My first visit to Nebraska was actually part of a cross-country drive. I was only 19 years old and was heading from California to my new Marine Corps station back on the East Coast. Of course, I don’t really count that as a visit, especially since I never even left the highway! My only interaction with the state was with a police officer who issued me a ticket, which didn’t exactly leave me with the best first impression.
More than a decade later, I returned and found my second experience in Nebraska to be much more enjoyable. Even on the flight there, several locals gave me advice on places to visit, and I was even invited to tailgate with someone during the opening college football game. I still have plenty left to see and do in Nebraska, but on this trip I was able to explore the state’s largest city, Omaha, as well as the capital, Lincoln. On a future trip I’d especially like to explore western Nebraska, where the landscape becomes much more rugged and there’s more opportunity to see wildlife. I’d also like to reach the state’s highest point, which sits at more than 5,000 feet above sea level.
Explore Omaha
Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and one of the major urban centers of the Great Plains. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century as an important transportation hub, particularly with the development of the transcontinental railroad. That railroad history remains part of Omaha today, with Union Pacific headquartered in the city.
Omaha has plenty to explore beyond its railroad history. The Old Market is one of the most interesting parts of downtown, with restaurants, shops, and historic buildings that make it a good area to explore on foot. Other places of interest include the city’s botanical gardens, the birthplace of Malcolm X, and the Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters.
Explore Lincoln
Lincoln is Nebraska’s capital and a college town famous for the University of Nebraska and its Cornhuskers football team. Many locals follow the team religiously, so one of the best times to experience Lincoln’s atmosphere is during football season in the fall. I happened to visit around the opening game of the season, which gave me a good introduction to just how seriously Nebraska takes its college football.
Aside from football, Lincoln is an enjoyable city to explore on foot, with plenty of restaurants and local breweries. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the Nebraska State Capitol, whose unusual tower makes it completely different from the traditional domed capitol buildings found in many other states. Another highlight is the Sunken Gardens, a beautifully landscaped public garden and one of the city’s more peaceful attractions.
Explore Wildlife Safari Park
The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park offers a completely different experience from visiting Nebraska’s cities. One of the highlights is its drive-through route, where you can take your own vehicle through large open areas containing North American wildlife such as elk, bison, and deer.
There are also hiking trails that allow you to get out of the car and explore on foot. Other areas are more similar to traditional wildlife exhibits and provide a chance to see animals such as bears and wolves from a safer distance. For anyone interested in the wildlife of the Great Plains, the park is an easy way to experience another side of Nebraska without traveling all the way across the state.
