Nebraska is called the “Corn Husker State” for its earlier method of harvesting corn by hand before the invention of machinery. This state gets it name from the Native American Otoe words “Ni Braske” which meant “flat water” after the Platte River which courses through the state.
The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln and the largest city is Omaha. The Eastern half of the state has humid continental climate and the western half experiences a semi-arid continental steppe climate. Hot summers are followed by cold winters with the state receiving about 30 inches of snow in a year. Spring and summer may bring thunderstorms and tornadoes. However, Nebraska may be visited any time of the year. Visitors arrive in the state through Eppley International Airport in Omaha.
Nebraska has some unusual sights waiting for the traveler. Chimney Rock is the western part of the state is a three hundred and twenty five foot tall pillar made of sandstone. Scotts Bluff is another rock formation about eight hundred and thirty feet.
Take a look at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium (2150 West Hwy 31 – NE 68028) which is also a terrarium and a great classroom for the entire family. The Aquarium has a collection of interesting amphibians and reptiles along with eleven tanks full of fish. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the collection of largemouth bass, albino catfish, tiger muskie and crappie while the reptile admirers may enjoy the bullfrogs, crawdads and salamanders to their fill.
The El Museo Latino (4701 S 25th street – NE 68107) is a Museum dedicated to Hispanic Heritage and showcases the artistic work of local as well as international artists. Some of the festivals of importance are Cinco De Mayo and National Hispanic Heritage Month when specials are planned to educate the visitors and locals about the amazing Hispanic culture that has contributed tremendously to the world at large.
One place that is a must-see for the entire family is the Girls and Boys Town (13628 Flanagan Blvd – NE 68010) which was started in 1917 as a refuge for homeless boys. Father Edward Flanagan created this orphanage and a movie was made of the same in 1938. There are guided tours and there is a gift shop in the premises.
Harrah’s Council Bluffs (1 Harrah’s Blvd – IA 51501) is actually in Iowa, but it is very close to the Nebraska border. This twelve story hotel and casino is by the Missouri River. The hotel has a 25,000 square feet river boat casino which three floors of gambling machines such as slot machines, black jack, roulette and crap in this riverboat casino.
Do not miss the Strategic Air & Space Museum (28210 W Park Hwy- NE 68058) where two hangers store equipment and machines that were used to protect the USA at times of war. Decommissioned planes are on exhibit and visitors can learn from various exhibits in an interactive gallery. The world famous Apollo 9 Command Space Module is also on display in the hangers! The entire family will have an amazing, inspiring time viewing, touching and learning about these fantastic flying machines that have helped the USA become the leader of the free world.
