2027 Nebraska Passport stop application opens August 1

PRESS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Press Contact: Ben Jones at 402-326-9941, or [email protected]

2027 Nebraska Passport stop application opens August 1

Passport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb. – (July 31, 2026) - Visit Nebraska is excited to announce that applications are open August 1 to be on a stop on the 2027 Nebraska Passport. All destinations in the state are welcome to apply to become a stop. Past stops have included restaurants, museums, outdoor adventures, retail stores, wineries, breweries, arts destinations and more.

The Passport program helps travelers to discover Nebraska's hidden gems, as well as benefits the 70 chosen stops through increased visitor traffic, sales and visibility. Passport stops need to offer a personable, wonderful and unique visitor experience.

"As we prepare for the 18th year of the Nebraska Passport program, we are inspired by the continued passion of visitors and stops alike," said Lilly Uhlmann, Nebraska Passport program coordinator. "Our goal is to continue highlighting unique destinations and helping travelers to uncover the hidden gems of Nebraska!"

Some of the requirements for the Nebraska Passport stops include:
•    Offer an exceptional, unique visitor experience
•    Display excellent customer service. Be available at all times to greet Passport visitors and stamp Passport booklets
•    Be open regular, reasonable, consistent hours (including at least one weekend day) during the Nebraska Passport season (May 1 to September 30). Note: Hours of operation are very important. Preference is given to destinations that have hours that are convenient for travelers.
•    Keep the same hours of operation throughout the Passport season. Chosen Passport stops submit their hours in January and the Passport program begins May 1.
•    Stops are not allowed to charge participants for admission in order to receive a stamp. Many tourists will naturally invest money in things they wish to see, buy, eat, or experience, but it is against the program policy to force Passport participants to pay for something at each stop.
•    Be a good tourism ambassador for your region. Talk to travelers about other tourism destinations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. in your area that they may be interested in visiting.

Potential stops can complete the application here. The application deadline is October 31, 2026. There is no fee to apply or participate. Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected].

The 2027 program will run from May 1-September 30. Other information about Passport stop requirements, how the program benefits Passport stops and details about the application process can be found at https://nebraskapassport.com/becomeastop.

Applying does not guarantee selection, as Visit Nebraska receives hundreds of applications annually and can only choose 70 stops. If your destination has applied before but wasn't selected, you are encouraged to try again. The selection committee considers factors like location diversity, tour themes, new experiences and broad appeal. Every application is thoroughly considered, and new opportunities may arise. Each year, the Passport stops are selected with an emphasis on destination variety, geographical diversity, and rotation if a stop has been on in a previous year.

To learn more about the Nebraska Passport, visit nebraskapassport.com. To see the exciting adventures travelers are having with the Passport this year, be sure to check out Nebraska Passport Pals.

Thank you to this year's Passport sponsors!