Museums

Run into one of our many amazing museums across Nebraska to escape the bitter cold of winter. From sophisticated art museums and prehistoric galleries to high-speed collections and interactive exhibits, here are a few locations that are sure to warm your body and your brain.

Petrified Wood and Art Gallery

This gallery in Ogallala features petrified wood from around the world including an array of gems, artwork and Native American artifacts. With group tours and doors open year-round, Petrified Wood and Art Gallery is a great place to escape our petrifying cold. 

Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed 

This Lincoln museum features amazing high-speed exhibits to wow any racing fan. You can find history-making cars, engines, parts, pedal cars, automotive toys and memorabilia. Trace the history of automotive performance and American integrity with a guided tour so you never miss a thing. 
 

Knight Museum and Sandhills Center

This museum in Alliance depicts the rich pioneer spirit of western Nebraska. Come here to learn about the sandhills and aquifer, Native American life, living in the country and railroad times as well as a look into the genealogical history of the area. 

Kiewit Luminarium

In Omaha, you can find the Kiewit Luminarium: A child’s dream afternoon. It features a kaleidoscope of engaging programs and over 100 interactive exhibits for any child interested in science, technology and fun! Buy tickets ahead of time to make sure you and your family can enjoy the fun. 

University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History

In Lincoln on UNL’s city campus, you can find the premier natural history museum in the state. Here you can learn about Nebraska fossils, bizarre beasts, minerals and meteorites, evolution, ancient weapons, dinosaurs, and African and Native American cultures. Bring your family away from the cold to witness the finest collection of elephant fossils. 

Theaters and Concert Venues

Nothing warms the soul like a terrific performance or the swelling chorus of a large ensemble. If you want to catch a movie, watch a play or rock out at a concert then these venues are the place for you!

Lied Center for Performing Arts

Nebraska’s home for the arts is in Lincoln at the Lied Center. The Lied presents iconic artists from all over the world offering Broadway shows, symphonies, theater and much more. Visit the Lied Center website for upcoming performances!

BLUEBARN Theatre

For a unique and intimate performance in Omaha, visit the BLUEBARN theatre. It features exceptional performances in a small venue giving you and your family an intimate experience with the art of theater. For tickets and showtimes visit their website or box office. 

The Midwest Theater

This special theater in Scottsbluff offers compelling, provocative and diverse works. You can see a unique mix of films, music and theater all year-round. Look online for showtimes and tour reservations. 

Slowdown

The Slowdown is the permanent rock club and bar in Omaha. Decades in the making, this venue hosts small to large artists on an intimate stage that makes any show a blast. Slowdown promises to give great shows and great times, so if you’re on board, visit their website for tickets. 

Orpheum Theater

Called Omaha’s “golden palace” this 2,600-seat theater hosts touring Broadway productions, dance shows, Opera Omaha and much more. This Midwest landmark’s stage features beautiful details adorning the ceiling and walls so you can watch amazing shows in an amazing atmosphere. 

Mary Riepma Ross

This two-screen movie theater on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln screens a wide diversity of high-quality cinema. Movie lovers can expect independent films, foreign and American classics, historical perspectives and amazing documentaries. This theater offers a stimulating alternative to commercial movie and television fare by presenting works not ordinarily offered in this area.

Activities

Looking to get active indoors? Here are some places where the whole family can get the blood pumping.

Escape Lincoln

Escape Lincoln provides several themed rooms full of puzzles and clues that make a thrilling experience. With five rooms ranging in difficulty, all ages are invited to experience the thrill of cracking that last code. To support this local business and have a blast, grab your friends or family and book a room today!

Prehistoric Putt

Prehistoric Putt is Lincoln's and Omaha’s home of quality fun at an affordable price. It features over 20 life-sized dinosaurs and obstacles, from a batting cage to a ball pit slide. The whole course is indoors making this a family experience you won't soon forget. 

Humphrey Bowl

In the town of Humphrey, you can find a bowling alley that puts the community first. The dream was to create a family-friendly space where people of all ages can unwind, enjoy great food, fun activities and authentic socializing. With six regulation lanes with retro ball returns and modern score systems, Humphrey Bowl provides a classic bowling experience only found in a small town. 

Alpine Inn

This famous Omaha eatery serves you deliciously fried chicken and a front-row seat to a critter feast. While you enjoy their menu of comfort food classics you can peer out the window as raccoons eat with you. Curious visitors come for the raccoons and stay for the chicken so if you love animals or unique dining experiences, Alpine Inn is the place for you.