Welcome to Nebraska

There’s a mesmerizing and undeniably romantic quality to Nebraska, a state filled with landscapes of endlessly sweeping plains and subtly rolling hills. Perhaps it’s the fact this is still one of the least populated states in the country, where you can still hear echoes of the wide-open and lonely frontier that preceded its statehood in 1867. Perhaps it’s the state’s humble and hardworking role as one of the nation’s leading meat and crop producers.

Whatever the “it” is, there’s no denying the Cornhusker State is a sight to behold. At every turn, the Nebraska landscapes surprise and dazzle. Slide behind the wheel and hop on any one of the state’s nine official scenic byways to see the heart of the Great Plains, High Plains and Sandhills in all their glory.

When you find yourself in or near Nebraska’s “big cities” of Omaha and Lincoln, you’ll want to set aside some time for a stop at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska State Capitol Building and the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Elsewhere, popular highlights include the quirky Carhenge (a re-creation of Stonehenge—with old cars) and the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum (a 300,000-square-foot facility detailing the history of aircraft and nuclear missiles).

Adventure

While much of Nebraska is covered in gently rolling plains, outdoor adventure in the Cornhusker State also involves exquisite and geologically unique landscapes.

There’s Indian Cave State Park, tucked in the southeastern corner of the state, just south of Omaha. The park sprawls across 3,052 acres astride the mighty Missouri River, and is home to a massive sandstone cave from which it gets its name.

In northwestern Nebraska, a visit to Toadstool Geologic Park puts you in the middle of moonlike badlands. You can hike the park’s interpretive trail and point your camera at some of the most uniquely spectacular geography in the country.

Over in western Nebraska, a visit to Scotts Bluff National Monument brings you to an 800-foot-tall sandstone butte overlooking the North Platte River. A 1.6-mile scenic byway lets you reach the top of the bluff by car. A shuttle is also available for those with RVs or anyone who wants to ride up in comfort but hike down via the Saddle Rock Trail. 

Entertainment

If you’re visiting in late July, you won’t want to miss out on Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell. Founded in 1921, this long-running rodeo features a full slate of rodeo events that will enthrall the entire family, including chuck wagon races, bull riding and trick riding.