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 the local Tanking in North Platte tradition with local experts. Delve into the rich history of the Pioneers, Buffalo Bill, Cranes, and the Wild West!
- Tour Outlook Nebraska, Stuhr Museum, and Lauritzen Garden
- Unique meal experiences at the Crook House, German American Society, and Screamers
- Experience tanking like a North Platte local
- See the largest classification rail yard in the world
- Stay at the beautiful Graduate Lincoln and Lied Lodge
DAY 1: WELCOME TO COUNCIL BLUFFS!
Begin your journey in Council Bluffs, IA. Your hotel is situated right on the Missouri River, offering beautiful views of Nebraska. B
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. Enjoy lunch at the home of General George Crook and his wife, Mary Tapscott Dailey Crook. 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, twenty themed gardens, and a conservatory. Enjoy an evening of German dancing, singing, and food with Omaha’s German American Society. B, L, D
DAY 3: AIR COMMAND AND AEROSPACE/STUHR MUSEUM/STAR GAZING
Prepare for liftoff as you visit the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum to learn about 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 stargazing 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, 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. Next, 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, 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, you’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. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the archway. Next, see history unfold before your eyes as you visit Pioneer Village. This attraction has something for everyone: antiques, a historic village, farming equipment, and vintage cars. Afterward, visit the Crane Trust Nature and Visitors Center where you’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, 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 you dine, our talented waitstaff will entertain with live performances of some of your favorite tunes. This afternoon, head to Nebraska City, home of Arbor Day. Enjoy a scenic wagon ride through Arbor Day Farm, where your 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 the beautiful Lied Lodge. B, L
DAY 7: FAREWELL NEBRASKA
Enjoy breakfast before heading back to St. Louis or Kansas City. Head home with fond memories of Nebraska. This may even be your new favorite state! B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-2: Holiday Inn, Council Bluffs
Nights 3-4: Best Western, North Platte
Night 5: The Graduate Hotel, Lincoln
Night 6: Lied Lodge, Nebraska City
Dates
- Depart: June 16, 2025
- Return: June 22, 2025
Price Per Person
- Double $2,399
- Triple/Quad $2,199
- Single $2,899
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.
Packing Note
Closed toed shoes will be required when visiting Outlook Nebraska on Day 2.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
