Nebraska

"The Cornhusker State"

Nebraska is a land that still harbours the undiscovered. The vast state, which takes nearly eight hours to cross by car, includes a plethora of landscapes: yawning prairie, enormous sculpted rocks, wicked badlands, scenic rivers and of course, it has hundreds of miles of renowned, undulating grasslands. The sunsets are some of the best in the world; the sky seems never ending and the rich hues of pink, red and purple are breathtaking. The spirit of the American West lives here still: cowboys still work cattle, and ranches cover thousands of acres in the central part of the state; guest ranches give tourists the opportunity to experience it all at first hand. The people here are as memorable as the scenery - get off the beaten path and take in a warm piece of pie and some Midwestern hospitality at a small town cafe. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of Nebraska's wineries, or go to a local festival for a taste of ethnic flavours. But the best part of Nebraska? It's quiet. Turn off your mobile phone. Unplug the laptop. Put away the files. Relax, breathe in the fresh air and rejuvenate your soul. Nebraska will take you places you've never been before.

Hike the historic Scotts Bluff National Monument in the western part of the state or snap a selfie with exotic animals at the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha. In between, find white sandy beaches, rolling Sandhills and even waterfalls.

Nebraska welcomes 450,000 Sandhill cranes each spring and 340,000 baseball fans for the College World Series.

Land Area: 77,358 sq. mls

Population: 1,783,432

State Capital: Lincoln

Largest City: Omaha

Local Time: CST and MT, 6 hrs and 7 hrs behind GMT

Ntl Parks: Eighty six

Four season climate. Temperatures range from minus 20°F (-29°C) in the winter to more than 80°F (27°C) in the summer

Whether you’re looking for a big adventure or a little relaxation, you’re sure to find it at one of Nebraska’s 8 State Parks. 

From east to west (or west to east), journey to all of the state's parks and explore the diverse landscapes that are found across Nebraska.

Nebraska has wonders in every direction: vast prairies in the east, majestic cliffs and peaks in the west and sand dunes in between, making for a trip as scenic as it is fun. The state is also rich in history, with many opportunities to explore its heritage. After listening to the stories, create your own. Tour Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, venture along the Lewis and Clark Trail or explore a historic military fort. No matter where you go—or where you’re from—you’ll always be welcomed with a warm smile.

Nebraska is big, and so is its reputation. It’s the birthplace of rodeo, home to pioneer-era landmarks and crossed with historic byways that led homesteaders to the Old West. A visit here is a direct encounter with Western heritage. See one bold sunset set against the backdrop of the Sandhills, and you’ll understand what drove settlers across the grassland plains and over the bracing rivers to stake their claim to history. Farm tours, friendly ranches and farm-to-table dining, often under the stars, reveal the warmth of their descendants, who will feel more like neighbours than locals when you leave.

And when they offer you steak, don’t turn it down. It’s some of the world’s best, part of a long-standing culinary tradition of heartland comfort food often brought in straight from the farm. Becoming an explorer yourself is easy here, too, with an expansive, ruggedly beautiful landscape to walk, climb or bike.