Traveling through Nebraska often means traversing the Great Plains, where wide open spaces and sparse populations can make it difficult to find suitable accommodations. However, in the mid-20th century, a unique solution to this problem emerged in the form of drive-in motels and restaurants. These establishments allowed travelers to remain in their cars while still accessing amenities such as food, lodging, and restrooms. Although many of these drive-in locations have disappeared, some still remain, offering a glimpse into the state's rich automotive past.

One prominent example of a drive-in location in Nebraska is the 11-Worth Cafe in Omaha's western suburb of Boys Town. This eatery, which opened in 1935 and was rebuilt in 1953, features a distinctive U-shaped driveway with dining stalls that allow patrons to remain in their cars while ordering and eating. Another notable example is the former Nu-Art Drive-In Theater in Bellevue, which operated from 1950 to 2003. While it is no longer in operation as a drive-in, the site has been repurposed as an outdoor movie screen for community events.

Rural areas of Nebraska have also supported various drive-in locations throughout the years. For instance, in the Sandhills region town of Ogallala, the Front Street Drive-In has served travelers since the 1950s with burgers, shakes, and motel rooms. The drive-in has endured several renovations and is now part of a wider complex with additional accommodations and restaurants.

Omaha and Lincoln have historically been hub cities for drive-in locations. The renowned Goober's Drive-In, a popular hangout in the eastern part of the state in Holdrege, features amenities including an in-building play area for kids. Meanwhile, Lincoln's popular Lee's Chicken has kept its original drive-in building intact, providing an example of a local eatery adapting to changing consumer demands.

While many Nebraska drive-in locations have fallen victim to urbanization and shifting consumer preferences, a resurgence of interest in retro-themed attractions and vintage roadside travel has encouraged the preservation and revitalization of some historic drive-ins. Nebraska residents have helped to recognize the heritage value of drive-ins, through initiatives such as listing some sites on the National Register of Historic Places, encouraging local business owners to restore the original facades and dining areas of aging drive-in restaurants.

In recognition of their cultural and historical significance, Nebraska has invested in preserving some of its remaining drive-in locations. Visitors interested in exploring the rich history of drive-ins in the Cornhusker State can follow the various routes published by the Nebraska State Historical Society. Tourism brochures outline possible driving routes across Nebraska to assist visitors in finding many of its better-known and unusual motels, roadside food stalls, and film showings in rural locations.

A final example of Nebraska's lasting influence on American roadside attractions and continued nostalgia for its remaining drive-ins can be seen in filmmakers who choose Nebraska's often nostalgic roadside locations. In the 1975 production Badlands, director Terrence Malick employed local landmarks to depict plot locations on secondary roads. By examining Nebraska drive-in locations through this mixture of narratives, it's apparent how local preservationists are constantly working towards a solution for that particular time of history to ensure residents understand historical roadside tourism.