Visiting Nebraska

Welcome to the great state of Nebraska, the nation’s leading producer of beef, home of the world’s largest elephant fossil, the birth place of Kool-Aid, and home to over a million Husker fans. With its plentiful natural resources, vibrant small towns, and rising metropolitan areas, Nebraska has something to offer to everyone. People are proud to be called Nebraskans and one visit to the Cornhusker State will show you why.

Come and experience “The Good Life” for yourself.

Fast Facts

  • Name for residents: Nebraskans
  • State bird: Western Meadowlark
  • State mammal: White-tailed Deer
  • State fish: Channel Catfish
  • State fossil: Mammoth
  • State insect: Honeybee
  • State flower: Goldenrod
  • State tree: Cottonwood
  • State grass: Little Bluestem
  • State rock: Prairie Agate
  • State gemstone: Blue Chalcedony
  • State Soil: Holdrege
  • State beverage: Milk
  • State soft drink: Kool-Aid (It was developed in Hastings!)
  • State river: Platte River
  • State American folk dance: Square dance commodity

Some Cool Places to Visit

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

Turtle at Omaha Zoo

Take a trip around the globe at this internationally renowned zoo. As the home to the world’s largest indoor desert and rainforest, this attraction is certain to be an extraordinary experience for the whole family. Be sure to visit the newly renovated Scott Aquarium, where you can walk on the bottom of the ocean and come face to face with sharks and stingrays. Take a walk to one of North America’s famous large cat complexes and say hello to the gorillas next door! Henry Doorly Zoo is open year round, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during November through the end of February, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through the end of October. For more information, please visit http://www.omahazoo.com/

return to top
College World Series (Omaha)

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha

Ranked as the #13 Best Stadium Experience, the College World Series is a great way to relive one of America’s Greatest Past Times and watch our nation’s best college baseball teams compete for the national title. Enjoy this annual summer event in the recently built TD Ameritrade Park and meet people from all over the United States. For ticket and other information, please visit http://www.cwsomaha.com/.

return to top
State Capitol and Memorial Stadium (Lincoln)

Nebraska State Capitol Building

Take a trip to our state’s great capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska. Opened in 1922, this building houses the primary executive, judicial, and legislative offices of the Nebraska state government. I encourage you to take a tour of this exquisite building, and visit the dome at the very top. The capitol is open to the public every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Mondays, tours begin an hour earlier at 9:00 a.m. Please visit http://capitol.org/ for more information.

Husker Stadium

While you are visiting Nebraska, you will undoubtedly see the support we have for our Husker Football Team. Take a trip down to Memorial Stadium, which reportedly becomes the state’s third biggest city on game days. The stadium is located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, which holds its own history and prestige. To view more information about the Huskers, please visit http://www.huskers.com/.

return to top
Arbor Day Farm (Nebraska City)

www.arbordayfarm.org

Arbor Day Farm Treehouse
Image credit: arbordayfarm.org

Take a day to enjoy the 260 acres of the original estate of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. Climb a treehouse that is 50 feet high, try some hand-crafted Arbor Day Farm wines, explore the South Table Creek Trail, and so much more. The Arbor Day Farm is located in Nebraska City and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

return to top
Lake Wanahoo (Wahoo)

http://www.lpnnrd.org/projects/recreation/wanahoo.html 

This 1,777 acre site offers some of the best fishing in all of Nebraska. It is stocked with largemouth bass, blue catfish, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, walleye, and different kinds of trout. Even the most amateur fisherman is bound to have some luck. Apart from fishing, you can enjoy some no-wake boating, tent and RV camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and so much more.

return to top
The Niobrara State Park (Niobrara)

Niobrara State Park

Enjoy the beautiful and scenic Niobrara River at this accommodating state park. Enjoy tubing, canoeing, horseback riding, camping, and much more at this fun and spectacular natural attraction. The Niobrara State Park is open year round, and is a great place to enjoy the summer heat. For camping and activity information, please visit http://nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NE&parkId=230126.

return to top
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo (Burwell)

Nebraska's Big Rodeo

Homer C. Stokes started Burwell’s first ever rodeo with bronc riding, a wild horse race, and calf roping in 1921. Now, Nebraska’s Big Rodeo is one of the largest outdoor rodeo areas in the world. The event is still similar to the way it was in the 1920s, and the rodeo’s facilities are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Different events happen simultaneously, so you have many options of activities. Action both on the track and in the arena will keep you busy for days. Please visit http://nebraskasbigrodeo.com/ for dates and events.

return to top
Fort McPherson National Cemetery (Maxwell)

http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftmcpherson.asp

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Established in 1863 to protect emigrants on the Oregon Trail, Fort McPherson is now one of America’s most beautiful historic cemeteries. Take a walk through the past and learn about the hardships of frontier life. While you’re there, see the monument that marks the route used by the Pony Express over the Oregon Trail. Visitation hours are daily from dawn until dusk.

return to top
Sandhills Hunting

http://visitnebraska.com/

White-tailed deer

Enjoy the serenity of the Sandhills in Nebraska. This beautiful area is a renowned Nebraska vacation spot. Hunt white-tailed and mule deer, hike the nature trails, ride horses, and just relax. Fishing and hunting upland birds like grouse, pheasant, ducks and geese are also a fan favorite here at the breathtaking Sandhills. There are many different kinds of ranches, hunting facilities, and wildlife centers available in the Sandhills for all of your hunting needs.
return to top
Carhenge (Alliance)

http://www.carhenge.com/

Carhenge

Made completely out of old-fashioned cars, this attraction is a distinctive replica of the mysterious 4,000 year old Stonehenge. 38 vintage cars of the 1950s and 1960s are arranged in the same formation as Stonehenge, putting a unique twist on the English phenomenon. This attraction, named the #2 Wackiest Attraction, is open daily at all hours.

return to top
Courthouse and Jail Rocks (South of Bridgeport)

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/scotts_bluff/courthouse_jail_rocks.html

Courthouse and Jail Rocks

Along the Oregon and California Trails, the pioneers came across large rock formations as they were heading west. These became recognized by the pioneers as important milestones on the long journey west. Two of these rock formations are known as the Courthouse and Jail rocks. The Courthouse and Jail Rocks also served as a landmark for the crossroads where the Oregon and California trails merged. Located just south of Bridgeport, these rocks not only have historic meaning, and are beautiful fragments of an ancient plateau.

return to top

For more information and other great Nebraska attractions, please visit http://visitnebraska.com/.

Unless otherwise noted, all images credit Wikimedia Commons

Pursuant to Senate Policy, petitions, opinion polls and unsolicited mass electronic communications cannot be initiated by this office for the 60-day period immediately before the date of a primary or general election. Subscribers currently receiving electronic communications from this office who wish to unsubscribe may do so here.