Located
in the Great Plains, near the exact geographic center of the United
States, Nebraska remains notable for its iconic connection to American westward expansion.
A natural gateway to the west, Nebraska attracted settlement as an important part of the Oregon Trail and was finally put on the map after Union Pacific began its transcontinental railroad at Omaha in 1865.
Other notable travel stops include the Joslyn
Art Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, and the State Capitol in Lincoln. Only a short drive from Lincoln also lies Pioneer Village, in Minden, Nebraska -- a very popular family-friendly attraction featuring antique toys, classic cars, and reenactments of 19th century life.
Major tourist attractions throughout Nebraska include Chimney Rock National Historic Site (left), Scotts Bluff
National Monument (middle) and summer fun at Lake McConaughy, popularly known as "Lake Mac" (right).
During peak tourist season, the western part of the state is also a prime vacation destination at Lake McConaughy (the state's largest) near Ogallala featuring sand beaches and near-endless opportunities for outdoor recreation including boating, camping, and bird watching.
DID YOU KNOW? Nebraska Travel Fun Facts
Rollin' in Lincoln, at the National
Rollerskating Museum
• New York? Beverly Hills? Nope. In Omaha Borsheims is the largest jewelry store in the nation.
• Brother Sebastian's Steakhouse and Winery in Omaha is designed to look like a monastery, with waiters dressed like monks, a salad bar in the library and steaks served in the chapel.
• Chevyland USA near Elm Creek, Nebraska is the only museum in the US dedicated to a single brand of cars.
• The world's largest collection of historical roller skates and memorabilia can be found at the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln.
More about Nebraska travel & tourism around the Web:
Visit Nebraska - A complete guide to the state including travel planner, searchable database of hotels, B&B's & guest ranches, plus guides to outdoor adventure, scenic byways, event calendar, online kid's games, Nebraska history, maps & pictures.
Welcome to Western Nebraska! - The region encompassing 20 Nebraska counties including
Cheyenne, Dawes, Lincoln, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, and more - with detailed histories, major attractions, online tours of scenic byways, guides to hotels, bed & breakfasts and campgrounds, maps, photo galleries.