Last Updated: July 27, 2022
What Is Nebraska Known For?
Nebraska sits slap bang in the middle of the United States with South Dakota to the north, Wyoming to the west, Kansas to the south, and Iowa to the west.
Nebraska is probably best known for being an agricultural state, particularly in the farming of cattle, wheat and corn which gave rise to its nicknames as the
But, there is a lot more to Nebraska than simply agriculture as the state features the stunning prairie land of the Great Plains as well as dramatic rock formations, towering sand dunes, and lots more.
It is a wonderful state to explore and a great place to live or go on vacation to. Join me as we take a deep dive and answer the question: What is Nebraska known for? So you can discover all the things waiting for you to discover in this awesome state!
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Chimney Rock
One of the most famous landmarks in Nebraska is, without doubt, Nebraska’s Chimney Rock, an old rock formation along the Mormon, California, and Oregon Trail.
Chimney Rock is a natural geological rock formation that was formed between 23 and 34 million years ago and is quite a sight to see. Sitting in western Nebraska, the formation of Chimney Rock stands an amazing 325 feet high, looks like a chimney, and it can be seen from miles away.
It is thought that the rock formation was formed by millions of years of water and wind erosion which shaped it into the marvel that you can see today.
The area was made a National Historic Site in 1956 and is a very popular place that locals and tourists like to visit. You can enjoy hiking around the area, spending time in nature, and of course, see the amazing rock formation too!
Warren Buffett
You can’t talk about Nebraska and not mention the legend that is Warren Buffett. Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1930, he is one of the most successful businessmen in the world, ever, and has been involved in countless successful business ventures throughout his lifetime.
More than just a businessman, Warren Buffett is also a philanthropist and one hell of an investor and has been so since he was a teenager. By the age of 16, he had made over $50k through investments and he worked incredibly hard, earning more than most adults before he was 18 years old.
Often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha”, Warren is a huge source of inspiration and pride for the people of Nebraska. Today, he is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway which is a multinational conglomerate that owns and runs numerous different businesses including GEICO, BNSF Railway, and Fruit of the Loom.
The Largest Stamp Ball In The World
If you are into stamps or art, then something you have to see that Nebraska is well known for is the largest stamp ball in the world.
You will find this amazing creation in Boys TRown and on display at the Leon Myers Stamp Center, this ball of stamps is made up of some 4.6 million stamps and weighs a staggering 600lbs.
The ball is made from canceled stamps from all over the globe and was slowly put together by the Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club over two years. They first started putting it together in 1953 and by 1955 they had created the huge stamp ball you can see today.
They built the stamp ball around a core of a pencil stub or a golf ball and visitors travel hundreds of miles to come and see it. When visiting you can even touch the stamp ball but you are not allowed to remove or add any stamps for obvious reasons.
Nebraska State Fair
Image courtesy of Grand Island Tourism
One thing Nebraska is known for is the epic Nebraska State Fair which is held annually and if you are planning on visiting Nebraska, I highly recommend timing your visit with it.
The fair is held every year in Grand Island, Nebraska and is one of the biggest state fairs in the United States. It attracts some 300,000 people every year and takes up a huge 200 acres of land to celebrate everything that Nebraska is famous for.
At the fair you will find live music, agricultural exhibits, and midway, local food, 4-H shows, and lots more. It is without question one of the best ways to learn about Nebraska and live amongst its amazing heritage.
A trip to Nebraska wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Nebraska State Fair. Between meeting the locals and experiencing everything Nebraska has to offer with them, it is hard to beat!
College Baseball World Series
Another thing Nebraska is known for is hosting the College Baseball World Series every year in Omaha, Nebraska.
The College World Series is a major sporting event that brings people from all over the United States to Nebraska to watch the best college baseball teams on the planet compete against each other.
If you are a baseball fan then this is something you will not want to miss out on and you should time your visit to Omaha, Nebraska with the series so you get the most out of Nebraska during your trip.
The College Baseball World Series has been held in Nebraska since 1950 and is one of the city’s and state’s most well-known sporting events. Thousands of people travel to see the series every year and the city of Omaha is about as fun as it gets during this period too.
Pioneer Village
One thing that Nebraska is known for that any history buff or traveling family should take the time to see is the Pioneer Village.
The Pioneer Village is an old museum in Minden, Nebraska that was created by Harold Warp. It is a museum dedicated to the history of Nebraska with countless exhibits that are open to the public all year.
