(Feature Impact) Each June, hundreds of baseball players travel the “Road to Omaha” to play on college baseball’s championship stage. That sport’s pilgrimage pales in comparison to the number of athletes headed slightly west of there a few weeks later.

More than 1,700 student athletes – more than any high school championship in America – will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo July 19-25.

For many contestants, the world’s largest rodeo is their last stop before they turn pro.

“The caliber of these young athletes is beyond what most people can even imagine,” said Kendra Ronnau, Lancaster County Agricultural Society Board president. “The All-Around Cowboy and All-Around Cowgirl from last year will likely be back as seniors defending their titles. It’s also highly probable we’ll see the 2025 Trap Shooting Champion, who didn’t shoot one perfect round; he shot two.”

The event delivers seven days of excitement at the Sandhills Global Event Center (SGEC) complex with rodeo competition in all the traditional events, including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and more. Those who love patriotic pageantry can also see the largest gathering of rodeo queens in the world compete for one crown. Plus, the region’s largest Western trade show is open for shoppers to explore throughout the event – no ticket required for trade show entry.

Ron Bohaty, SGEC managing director, said there’s truly something for everyone in Lincoln.

“The facilities for our athletes and fans, a central location and a city full of surprises makes Lincoln an ideal host for this event,” he said. “It’s a big city with small city charm so everyone feels right at home.”

Lincoln’s easy interstate access and more than 5,000 hotel rooms, nearby camping and more than 900 restaurants make it an affordable and accessible destination. Consider these additional entertainment options that make it a perfect location for a summer vacation.


Historic Downtown

Anchored by the towering Nebraska capitol building, downtown Lincoln and its popular Historic Haymarket District offer a lively yet relaxed ambiance with plenty of restaurants and shops to entice visitors.


University of Nebraska

Fan favorites at Nebraska’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Nebraska, include the Larsen Tractor Test & Power Museum, Memorial Stadium, Botanical Garden and Arboretum, Sheldon Art Museum and the Dairy Store, offering locally sourced, handmade ice cream created by students.


Miles of Trails

The Lincoln area makes exercising by yourself or with travel companions easy with more than 185 miles of trails, including a 2.6-mile bridle path in Pioneers Park.


Must-See Museums

Among the internationally acclaimed museums in Nebraska’s capital city are the International Quilt Museum, with the largest quilt collection in the world, and the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, voted “Best Motor Racing Museum in the Country” by “Newsweek” readers.

Start planning your summer trip to Lincoln by visiting nhsfrlincoln.org.