It may be among the USA´s least visited states, but the Great Plains grasslands and rolling hills of the Cornhusker State are home to some great travel experiences, from stunning natural vistas to big-city sophistication to charming small towns (including several with fascinating ethnic backgrounds, including "Irish capital" O'Neill, "Czech capital" Wilber, and "Danish capital" Dannebrog). To give you an idea, here are a half dozen of Nebraska´s most worthy draws:
Nebraska's capital and second-biggest city (around 295,000) is a nice blend of history, culture, and outdoor allures. One its main highlights is the State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark inaugurated in 1932 which features a stunning dome and intricate murals; visitors can take guided tours to learn about the state’s history and government.
Meanwhile, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln adds a youthful energy to the city, and its handsome campus includes the Sheldon Museum of Art, designed in 1963 by the famed Philip Johnson, which houses an impressive collection of U.S. painters and sculptors mostly of the 19th and 20th centuries. For great family outings, check out the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and three-story, very hands-on Lincoln Children´s Museum.
For a taste of local culture, check out downtown´s historic Haymarket District, filled with cool shops, restaurants, and a vibrant farmers market; you can also take a history tour. Families should also not miss its Lincoln Children's Museum, whose interactive exhibits do a great job of entertaining and engaging young minds.
Outdoorsy types will love the 1,100-acre Pioneers Park, on the city´s southwestern edfe, with its extensive trails, a pond, and a nature center showcasing native wildlife, and the Thomas Hudson Cabin, Lincoln´s oldest remaining building (1863). And the small but gorgeous, the 94-year-old Sunken Gardens is another serene spot, featuring beautifully landscaping that´s perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Finally, catch a show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of concerts from classical to pop, as well as plays, musicals, dance performances, and lots more.
Apart from being the home base of “the sage of Omaha,” renowned investor Warren Buffett, the state´s largest city (pop. 486,000) is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and culinary menu (plus get a great view of its skyline and the Missouri River from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge).
A standout attraction is the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, often ranked among the best in the United States, even the world (USA Today for example has voted it tops in this country for two years running). The reasons include incredible exhibits such as the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle offer immersive experiences with diverse wildlife.
Dating back to the 1870s, the Old Market district is a must-visit area, featuring cobblestone streets lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to savor local flavors, with highlights like Omaha's famous steak and various ethnic cuisines.
For those interested in history, the Durham Museum in a historic train station offers insights into the city’s past, with engaging exhibits on the history of the region, while culture vultures should alight at the Joslyn Art Museum, home to a beautiful sculpture garden and a diverse collection of mostly U.S. artists, with prominent names such as Roy Liechtenstein, Brice Marden, Julian Schnabel, and Cy Twombly). For the performing arts, take in a show at the Omaha Community Playhouse, the largest community theater in the United States.
Finally for lovers of the great outdoor it´s well worth the 12-minute drive into the suburb of Bellevue to experience Fontenelle Forest, a stunning, 1,500-acre nature reserve with two “learning centers” as well as trails that wind through hardwood deciduous forest, extensive floodplains, loess hills, and wetlands.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
Up in the state´s northeast three hours from both Lincoln and Omaha, this 350-acre spread is home to well-preserved fossils from a prehistoric volcanic eruption, letting visitors see the remains of ancient animals and learn about Nebraska's geological history.
Over in the west of the state near the town of Alliance (six hours from Lincoln and 6 ½ from Omaha), perhaps Nebraska´s best known national landmark is a quirky and artistic replica of England's Stonehenge made entirely from vintage cars, built in 1987. It’s a fun stop that showcases creativity and offers great photo opportunities (plus a visitor center)
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Rising nearly 300 feet out of the surrounding plains - 5½ hours from Lincoln, a bit over six from Omaha, and just under an hour away from Carhenge - this striking formation of clay, sandstone, and petrified volcanic ash served as a vital point of reference for pioneers traveling west on the Oregon Trail and others. You can learn more about its history at the nearby visitor center.
Scotts Bluff National Monument
A half hour from Chimney Rock, this stunning, 3,000-acre reserve is centered around and named after the eponymous bluff rising 800 feet over the North Platte River, also an important marker on the various trails west, as well as the Pony Express. features dramatic cliffs and has various hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding plains, along with, at its base, a museum of works by Western painter William Henry Jackson as well as the Legacy of the Plains Museum, displaying an impressive collection of pioneer and early community artifacts, antique tractors, and farm implements, along with various historic farmstead buildings and an 80-acre working farm.
For more info, check out Visit Nebraska´s website.
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