road trip classics | A natural playground | Cities | hootenannies
Nebraska
T o the uninitiated, Nebraska is a state you pass through on the way to someplace else. Travelers willing to let experience shape their opinions, though, will find the Cornhusker State defies expectations—and is a road trip-worthy destination unto itself.
Nine scenic byways pave the way toward natural wonders like Chimney Rock and outdoor activities like "tanking” (more on that later), while the lunar landscapes of Toadstool Geologic Park resemble the Badlands of South Dakota.
Time your visit right and you can even attend summer staples like Kool-Aid Days, the Testicle Festival (you read that correctly), or one of the many other local events showcasing the quirky charm of the state. Nebraska is also home to one of the best zoos in America, plus the College World Series.
Turns out, Nebraska offers plenty of reasons to leave the car and explore beyond gas station pit stops and bathroom breaks. Read on for more Nebraska road trip inspiration.
Take a detour back in time
Hop off I-80 at the town of Ogallala and head northwest toward Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (nicknamed “Big Mac”) and Clear Creek Waterfowl Management Area (popular among migratory birds) en route to the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway. Known as US Highway 26 to the layman, this route follows the path of the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails the early pioneers took in search of a better life.
Museums throughout the state welcome visitors to delve deeper into Nebraska’s history and culture. The Pioneer Trails Museum in Bridgeport and the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering offer insight into Nebraska’s pioneer heritage, the latter of which features exhibits like “Grassland Empire” (ranching and livestock), “Beyond the Dust Bowl” (dryland farming) and “Eye of the Artist” (High Plains Art Gallery).
The ultimate off-the-beaten-path road trip
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Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area photo credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commision
Toadstool Geologic Park photo credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commision
Road trip classics
A natural playground
Nebraska's biggest cities
A hootenanny for every occasion
Courthouse and Jailhouse Rocks are located on the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway
Legacy of the Plains Museum
Hudson-Meng archeological dig
Plan your trip
Fishing at Conestoga State Recreation Area credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha
Bighorn Sheep Hike at Fort Robinson State Park (left); Runza's signature and namesake dish (right)
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Gene Leahy Mall
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Kool-Aid Days Grand Parade
Carhenge
Niobrara River | credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks
Lincoln skyline
Charles Schwab Field | photo credit: Neal Alfano
“As Nebraskan as
Cornhusker football”
Imagine the vast landscapes and endless horizons that would have greeted these courageous pioneers as you pull into the drive-thru of the beloved fast-food chain Runza. This regional institution, regarded by certain locals as being “as Nebraskan as Cornhusker football,” is a must-try for road trippers seeking an authentic taste of the state's culinary heritage.
Both the name of the restaurant chain and its signature dish, the classic “Runza” is a mixture of meat, sauerkraut, cabbage, onions and seasoning concealed in a sleeve of dough. Not unlike a Hot Pocket, but with a unique Nebraskan twist, the local delicacy with German-Russian roots can be found in over 80 locations across the state, including Ogallala.
"Towering to the heavens"
Rising over 4,000 feet above sea level, Chimney Rock is a vertical rock formation that served as a beacon for settlers on their westward journey. An estimated 500,000 travelers covered the Westward Migration Routes in the 19th century. For many, seeing the sandstone spire appear on the horizon was a symbol of hope as they continued on their journey.
As one pioneer said of the landmark that would one day feature on Nebraska's state quarter, Chimney Rock appears to be “towering to the heavens”—an image that still captivates today.
A 1.5-mile out-and-back trail from the Visitors Center leads hikers to the base of the rocky tower. The Chimney Rock Museum provides additional information about the area's history, with interactive displays showcasing the lives of those who traversed this challenging terrain, as well as a miniature Chimney Rock ring-toss game.
Hop into action at Toadstool Geologic Park
Drive along the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway (US Highway 20) in Nebraska’s northern panhandle and you'll find Toadstool Geologic Park. Named for the mushroom-shaped “hoodoos” scattered throughout the area—tall, thin clay pedestals topped with slabs of sandstone—the rock formations date back over 20 million years and stem from the same geological processes that created the Badlands in South Dakota.
