs, IA
Nights 3-4: Best Western, North Platte, NE
Night 5: The Graduate Hotel, Lincoln, NE
Night 6: Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, NE
Dates:
May 12-18, 2025
July 14-20, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $2,297
Single $2,825
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$148/night
Depart/Return:
Omaha, NE
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Holiday Inn Council Bluffs I-29, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Omaha Eppley Airport any time after 12:00 p.m. on Day 7.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Omaha Eppley Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
May – high of 75°, low of 50°
July – high of 85°, low of 65°
Time Zone
Central
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, coffee maker, wifi and indoor swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Closed toed shoes will be required when visiting Outlook Nebraska on Day 2.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
