\
Nebraska

Nebraska

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Best Cities to Visit

  • Omaha
  • Lincoln
  • Nebraska City
  • Grand Island
  • Kearney

Size

200,356 KM2

Population

1,961,504

Spending Budget

$266 - $854

Famous For

  • The birthplace of Kool-Aid
  • Biggest indoor rainforest
  • Home of Carhenge
  • Nebraska origin
  • Arbor Day
  • Warren Buffet’s home
  • Largest mammoth fossil

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October

History

Indigenous peoples lived in the region of present-day Nebraska for thousands of years before European colonization. The historic tribes in the state included the Omaha, Missouria, Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe, and various branches of the Lakota (Sioux), some of which migrated from eastern areas into this region. When European exploration, trade, and settlement began, both Spain and France sought to control the region. In the 1690s, Spain established trade connections with the Apaches, whose territory then included western Nebraska. By 1703, France had developed a regular trade with the native peoples along the Missouri River in Nebraska, and by 1719 had signed treaties with several of these peoples. After war broke out between the two countries, Spain dispatched an armed expedition to Nebraska under Lieutenant General Pedro de Villasur in 1720. The party was attacked and destroyed near present-day Columbus by a large force of Pawnees and Otoes, both allied with the French. The massacre ended Spanish exploration of the area for the remainder of the 18th century. In 1762, during the Seven Years' War, France ceded the Louisiana territory to Spain. This left Britain and Spain competing for dominance along the Mississippi; by 1773, the British were trading with the native peoples of Nebraska. In response, Spain dispatched two trading expeditions up Missouri in 1794 and 1795; the second, under James Mackay, established the first European settlement in Nebraska near the mouth of the Platte. Later that year, Mackay's party built a trading post, dubbed Fort Carlos IV (Fort Charles), near present-day Homer.

Present Day

In the late 19th century, many African Americans migrated from the South to Nebraska as part of the Great Migration, primarily to Omaha which offered working-class jobs in meatpacking, the railroads and other industries. Omaha has a long history of civil rights activism. Blacks encountered discrimination from other Americans in Omaha and especially from recent European immigrants, ethnic whites who were competing for the same jobs. In 1912, African Americans founded the Omaha chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to work for improved conditions in the city and state. Since the 1960s, Native American activism in the state has increased, both through open protest, activities to build alliances with state and local governments, and in the slower, more extensive work of building tribal institutions and infrastructure. Native Americans in federally recognized tribes have pressed for self-determination, sovereignty and recognition. They have created community schools to preserve their cultures, as well as tribal colleges and universities. Tribal politicians have also collaborated with state and county officials on regional issues.

Future

Nebraska's economic future can be positive, but it hinges on frugal, yet bold leadership on both the state and local levels, according to State Senator Bill Avery of Lincoln's District 28. And that means putting investments in the right places. Avery, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for more than 30 years, retired when he was elected to Nebraska's Unicameral in 2006. Nebraska will have to overcome some obstacles to achieve that bright future, he said. Nebraska is known for having high property taxes because of its small tax base; the state has a declining workforce, which is thought to be one of the state's most pressing problems; the smallest communities are struggling to survive, and demographic changes will continue to impact communities of all sizes. On the other hand, Nebraska has many good things happening. "The economic future for this state will continue to be pretty good as long as the agricultural economy stays strong," he said. Many spinoff industries have developed from agriculture and are competing in the global economy. "And if we get to where I think we will with cellulosic ethanol production, some of the pressure on corn can be relieved, and that will be good in the future, too," he said. Avery believes Omaha and Lincoln will both be strong in the future - Omaha with its wealth, its information technology infrastructure and Offutt Air Force base, where United States Strategic Command has its headquarters; Lincoln with the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska and its planned Innovation Campus, the city's proposed arena and the Antelope Valley development project.
Must Visit Places ------------

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Although zoos are rarely the most exciting thing to see or do in a state, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha is an exception. This unique facility is home to the world's largest indoor desert, the largest indoor jungle, and the largest nocturnal exhibit. The aquarium exhibits are engaging and offer opportunities to touch stingrays as they swim by or ride a camel. After a long day of walking, the Lozier IMAX 3D theatre is a great place to enjoy a feature, with a constantly changing line-up of movies. You can also grab a bite to eat, and let the kids play on the lighthouse at the replica Alaska seaport area called Glacier Bay Landing.

