I had the pleasure of travelling through Nebraska on my way back from South Dakota and surprisingly, it was kind of a treat! Yes, it was corn fields, but also…those corn fields were kind of magical. I’m no stranger to rural farm land, but the vast expanses of greenery among rolling hills dotted with houses was quite charming. Eventually, when I make it take the time to explore the state a little more, here are some things that will be on my list.
History
While we often think of Nebraska as “boring” I was quite surprised to see some less-than-such historical artifacts throughout the state. Did you know that Nebraska has a verified underground railroad stop? I didn’t! The location is called Mayhew Cabin and its near where Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri meet. It’s currently closed due to some damage, but multiple agencies are looking into repairs. You can donate on their website, which is also a treasure trove of information!
You know what else I didn’t know was in Nebraska? The US Indian School Museum. It’s located in Genoa, Nebraska which was once the site of one of the boarding schools, itself, aimed at assimilation of Native American youth. Reading the website, I’m on the fence about how the museum portrays the history of these schools, but the best way to find out is by visiting.
What I did expect from Nebraska, which totally fuels my inner child, is the Oregon Trail. The state features such famous spots as Chimney Rock and Scott’s Bluff. If you don’t know what those two places are, you clearly did not read enough historical fiction as a child! Of course, there’s also Courthouse and Jail Rocks. I’m not quite sure why I find pioneer life so intriguing, but I truly do.
Nature
History and nature really seem to go hand-in-hand, here. For example, at Fort Robinson State Park you can go on a stagecoach ride! Super cool and most certainly added to my bucket list. Or, the Arbor Day Farm, because if you didn’t know, Nebraska is the birth place of Arbor Day! There’s so much to explore at the farm and while I think the treehouses are just for kids, I can’t say I’m not tempted anyway.
The Steamboat Trace Trail also blends history and nature together. It features various carved artworks into the sandstone surrounding the trail. It’s quite unique and the artwork is actually exceptional. Apparently, it started all because a man stumbled upon an unfinished carving of a woman and decided to finish it. Cool, right?
If you’ve learned anything about me through this journey, I hope its that I have an affinity for water and waterfalls. That means tanking is the perfect way to spend an afternoon! What’s tanking, you ask? I didn’t know either until I started researching Nebraska and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it. Tanking, simply put, is using a horse tank as a floatation device to float down the river in. Yup. Hop in a horse tank and float down the river! I’m from Colorado and I do not think our rivers are conducive to this, but Nebraska? Heck yeah!
Everything Else
Nebraska sure seems like a hodge-podge of a state. With their really cool history, their gorgeous corn fields, and silly roadside attractions, I wasn’t sure the best way to organize these last few things. First up, I think if nothing else, its mandatory to stop at Hay Bale Rest Stop. Its an open-air toilet sitting next to a recliner, atop some large hay bales, located in the middle of the field. I think I’m probably absolutely too shy to use the toilet here (is it functional? I don’t really know!) but a picture is a must. Editor’s Note: I’m unsure if this place still exists…I’m seeing conflicting information online.
You know what else is cool? Valentine, Nebraska – that’s what! They have their own little Valentine’s Day postmark that’s super adorable. They even process Valentine’s Day cards if you send it to them. I’d be very surprised to find myself there in February, but still worth it to stop in the rest of the year and get a fun postmark.
Per my contract, its mandatory that I also mention some haunts. There wasn’t a lot that stood out to me in the state, but there was one that piqued my interest: seven sisters road. The legend seems pretty unlikely, if you want my opinion, but the claims are pretty out there. Apparently, its said that a disgruntled boy lured his seven sisters each to a different hill and hung them. The claims, however, include women’s screams, bells ringing, electrical malfunctions (like windows rolling up and down on their own accord), and engine’s speeding or slowing. I can only imagine how scary that could be! I’d say even scarier if LuLu’s windows rolled down – they’re hand-crank!
Of course there’s lot of other things to do and plenty of cool small towns with quaint and quirky atmospheres. There’s ghost towns and haunts, Reuban sandwiches to be had, and corn. Lots, and lots of corn! What do you think about Nebraska? Worth visiting?
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