Nebraska, IN Road Trips

Admitted to the Union in 1867, "the Cornhusker State" quickly became known for its cattle and its corn. The state has largely flown under the radar of the outside world and locals are just fine with that. The name Nebraska comes from the Omaha word Ni Bathaska, meaning "flat water", after the Platte River which flows through the state. Nebraska is the only triple landlocked state in the U.S., meaning that you'd have to drive through at least three other states (or two states and a Canadian province) to get to the ocean. The title "Nebraska Admiral" (formally, "Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska") is the state's highest honorary title, bestowed on approval of the state governor; it is not a military rank and carries no duties, pay or other compensation. Visit Nebraska website

Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha is Nebraska's number one paid attraction. It features an expansive aquarium, "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert). Ashfalls Fossil Bed State Historical Park in Antelope County. Discovered in 1971, this fossil site captures a snapshot of the area 10-12 million years ago. Over 360 acres (150 hectares) are available for hiking and picnicking. The Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney spans I-80. The archway explains the settling of the west by the pioneers on the Oregon Trail and the construction of the Lincoln Highway. Carhenge in Alliance was constructed in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father. A replica of England's Stonehenge, constructed out of vintage American automobiles painted gray. The site also hosts a number of other art pieces by Reinders and other artists. Spade Ranch near Ellsworth at one time encompassed almost 500,000 acres (2,000 km2) and 60,000 head of cattle. The Spade is one of Nebraska's oldest and most expansive ranches. The ranch continues to operate as a traditional open grazing ranch.

Attend a Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln Watch a College World Series game in Omaha. Canoe, kayak or tube the Niobrara River in the Sand Hills Enjoy a cheap beer in one of the many bars south of the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln Eat a piece of real Nebraska beef at one of Omaha's many steakhouses. Bird watch during the spring Sandhill Crane migration in Kearney. Take a tour of historic Bellevue. See Nebraska's Largest flagpole in Sidney, home of Cabela's. Before the dust bowl and drought of the 1930s, Nebraska had many thriving wineries. That era is returning, and there are now nearly 30 wineries across the state. View the world's largest rail yard Bailey Yard from the Golden Spike Tower 8 stories high in North Platte. Visit Omaha's Old Market for great bars and shops Order a Runza at the fast food restaurant of the same name

A past Nebraska slogan was The Beef State, and much of Nebraska's cuisine can still be best described as "meat and potatoes". Stop in any Nebraska city or town and you'll be likely to find low-cost, high-quality, home-cooked dining options. Nebraska's cuisine has been influenced by the numerous immigrant groups that have settled in the state; for example, you'll find German and Scandinavian dishes in the northeast, Czech meals in some areas, and numerous Italian restaurants in Omaha. Nebraska's rural entrepreneurs have made products from family farms across the state available at GrowNebraska.org.

Bars are plentiful, and most restaurants will serve beer and wine. Bars are open until 1 am, except in Omaha where they are permitted to stay open until 2. Beer, wine, and hard liquor can be sold in grocery and convenience stores. The legal drinking age is 21, and there are no dry counties in Nebraska. Local brands: Kros Strain - Craft brewery famous for their Fairy Nectar IPA. Widely available at local stores, or from their brewery in La Vista. Glacial Till Vineyard and Craft Cider - Tasing room in Ashland, and a winery in Palmyra(open June-August). Zipline - Wide range of beers avialable in stores, taproom and restaurant in Lincoln. Kool Aid is the official drink of Nebraska. It was invented in Hastings where there is also a museum dedicated to the drink.

Nebraska's major national highway corridor is Interstate 80, which runs east-west across the state, Interstate 29 runs parallel to the state's Eastern border in Iowa and Missouri. Other major highways that enter Nebraska include Interstate 76 (from Colorado), US 81 (major north-south route), US 20 (northern east-west route), US 26 (from Wyoming), and US 385/Nebraska 71 (western north-south route). The two major airports in Nebraska are located in Omaha and Lincoln. Omaha is served by all major airlines as well as Alaskan, Allegiant, and Frontier; Lincoln is served by Delta and United. There are no direct international flights to any Nebraska airport. Other airports with commercial service are in Alliance, Chadron, Grand Island, Kearney, McCook, North Platte and Scottsbluff. The Sioux City, Iowa airport serves the northeast corner of the state. Amtrak makes stops daily in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Holdrege and McCook. The only train serving the state is the California Zephyr. It will bring you in from San Francisco (Emeryville), Salt Lake City, and Denver from the west and Chicago from the east. Amtrak's stops are generally in the middle of the night no matter what direction you come from. Burlington Trailways, toll-free: +1-800-992-4680. Travels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska. Another route along I-80 from Chicago, across Iowa via Davanport, Iowa City and Des Moines; to Omaha.

Nebraska is a large, sparsely populated state; the vast majority of Nebraska is best seen by car. Intrastate bus service within the state is served only by Express Arrow and Burlington Trailways (see 'By bus' in the above under 'Get in'). Information on transit can be found here.

In the cities of Omaha and Lincoln crime rates have begun to rise due to the increase in population these two cities have experienced over the past several years. These crime rates do vary considerably among neighborhoods, however, it is important to take proper precautions and use the same degrees of common sense you would ordinarily implement while visiting a mid-size American city. If an area appears decrepit and/or seedy, then you probably do not want to remain there for any length of time. These two cities have also experienced an increase in gang activity. This should is something to be aware of, but generally crime of this nature is inter-gang related and does not affect the ordinary citizen. Nevertheless, don't put yourself in a position that could lead you to becoming caught in the crossfire of rival gangs. Nebraska is located within the country's "tornado alley". Throughout the spring and summer seasons, the state often experiences very violent thunderstorms which contain hail squalls and spawn tornadoes of various strengths. It is important to keep yourself informed of the current weather conditions while traveling through or visiting the state during these seasons as conditions can change very rapidly. Television and radio stations provide excellent severe weather coverage. Refer to the Tornado safety page for more information about this matter. During the winter, blizzards and ice storms do occur, and dangerous wind chills are a possibility.