Why rent a car in Oakland?
Oakland is a tiny city in northeast Nebraska, just a little west of the Missouri river which separates the state from its neighbour, Iowa. It’s a sleepy place, with a strong connection to its Swedish heritage. You’ll see a lot of Swedish signs around the place, like the large Välkommen (welcome) sign, which greets new arrivals. If you see a sign you don’t recognise, just ask the locals – they’ll be more than happy to translate.
Book a hire car in Oakland and you’re free to explore this pretty corner of the Cornhusker State at your own pace. Sioux City is about an hour’s drive south, while the state’s largest city, Omaha, and the smaller town of Columbus, are both about an hour and a half away. Or, you could hop across the border to explore Iowa. Its capital, Des Moines, is about three hours east.
How to get to and around Oakland?
Oakland is easy to access from nearby Eppley Airfield, an international airport that’s served by several commercial airlines. Once you land and pick up your hire car it’ll take you about an hour to get to Oakland itself.
What brands are available?
Oakland has three main hire car providers, National, Alamo and Avis. They all have a kiosk at Eppley Airfield, so book in advance and you’ll be able to pick up your car and get on your way in minutes.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Oakland
The area around Oakland has some great opportunities for camping, hiking and kayaking, but it's perhaps best known for its fabulous 18-hole golf course, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the state. Enjoy a round or two in the gorgeous Nebraska sunshine followed by a bite to eat in the clubhouse.
If you’re planning a visit in 2018, you’re in luck, as the city will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. Plenty of community-based events are planned, many of which will examine the state’s pioneer history. Check online for the full programme.
Many visitors will make the journey south to the Omaha, about an hour and a half away on the US-77. Like Oakland, it shares a lot of Nebraska’s pioneer heritage, but it also has plenty of galleries and museums. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a giant wildlife refuge, with areas that emulate the African grasslands, the Alaskan wilderness and much more. If you’re an early riser, you can even attend for an early morning yoga session in the underwater tunnels of the aquarium.
Tips and tricks for driving in Oakland
If you’ve ever driven in the US, you’ll find Oakland a breeze. Make sure to keep your licence, ID and insurance documents in the car with you at all times, and be aware of traffic passing on both sides on multi-lane highways.
Ready to plan your Oakland city break?
Are you planning your own trip to Oakland, Nebraska or elsewhere in the US? Start with this handy Oaklandcity guide, and use the Expedia search tool to find the best deals on flights and hotels, and to research popular attractions and activities.
