Travel the USA (Visit Nebraska)

It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 27^th to visit is none other than Nebraska, abbreviated NE. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, NE, the Cornhusker State, is the perfect get-away.

Visit state # 27 – NE

Nebraska is beloved for its wide-open spaces, vast farmland, plains, sand dunes, towering rock formations and more. The people are friendly, the air is clean, and there is much to do and see. Nebraska’s neighbors include Wyoming to the west, Colorado to the southwest, Kansas to the south, Missouri in the southeast, Iowa in the east, and South Dakota to its north. The state lies on the Great Plains in the Midwestern part of the country, and it is considered a triple-landlocked state as to reach an ocean, one must travel through three states. Nebraska was admitted to the union on March 1, 1867, as the 37th state.

Nebraska is said to have been born out of the Civil War, shaped by railroads, and built by immigrants. Settlers arrived at the promise of free land with the hope of cultivating rich farmlands. However, times were not always so easy, and settlers endured hardships including droughts and economic depressions. Prior to settlers, nomadic indigenous people used the lands to hunt big game animals. The Plains Indians were descendants of succeeding cultures. Today, a visit to Nebraska showcases its role in westward expansion, and the history of homesteaders and pioneers comes alive. For travelers heading west to Oregon and California, Chimney Rock became an important landmark. The natural rock formation features a 325-foot-tall center spire and dates to about 23 million years ago.

The state is an amazing playground for hikers compelled to explore dramatic canyons, rocky routes reminiscent of moonscapes, winding woodland trails, and more. Of course, there are abundant gentle paths and walking trails for those seeking tranquil strolls amidst nature. Many other outdoor sports can be enjoyed, too. Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is adored for its pristine 35,000 acres of water and 100 miles of shoreline. It is ideal for people who love to swim and fish, and the lake is brimming with local game including walleye, Northern pike, wiper, and white bass fish. Nebraska is also home to a 192-mile-long trail, the longest rails-to-trail conversion project in the United States. Known as Cowboy Trail, adventurers can trace the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern Railway corridor and the very path that historically transported people to and from the region. For a highly rated personal experience, pass across the Valentine Bridge, the most notable crossing on the trail.

There are many notable cities in Nebraska and Omaha is among them. Nestled along the mighty Missouri River, Omaha is one of the best cities dedicated to conservation. Ranked among the top five things to do in the city is the Durham Museum, affiliated with the prestigious Smithsonian Institution. The building chronicles the history of the city and features exhibits on the Plains Indians and other historical replicas. At the end, stop by the working soda bar to enjoy a classic milkshake. Other notable things to do include Lauritzen Gardens, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Children’s Museum, Mormon Trail Center, Boys Town, and more.

Nebraska provides a wonderful blend of adventure, art, culture, education, history, and more. Whether you take a historic tour of a structure, such as Joslyn Castle’s mansion, or see an ancient artifact from days gone by at one of Nebraska’s beloved museums, the stories and legacy of the state will remain embedded in your heart. So, too, is the spirit of exploration rekindled, for there are many beautiful natural spaces where the views can’t be beaten, farmland is abundant, and everywhere you turn, nature sits at your doorstep. Go visit today!