Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Nebraska

1. State Motto: "Equality before the law."
2. State Bird: Western Meadowlark.
3. State Flower: Goldenrod.
4. Nebraska’s Chimney Rock was one of the most famous landmarks on the Oregon Trail.
5. Carhenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge made of vintage cars, is one of Nebraska’s most unique attractions.
6. The Sandhills cover one-quarter of Nebraska, making them the largest sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere.
7. Nebraska is the only state in the U.S. with a unicameral legislature.
8. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is consistently ranked among the best zoos in the world.
9. Buffalo Bill Cody held his first-ever rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska, in 1882.
10. Nebraska has more miles of rivers than any other state in the U.S.
11. The Kool-Aid drink mix was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927.
12. The state is one of the nation’s top producers of beef, corn, and soybeans.
13. Arbor Day, the tree planting holiday, originated in Nebraska City in 1872.
14. Lincoln, the state capital, was originally named "Lancaster" before being renamed in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
15. The Platte River, often called a "mile wide and an inch deep," flows through much of the state.

Geography of Nebraska

Nebraska’s geography is characterized by rolling plains, rivers, and unique features like the Sandhills. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Panorama Point (5,424 feet).
• Lowest Point: Missouri River (840 feet).
• Major Rivers: Platte River, Missouri River, and Niobrara River.

A Brief History of Nebraska

Nebraska’s history is deeply tied to westward expansion and the development of the Great Plains:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Omaha, Ponca, and Lakota Sioux.
• The Louisiana Purchase brought Nebraska under U.S. control in 1803.
• Pioneers traveled through Nebraska on the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails.
• Nebraska became the 37th state on March 1, 1867.
• The state played a key role in agricultural development and railroad expansion in the 19th century.

Top 10 Things to Do in Nebraska

1. Visit Chimney Rock National Historic Site, a key landmark on the Oregon Trail.
2. Explore the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha.
3. Drive through the Sandhills and enjoy the scenic beauty of this unique region.
4. Tour the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln and admire its stunning architecture.
5. Visit Carhenge, a quirky roadside attraction near Alliance.
6. Learn about pioneer history at the Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney.
7. Attend the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.
8. Explore the Scotts Bluff National Monument and its breathtaking views.
9. Celebrate Arbor Day in Nebraska City, the holiday’s birthplace.
10. Fish, canoe, or relax along the Niobrara River.

Top 10 Destinations in Nebraska

1. Chimney Rock National Historic Site
2. Omaha
3. Lincoln
4. Sandhills
5. Scotts Bluff National Monument

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Nebraska, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Nebraska