Nebraska is one of the west-central states of the United States. It is famous for interesting places, unique attractions, and natural beauty. The state is also known for its agricultural production and farming (wheat, corn, soybean, cattle, etc.), vast prairies, chimney rock formation, thriving music scenes, the Sunken Garden in Lincoln, museums and art galleries, historical landmarks, Henry Doorly Zoo, and an aquarium in Omaha, etc.
Nebraska is also popular for being the origin of different food items such as Runza sandwich, Reuben sandwich, cheese frenchees, kool-aid, etc.
If you are planning to visit an exciting place in the USA, Nebraska can be your ultimate destination.
How Big is Nebraska?
The total area of Nebraska is about 200,330 square kilometers or 77,347 square miles. In other words, it has approximately 2.14% of the total land area of the total United States. When it comes to area ranking, it occupies the 16th position. The area makes Nebraska a medium-sized state. However, it covers a significant area of plain land.
Two Largest Cities in Nebraska
Nebraska has two major metropolitan areas. One is Omaha, and the other is Lincoln. They both have lots of things to discover.
1. Omaha
Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and the 38th largest in the United States. The city is popular for its diverse economy, population, and vibrant culture.
It is home to American history. Apart from that, the city is blessed with various historical landmarks, art galleries, theaters, etc. Also, it’s the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich.
Several world-famous museums are here, such as Joslyn Art Museum, Durham M Strategic Air Command Museum, Henry Doorly Zoo, Aquarium, etc. Check out the fun activities in Omaha.
2. Lincoln
Lincoln is the state capital of Nebraska. The most famous attractions in Lincoln include the National State Fair, the State Capital Building, the Sheldon Museum of Art, the International Quilt Study Center, etc.
The city is also famous for its cultural and recreational opportunities, a strong sense of community, a prosperous food scene, and great restaurants.
Foods of Nebraska
Some foods are unique to Nebraska. Let’s have a look –
1. Reuben Sandwich
Reuben is a type of hot sandwich that is made with corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Islands dressing on rye bread.
The original version was made with pastrami. Over the years, the ingredients have been changed. In most sandwich shops and delis, you will find this popular sandwich.
2. Cheese Frenchees
A cheese dish that originated in Nebraska in the 1950s. The dish contains cheese slices, white bread, corn, and mayonnaise. The ingredients are breaded and then deep-fried before serving. Typically, it is served with ranch dressing.
3. Runza Sandwich
The sandwich is made on a soft, yeasted bun with a filling of savory beef, cabbage, and onions. More than 60 locations sell this popular sandwich all over the state.
4. Raisin Pie
The dessert is made with raisins, butter, eggs, flour, and sugar. The dish is a delicacy that is unique to Nebraska. It is mainly served with ice cream or whipped cream.
If you’re interested to know about the best burgers in Nebraska, then follow the link.
3 Famous Restaurants in Nebraska
Numerous restaurants are famous and unique in Nebraska in terms of their food quality, service, and professional and innovative staff. The three overall famous restaurants are here –
1. Odyssey
The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Hastings. They offer modern, casual, and innovative cuisine for special occasions. Their menu includes arancini, parmesan truffle chips, hummus, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and crab cakes. These dishes are fresh, quick, and affordable.
2. Pitch Pizzeria – Dundee
Their main menu is pizza that is prepared in a coal-fired oven. Along with this, they also offer housemade pasta, seafood, burger, hand-cut steak, and wine.
3. Dish Restaurant
The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Lincoln. They are dedicated to providing an unmatched dining experience with contemporary cocktails, and creative and elevated cuisine.
They strive to make your every occasion memorable by offering romantic date nights, luncheons, celebrations, etc. Their popular dishes are chicken lollipops, fried chicken sliders, and miso seared salmon.
Popular Nebraska State Parks
There are numerous state parks available in Nebraska. We are mentioning some of the famous among them here –
1. Arbor Lodge State Park
The magnificent mansion has 52 rooms furnished with authentic furniture. There is a carriage house where a collection of antique wagons and carriages are displayed. There is also a rose garden and arboretum, a walking path through the landscaped grounds. A family plot and picnicking area are also available.
2. Chadron State Park
The park has an area of 972 acres and is situated in the heart of the Nebraska National Forest. The park offers 22 two-bedroom, housekeeping cabins, a modern campground, hike-bike trails, a swimming pool, tennis and sand volleyball courts, horseback trail rides, a snack bar, a craft center, mountain bike rentals, fishing, picnic tables, evening programs, a dump station, shelters, showers, and modern restroom facilities.
3. Fort Kearney State Park
The park was built to protect the travelers from overland trials. There are parade grounds, a carpenter-blacksmith shop, a stockade, etc. The camping facility includes hiking trails, fishing, bike trails, swimming beach, launch ramps, etc.
The park gives visitors an overview of the conditions and events of the American West.
4. Fort Robinson State Park
It’s the premier state park of Western Nebraska with more than 2200 acres of extremely beautiful Pine Ridge scenery, loads of fun-time activities, exceptional lodging, scenic camping, the park’s own longhorn herds, and buffalo.
The fort also served as a beef research station, K-9 dog training center, POW camp, and a cavalry remount station.
5. Niobrara State Park
The park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor and recreational experiences. Picnicking, swimming, cabins, boat ramps, fishing, hiking, Missouri River raft tours, and horseback trail rides are all available at this state park.
6. Ponca State Park
The park lies in the eastern gateway of the Missouri National Recreational River. It has an area of 1400 acres, surrounded by Missouri River Bottomland and heavily forested rolling hills.
