Visiting Nebraska's Past and Present

Nebraska State Capitol

Explore the prairie and pioneer history when you visit Nebraska. The state's historic sites preserve the settlers' stories and reach back even further into prehistoric times. Then appreciate the modern era with all the culture, entertainment, and sports you want in Nebraska's main cities, Omaha and Lincoln.

The state's prairie landscape is interrupted by bluffs, like the forested bluff at Pine Ridge and stony Scotts Bluff, which was a landmark for pioneers. Prairie grass is also interrupted by vineyards, including the James Arthur Vineyards near Lincoln.

Explore the Past
Begin tracing Nebraska's history in the prehistoric era at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Visitors can view fossils and active dig sites.

The Nebraska territory was part of both the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. Visitors to the state can stand where Lewis & Clark stood in the Schilling Wildlife Management Area in Plattsmouth, follow in pioneers' footsteps when they walk part of the Oregon Trail at Scotts Bluff National Monument, step into living history at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer's Railroad Town in Grand Island, and trace through the entire settlement journey at the Great Platte River Road Archway near Kearney.

Enjoy the Present
Don't stay stuck in the past; Nebraska's towns and attractions offer lots of present-day fun, too. There's a whimsical side to the state, which you can enjoy at Carhenge, which uses cars to recreate the ancient monument of Stonehenge, and the Hastings Museum, with an exhibit devoted to the history of Kool-Aid, invented in the town.

There's plenty of art and entertainment to enjoy, too. Omaha offers the Joslyn Museum of Art and the Orpheum Theater. Lincoln's Lied Center for Performing Arts and several theaters in the historic Haymarket District offer live performances. Both Omaha and Lincoln have special attractions for kids, with Omaha having a children's museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and Lincoln having both a children's museum and a children's zoo.

Sports fans enjoy plenty of college sports action in the state. The Corn Huskers at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln draw crowds to their games. Omaha has hosted baseball's College World Series since 1950.