The Midwestern state of Nebraska sits in the
Great Plains region of America and is well known for its farming
and ranching. The state's capital is Lincoln and the largest
city is Omaha. It’s the 16th largest state in the country by
size and is ranked 38th in population as it’s home to about two
million people. The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln, while the
biggest city is Omaha. Other major centers include Bellevue,
Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, Fremont, North Platte, Norfolk,
Papillion, Columbus, and South Sioux City. Nebraska became the
37th state admitted to the Union when it joined in 1867.
As with most American states, Nebraska was first
settled by Native Americans and they were joined by European
settlers in the mid 1800s. The state is located on plains that
were created by ice-age glaciers and has several major rivers
running through it, including the Missouri.
Many people think Nebraska is actually where the
west begins and there are plenty of fine outdoor areas to enjoy
the scenery and stay active. Some
of the most popular of these include: the Mormon Pioneer
National Historic Trail, the Agate Fossil Beds National
Monument, the California National Historic Trail, Chimney Rock
National Historic Site, the Lewis & Clark National Historic
Trail, the Missouri National Recreational River near Ponca, the
Homestead National Monument of America, the Oregon National
Historic Trail, the Pony Express National Historic Trail, the
Nebraska National Forest, Oglala National Grassland, Samuel R.
McKelvie National Forest, Niobrara National Scenic River, and
Scotts Bluff National Monument.
The climate is basically a little different in
the eastern half and western half of the state. But all of
Nebraska typically enjoys hot summers and cold winters, with
humidity decreasing from the east to west.
Driving to and around the state is quite
pleasant as the interstate and regional highway system is pretty
good. Nebraska also has a rich railway history as the Union
Pacific Railroad is headquartered in Omaha and Bailey Yard,
which is in North Platte, is actually the biggest railway
classification yard on the globe. Amtrak rail service stops in
Lincoln and Omaha, Hastings, Holdrege, and McCook. For those
who’d rather fly in, the major airports are located in Omaha and
Lincoln. There are also several smaller ones throughout the
state for regional and domestic flights.
Omaha has a rich history as a prairie outpost
and one of the best places to learn about the state is the
Durham Western Heritage Museum, which is in Omaha. You can also
visit the State Capitol building in Lincoln as well as the
historic Haymarket region of the city. This is full of
interesting shops, galleries, and restaurants. In East Nebraska,
some of the best attractions are the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie
Pioneers, which is in Grand Island and Crane Meadows, which sits
in Wood River.
There aren’t any major league professional
sports teams located in Nebraska. However, there are minor
league franchises in baseball and indoor football and popular
college sports teams.
Accommodations in Nebraska are nice and easy to
find and there are dozens of fine motels and hotels to choose
from in all price ranges. The same can be said about the local
restaurants where you can find local and international dishes.
Nebraska offers a nice and easy pace for those
who prefer to escape the crowded cities. There are plenty of
interesting things to do and see in the wonderful outdoors as
well as in the colourful towns.
About Nebraska