The park has a superbly scenic area that offers visitors all the opportunities of a modern park.
7. Smith Fall State Park
The park allows the public to observe the state’s highest waterfall. It protects both the scenic and biological significance of the area.
Hiking is limited to protect rare plants and prevent erosion. Also, there is no camping or vehicle access. But restrooms, tent camping, picnic sites, pay showers, and concessions are available.
8. Victoria Springs State Park
The park offers fishing, swimming, primitive camping, and some fun activities to their visitors.
Interesting Nebraska Landmarks
Plenty of attractive landmarks are available in Nebraska that you can explore. Some of the interesting sites are here –
1. Carhenge
Carhenge is one of the most popular tourist spots located in the town of Alliance, Nebraska. Actually, it’s a replica of England’s Stonehenge. However, artist Jim Reinders used 30 old cars instead of stones to create the structure.
The cars are designed in a circular way, and they are aligned to the summer solstice sunset. Additionally, it has been featured in several documentaries and TV shows.
2. The Chimney Rock Formation
Chimney rock was formed naturally. It is a 315-foot-high pillar that can be seen from miles away.
3. The Lied Jungle (Henry Doorly Zoo)
The zoo is also known as America’s largest indoor forest. It’s an award-winning zoo situated in Omaha, Nebraska. The jungle spans 1.5 acres of land, featuring more than 125 species of animals and 2000 species of plants.
If you are interested in tropical plants and exotic animals like tigers, gorillas, snakes, etc., this jungle is a must-see for you.
4. The Strategic Art Command Museum
The museum is located in Ashland, Nebraska. It is dedicated to representing the history of the United States Air Force. It features 30 aircraft as well as missiles, bombs, and other military artifacts.
The Research Library of the museum has a collection of more than 10,000 items, including film footage, photos, and documents. There is also an aircraft named the Avro Vulcan bomber that was used during the Cold War. The aircraft is displayed here.
If you are keen to know the history of the Cold War, definitely visit the museum. You will have a fascinating experience.
5. The World’s Largest Ball of Stamps
It’s a famous tourist attraction site which is located in Boys Town, Nebraska. The ball is made up of 4 million stamps, which were collected from all over the world. The weight of the ball is over 272 kg or 600 pounds. And it is displayed at the Leon Myers Stamp Center.
Famous People from Nebraska
Nebraska is also the birthplace of many renowned figures for whom Nebraska has felt pride over the years.
1. President Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford’s birthplace was Omaha, Nebraska. The only unelected president who was the 38th president of the USA from 1974 to 1977. He is well known for the Watergate Scandal.
During his tenure, he passed some of the important bills, including the Energy Policy Conservation Act and the Privacy Act of 1974. Apart from these, he also improved the economic conditions of America by reforming the domestic policy.
2. Marlon Brando
He was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a talented actor and director and was awarded two Academy Awards for his contribution to the film industry.
People consider him one of the greatest American actors of all time. He was best known for his method-acting approach and also for his tremendous personal life of violence and addiction.
3. Warren Buffett
One of the ultra-successful businessmen in the world. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1930. He is the chairman and CEO of a multinational conglomerate holding company named Berkshire Hathaway. The company owns a variety of businesses, including BNIF Railway, GEICO, and Fruit of the Loom.
His straightforward but simple approach to investing made him popular. He is called the “Oracle of Omaha”.
Fun Facts about Nebraska
Here are 7 fun and interesting facts about Nebraska that will help you acquire new trivia knowledge –
1. It’s Known as the Cornhusker State
The state has a vast majority of farmland. So, it’s no wonder that agriculture plays a significant role in their country’s economy. The state exports a large number of corn every year.
Corns are harvested or husked by hand. And the harvesters are called cornhuskers. Thus, the state got this nickname.
2. 100 Million Trees Have Been Planted
The state strives to preserve and protect its natural wildlife. For this reason, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) started their initiative of tree plantation in 1972. Within 2021, they finally achieved their target of planting 100 million trees.
3. Kool-Aid Wouldn’t Exist Without the State
Kool-Aid was invented by Edwin Perkins in Hastings, Nebraska. It is a kind of powdered drink mix made from sugar and flavored Kool-aid packets. The aim of creating the Kool-Aid is to provide the children with a cost-effective drink to keep them hydrated during the hot summer days.
4. Millions of Birds Migrate Along the Platte River
The Platte River lies in the northern part of the United States. The river is considered one of the breeding places of birds. Every year millions of birds, including geese, ducks, cranes, etc., migrate here when the weather gets hot.
5. The White-Tailed Deer Is Beloved
The white-tailed deer is the state animal and a symbol of this Midwestern state with 10 other states. The deer is found everywhere in the United States.
6. The Nebraska State Flower Grows Everywhere
The bright yellow colored goldenrod flower is the state flower here. You find this flower growing everywhere in the open fields. More than 100 species of goldenrod are available.
7. There’s Even a State Song
The state song of Nebraska was written in 1960. There were no lyrics, only music. The lyrics were added to the music in 1967 and, since then, it has been the official song in Nebraska. The song is called “Beautiful Nebraska.”
Final Thoughts
Nebraska is popular for a lot more things. It has a rich history, a diverse culture, a vibrant population, and unique attractions that can easily attract visitors from all over the world.
In short, Nebraska offers something to everyone! If you desire to explore something truly unique and also gain some historical and educational values, look no further than Nebraska.