It was founded in 1953 by Harold Warp and is one of the most popular spots in Minden with both locals and tourists. You will find more than 50,000 artifacts in the Pioneer Village Museum and they are quite a sight to see.
You can wander around the 20-acre site taking everything in while looking at classic cars, black smith shops, and lots more. It is the perfect place for a family day out or to get a deep taste of American history.
Kool-Aid
Image courtesy of Manda Vixen
Something you probably didn’t know about Nebraska is that Kool-Aid, one of the most popular drinks in the United States, was invented there.
Kool-Aid was first invented by Edwin Perkins in Hastings, Nebraska. He came up with a way of dehydrating fruit juice which was then cold in concentrated form.
It was designed to help ensure kids stayed hydrated through the hot summers, hence the name. It is made up of a flavored packet with sugar which is then added to water and you can find it today all over the United States in lots of different flavors.
You can even visit the Kool-Aid Museum in Hastings which runs through the history of this iconic Nebraskan drink through a variety of different exhibits.
Whether you visit the museum or not, while in Nebraska you should have a glass of Kool-Aid.
Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is simply a place that everyone in the world should experience in their lifetime as it is probably the best zoo on the planet.
Located in the heart of Omaha, the Henry Doorly Zoo has been named the best zoo in the world many times and it is home to more than 17000 animals and species from around the world.
What makes this zoo so special is that it is home to the Lied Jungle, the largest indoor tropical rainforest in the United States which takes up some 1.5 acres and is home to more than 2000 plant species and 125 animal species. You can see everything inside from snakes to gorillas, tigers, and lots more.
It doesn’t stop there though, as it is also home to the biggest indoor desert in the world and the biggest world glazed geodesic dome too. This is a place you simply have to see, especially if you have kids.
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
Sitting in Kearney, Nebraska is a sight that Nebraska is well known for, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument.
Sitting close to the banks of the Platte, this monument was opened in 2000 and is all about commemorating the history of the Platte River Valley and Nebraska and how it contributed to the development of the United States.
The Platte is one of the longest rivers in the United States and the monument is home to loads of exhibits that explains how the Great Platte River Road was so key in US history.
The monument is open all year round and once you are done learning about the history of the river you should go and enjoy it afterward. It is home to great fishing, stunning views, lovely hikes, and great birdlife too!
Indian Cave State Park
Image courtesy of Overduebook
If you like spending time in outdoors and would like a taste of history to go with it then a visit to the Indian Cave State Park in eastern Nebraska near the town of Shubert is a must.
The state park is a protected expanse of woodlands that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and is right on the border with the state of Missouri. It is the perfect place to spend a few nights camping, hiking, fishing, horse riding, and lots more.
The park is famous for its Indian Cave which is a large limestone cave that is home to petroglyphs and other great geological features.
Gerald Ford
One of the most famous people in the United States to be born in Nebraska was President Gerald Ford. He was the 38th president of the United States and served as the vice president of the United States from 1973 to 1974 and then as the president from 1974 to 1977.
Gerald Ford was known for providing Richard Nixon with a presidential pardon after the Watergate Scandal and as being the only president to be both impeached and not reelected in the history of the United States.
Despite the controversy surrounding some of the acts of Gerald Ford, he was generally recognized as a good and effective leader. Ford even has his own presidential library in Nebraska which is worth visiting if you want to know about his presidency.
Sunken Gardens
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Located in the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is what is thought of as one of the best gardens in the United States and even in the whole of North America.
The Sunken Gardens of Lincoln were first developed in 1930 when land used as an area refuse dump site was donated to the city but some of the wealthier families who lived nearby.
The garden features a huge variety of flowers and other plants as well as sculptures, lawn space & lily ponds. It is quite a delight to walk around and it even changes every year.
Each year, different designers create a “new garden” for everyone to enjoy and so it is ever-changing for the locals of the capital.
Strategic Air Command Museum
The Strategic Air Command Museum is located in Ashland, Nebraska and it is well worth a visit if you want to learn about the United States Air Force and its history.
You will find more than 30 different aircraft to walk around as well as be able to see bombs, missiles, and lots more that were all a part of the United States Cold War defense strategy.
There is also a large library with photos, documents, and film footage that take you back to what it was like during the cold war and how the air force responded to it.
It is a great place to spend the day with kids, and if you are into air crafts and US history, it is a must-visit.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
