Top Spots in Nebraska

Ahhh.... Nebraska, The Good Life. What do you think of when you think of Nebraska? Chances are you are thinking of two words: flat and cold. And though I won't completely disagree with you I'll give you ten reasons I can think of more than two words to describe our state.

Some of you should have known that was coming. We in Husker Nation bleed red for our beloved Huskers. Win or lose we are behind our coach and team. In 2009 we celebrated our 304th consecutive sell out as Memorial Stadium busted at the seams with 85,888 fans in attendance. If you can get tickets it's a great time, and if you can't you can join in on the tailgating experience. GO BIG RED!

The Henry Doorly Zoo, located in Omaha, is a must see when you visit southeastern Nebraska.  The very well laid out zoo offers many exhibits and lots to do for people of all ages.  Wear comfortable shoes because it's a long trek from the IMAX theatre up to the elephants!  Of course if you do tire of walking you can always take the Skyfari or the train.

My favorite exhibits are the penguins, the polar bears and the aquarium.  You may prefer the Desert Dome, the Lied Jungle or the Cat Complex.  There definitely is something for everyone and if you can get through it all I guarantee it'll be a day you'll remember.  For more on the zoo visit http://www.omahazoo.com/.

Carhenge was crafted after England's Stonehenge and is located on the High Plains outside the city of Alliance. Jim Reinders conceived the idea in 1987 as a memorial to his father. Carhenge consists of 38 automobiles fixed in a circle measuring a diameter of 95 feet. Some stand upright, trunk end down, and arches were formed by welding automobiles atop the supported models. It really is a great place to stop if you're travelling through the Sandhills in northwestern Nebraska. It may be the only sight to really take in until you reach Crazy Horse. www.carhenge.com

The scenery has changed immensely from two hundred years ago when the Missouri River made up its own mind where it wanted to go. During their Rocky Mountain Expedition, Lewis and Clark recollected this area far differently than you will observe it today. Of course, this was before the loggers and controlled fires turned a dense forest setting into farmland. Indian Cave State Park is located near the small town of Nemaha. It offers twenty miles of foot trails where you can walk along the river near the bluffs that hold stories told in drawings on the cliff walls and in caves. Some of these caves are accessible by wooden steps leading twenty feet up to give you a close look at history. I was down right miffed at the graffiti that accompanied these cave drawings. At times it was hard to decipher where our ancester's stories left off and some hooligan's began. Read more about it at: http://www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov/nebland/articles/parks/indiancave.asp

In 2009 the Strategic Air and Space Museum celebrated their 50th anniversary. Located off the Ashland exit of Interstate I-80 the SAC Museum has a lot to offer in the history of aviation. Their exhibits are top notch and they pay perfect attention to every detail. One activity I appreciate in particular is the "Top Gun Weekend" for kids 8-13 that involves basic aerial history, but the kicker is they get to experience the simulation of the T-29! How cool is that? For more information visit: www.sacmuseum.org

What weighs 1,500 tons, crosses 308 feet of a heavily traveled interstate with concrete abutment walls that are 60 feet long, 25 feet tall, 2 feet thick and resembles a Nebraska sunset?  It's none other than The Platte River Road Archway near Kearney.  The Archway pays tribute to the many pioneers who crossed the prairie in their venture West.  It's an interactive experience with computer graphics, light and sound, life-size diaramas and re-enactors.  If you happen to find yourself traveling I-80, don't just pass under the bridge, walk on over, get a bite to eat and experience for yourself what life was like pre-1869.  www.archway.org

Few experiences can stir our senses like witnessing the gathering of half a million cranes along the Platte River under a blazon Nebraska sunset.  After the cranes winter in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico they begin arriving along the Platte in February and then a mass exodus occurs around April 10th.  In the 29 days they spend along the river a single crane will deposit up to a pound of fat, which provides the energy it will need to complete the migration to Minnesota, parts of Canada and even crossing the Bering Strait to nest in eastern Siberia.  It's typical for cranes to travel 200-300 miles a day, even up to 500 miles on a good day. The "dance" of the Sandhill Crane is a sight to behold in itself.  Pairs, who mate for life, engage in elaborate bowing displays with outstretched wings and then leap high into the air.  These birds are known to live more than 25 years in the wild.  You can read more at:  http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/wildlife/guides/migration/sandhill.asp

Sapp Brothers Truck Stop near Omaha is home of the world's largest coffee pot.  It was originally the water tower for the town of Waverly before being moved to its current location in 1971.  A few years later and handles and a spout were added to the notable landmark.

Each September Nebraska City hosts the Applejack Festival to celebrate the apple harvest. People have flocked to this small Nebraska town for forty-two straight years to take part in the week long festivities. The local orchards take this opportunity to showcase their pies, ciders, wines and apples, of course.

To keep visitors entertained a few of the activities include: an AppleJam Carnival, clowns, parade and marching band competition, Miss Applejack Pageant, classic car show, fun run/walk, craft shows, historical reenactors, art, wine tasting, barbeques, street dance, cider pressing, a strong man contest and more. There is literally something for everyone. http://www.nebraskacity.com/nctc/apple_jack_festival.aspx

The Old Market is a historic district brimming full of arts and entertainment.  It offers a full array of activities including shopping in quaint boutiques, dining at a variety of eateries, nightlife, art galleries and more.  You can experience the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Performing Arts Center, visit the newest exhibits at the Joslin Art Museum, or take a leisurely horse driven coach ride down the brick streets.

My favorite amenities of the Old Market include the art galleries that showcase stained glass art, the colorful kite shop and the French Cafe where it doesn't matter if you speak a lick of French, though I suppose it may help.  For more check out: http://www.oldmarket.com

So I've told you about a few of my favorite places in Nebraska.  Come see for yourself why it really is The Good Life.