Old Market in Omaha

The Old Market is a terrific spot to shop, dine, and experience a glimpse of what Omaha would have looked like in its early days. Cobblestone streets and renovated old buildings from the early part of the 19th century give the area a quaint and historical feel. Housed in these interesting buildings are a diverse set of retail establishments ranging from galleries to coffee shops and fine dining establishments. The Old Market is right downtown and is within easy walking distance to many of Omaha's other tourist attractions, including the Durham Museum and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Strategic Air and Space Museum, Ashland

Fans of aircraft and aviation technology will be impressed by the extensive collections on show at this museum in Ashland, midway between Omaha and Lincoln. First opened in 1959 as the Strategic Air Command, the museum grew over the years and in 1998 moved to its current location in a modern facility. A few years later, the name was changed to the Strategic Air and Space Museum. The museum is spread over 300,000 square feet and showcases all manner of aeroplanes, spacecraft, and special exhibits that change regularly. Also on site is a planetarium that features seasonal astronomy shows and motion rides (for an additional fee) that simulate the feeling of being in a helicopter and riding a roller coaster. A visit here can be combined with a trip to see the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Dating from 25 to 24 million years ago, the Chimney Rock formation rises 480 feet above the surrounding countryside. This dramatic rock spire was a noted landmark for pioneers heading westward in the early to the mid-19th century. The landscape today looks much as it did when wagon trains crossed this way during the great western migration. Visitors can get a sense of what it must have felt like for the pioneers when they arrived here. A visitor centre on-site provides information on the geology of the formation and the history of the Overland Trail.

Haymarket District in Lincoln

A lively atmosphere, great restaurants, and restored historical buildings all combine to make the Haymarket area a fun place to visit at any time of year. Visitors can wander the inlaid brick streets and peer in windows of eclectic shops, or stop in for coffee and snacks at any of the numerous cafés and restaurants. The restored water tower and town clock are a couple of the sightseeing attractions in this area. While there is always something going on in the Haymarket District, it can be particularly busy on days when the local university sports teams have games scheduled.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

This imposing natural structure can be seen from far and wide across the Nebraska prairies. It was used as a landmark by Native Americans who inhabited the area, and later by travellers who passed by here in the mid-19th century, including pioneers making their way west on the California, Oregon, and Mormon Trails. On the weekends, rangers dress in period costume and roam various areas of the park providing insights and stories from the past. This 3000-acre national monument was first founded in 1919, and many improvements to the area have been made over the years. A winding road leads up to the higher elevations and features three tunnels. Hiking trails lead to great viewpoints out over the surrounding countryside. A popular option is to take the summit shuttle to the top and then hike back down.

Golden Spike Tower in North Platte

The Golden Spike Tower offers a bird's-eye view out over the Bailey Yard, officially certified as the world's largest railroad yard. More than 150 trains and 10,000 rail cars a day enter this yard. The tower rises eight stories and is fully enclosed in glass. Beyond the Bailey Yard, the full expanse of the Platte River valley unfolds as visitors look out from the viewing area. At the base of the tower is the visitor centre where all manner of Union Pacific memorabilia is showcased. The Golden Spike Tower is just on the outer edge of North Platte.

Indian Cave State Park

Beautiful and intriguing petroglyphs showing nature scenes and wildlife line the walls of the cave at this state park. The picturesque setting of the park on the banks of the Missouri River also makes it a popular destination for camping and hiking. Two campgrounds, Hackberry Hollow and Ash Grove have 274 combined sites available, which include 134 RV sites with 30 amp electrical service. Sites can be reserved online. Twenty-two miles of diverse and interesting hiking trails wind their way around the park and take in some of the highlights, including a ridge and the Lincoln Bend Wetlands. Indian Cave State Park is just a short drive southeast of Brownville.

Carhenge

Certainly one of Nebraska's quirkier attractions, Carhenge duplicates the more familiar Stonehenge but is constructed with automobiles. Thirty-nine cars arranged in all different positions jut out of the prairie grasslands and so perfectly replicate the real Stonehenge that the summer solstice event happens here in the same manner as it does in England. Although Carhenge is the main attraction, there are also several other unique works on site. In one area, a metal fish is shown emerging from the ground. This is a free attraction.

A Scenic Driving Tour of the Sandhills

The Sandhills region of Nebraska is a paradise for nature lovers. Covering one-quarter of the state, it consists of dunes, some reaching 300 feet high, along with grasslands and shallow lakes. A driving tour through the Sandhills often described as one of the most scenic in the USA, is a great way to explore the area. Highway 2 winds its way through the landscape, taking visitors on a 272-mile route past an array of interesting natural and man-made sights, including the quirky Carhenge. Most visitors start the drive in Grand Island and end in Alliance. Outdoor enthusiasts, especially bird lovers, will want to make sure they plan a visit to Valentine National Wildlife Preserve. This spectacular refuge located within the Sandhills region is home to thousands of waterfowl who make their homes in the shallow lakes spread across the area.