Nebraska is a hidden gem that’s much more than just cornfields and football.
Home to numerous colleges and universities, Nebraska’s vibrant college towns offer a unique blend of small-town charm and metropolitan energy. In this article, we’ll explore the best college towns in Nebraska, including Lincoln, Omaha, Hastings and Kearney to give you a taste of what each has to offer. So, if you’re considering your higher education options or just want to visit some charming Midwestern locales, buckle up and join us on a delightful journey through some of the best college towns in Nebraska.
Let’s start with the state capital, Lincoln. Home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, this city is home to a thriving college community that caters to students and lifetime locals alike. With a population of over 280,000, Lincoln is the second-largest city in Nebraska, offering a wide range of cultural, entertainment and recreational activities. However, despite its size, Lincoln maintains a small-town feel, making it an ideal college town.
Lincoln is known for its vibrant arts and culture. The Sheldon Museum of Art, located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, houses an impressive collection of American art, while the Lied Center for Performing Arts showcases a healthy selection of world-class performances throughout the year. If you’re a fan of live music, you’ll love the city’s bustling local music scene, with plenty of venues offering everything from indie rock to jazz.
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Lincoln has you covered. Pioneers Park Nature Center is a great spot for hiking and connecting with the majesty of Mother Nature, while the extensive network of bike trails allows you to explore the city on two wheels.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, don’t miss a Cornhuskers game at Memorial Stadium, where you can join the Sea of Red and experience the full prowess of Nebraska college football, one of the most legendary programs in existence.
Next on our tour of the best college towns in Nebraska is Omaha, the state’s largest city. Home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University and the College of Saint Mary, Omaha is a bustling hub of academic life. But this city offers much more than just top-notch education. With a population of over 475,000, Omaha boasts an array of attractions and entertainment options that appeal to students and visitors alike.
One of Omaha’s most iconic attractions is the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which ranks among the best zoos in the world. With its impressive exhibits, including the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in the Americas, it’s a must-visit for anyone coming to the city. In addition to the zoo, Omaha is also home to the Joslyn Art Museum and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
For those looking to unwind in peace, Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood is the perfect destination. This historic area is filled with unique shops, art galleries and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, making it a popular hangout for students and fulltime residents. And when it comes to sports, Omaha is known for hosting the NCAA College World Series at the state-of-the-art TD Ameritrade Park.
Continuing our exploration of college towns in Nebraska, let’s head west to Hastings. This picturesque town is home to Hastings College, a private liberal arts college with a strong sense of community. Boasting a population of around 25,000, Hastings offers a quintessential small-town college experience, where students and locals enjoy a close-knit atmosphere and a slower pace of life.
Hastings is proud of its rich history and heritage, which can be explored at the Hastings Museum, featuring exhibits on natural and cultural history. The Hastings Museum also houses the planetarium and the Kool-Aid Museum, celebrating the iconic beverage that was invented in the town back in 1927. If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the annual Kool-Aid Days festival, a colorful celebration of this famous drink that attracts and delights locals and tourists alike.
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Hastings doesn’t disappoint. The town boasts several parks, including Lake Hastings Park and Brickyard Park, which offer opportunities for walking, picnicking and enjoying the great outdoors. In addition, the nearby Platte River is an excellent spot for fishing and kayaking, making Hastings an ideal destination for nature lovers of all persuasions.
Our last stop on this journey through college towns in Nebraska is Kearney, home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. With a population of around 33,000, Kearney is another fantastic example of a small-town college atmosphere, offering a welcoming environment for students and residents alike. University of Nebraska at Kearney is a comprehensive university that prides itself on its commitment to student success and community engagement.
Kearney is a town with a rich history and the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is a testament to this heritage. This unique museum spans Interstate 80 and tells the story of the pioneers who traveled through Nebraska on their way west. For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Nebraska Art showcases a diverse collection of Nebraska-related artwork, as well as rotating exhibitions featuring regional and national artists.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Kearney’s extensive trail system, which connects the parks and green spaces throughout the town. Cottonmill Park and Yanney Park are popular spots for college students on sunny days in between classes. Kearney is also a great destination for birdwatching, as the town lies on the Central Flyway, attracting thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes each spring.
Find your new apartment in a Nebraska college town
The college towns in Nebraska featured above each offer a diverse array of experiences, from the bustling city life of Omaha and Lincoln to the small-town charm of Hastings and Kearney. Each town boasts its own unique attractions, rich history and tight-knit community, making Nebraska an excellent choice for students and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Great Plains living. If you’re planning your next adventure or considering your higher education options, don’t overlook these top-of-the-class college towns in Nebraska.
Source: rent.com