A 1-mile interpretive loop leaving from the picnic area leads visitors through a quick tour of the hoodoos. The Bison Trail breaks off the loop at the halfway point and continues 3 miles to Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center—an archaeological site where over 600 bison skeletons have been excavated.
A view 11 million years
in the making
As your motor-powered “covered wagon” rolls across the Nebraska landscape, you’ll encounter another towering rock formation that will have you questioning what you thought you knew about Nebraska.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, like its counterpart Chimney Rock, was another reliable landmark on the Westward Migration Trails. Standing 4,600 feet as a sentinel over the prairie, these natural rock sculptures served as a navigational point for pioneers and offered a vantage point from which to admire the vastness of the surroundings.
These dramatic landscapes—a collection of two separate bluffs and five major outcroppings—owe their features to 11 million years of erosion and sedimentation. The layers of sandstone, volcanic ash and limestone create a stunning display of colors and textures that feels almost otherworldly. While it’s hard to imagine today, the high plain once stood at the same elevation as the summit. Over time, the forces of wind and water shaped it into the iconic bluffs currently standing.
There are two ways to reach the summit of Scotts Bluff. The first is by car, driving 1.7 miles up Summit Road (the oldest concrete road in Nebraska) and passing through the only three vehicular tunnels in the state. For a more adventurous experience, hike the Saddle Rock Trail—a 3-mile out-and-back journey that offers unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and a closer look at the rock formations carved by nature. On a clear day, hikers can see Laramie Peak in Wyoming (10,272 feet) from over 100 miles away.
Dabble with some dairy
Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus, the UNL Dairy Store sells handmade ice creams and cheeses produced by university food science students. This campus institution opened in 1917, serving all-you-can-drink milk for a nickel to those who brought their own cup. Today, visitors can enjoy a wide selection of ice cream flavors, including year-round classics like 4H Clover Mint, Butter Brickle and Carter’s Coffee Crunch.
Walk among the locals
In 2022, Omaha celebrated the grand re-opening of Gene Leahy Mall. Renovations included an additional 40,000 square-foot lawn space, a new concert pavilion and a sculpture garden in the heart of the city’s urban core, revitalizing the downtown area and providing a vibrant outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing soon followed, creating a gathering space between the historic Old Market and north downtown Omaha. Collectively known as The RiverFront, this $325 million redevelopment project has grown to include the outdoor Skate Ribbon rink for rollerskating and ice skating, a lakeside amphitheater, a STEM-inspired Luminarium and a sandy beach with firepits and volleyball courts.
Bond with Bob
A scenic pathway connects these three sites and leads to the 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which provides unobstructed views of the Missouri River and the city’s skyline while letting visitors walk across state lines to Iowa. Taking a selfie on the “Bob” while standing in two states at the same time is called “Bobbing,” and visitors are encouraged to post their photos online using the hashtag #ItHappensOnBob. (The Harlem Globetrotters and the Rockettes have both been documented “Bobbing.”)
The Omaha Visitors Center also awards 0.9-kilometer “marathon” stickers to those who take a photo of themselves while trekking the exceedingly surmountable length of the bridge. Designed to mimic the familiar “26.2” bumper stickers endurance runners proudly display on their cars, the 0.9k sticker reads, “You don’t have to be in shape. You just have to be a shape."
Have a ball at the Testicle Festival
The menu might say “Rocky Mountain Oysters,” but that doesn’t mean it's seafood. These delicious pearls of the prairie are actually fried bull testicles, and they take center stage each year at the Testicle Festival in Ashland. Held annually over Father’s Day Weekend for the past 30 years, the culinary gathering draws visitors from near and far to indulge in this one-of-a-kind delicacy.
Not merely a novelty food event, the Testicle Festival coincides with the time of year when young cattle are branded and castrated to make the animals easier to handle. Festivities include live music, dancing, adult tricycle races and a highly anticipated ball-eating contest. No word on whether the “oysters” in question actually taste like chicken.
Quench your thirst at
Kool-Aid Days
The birthplace of Warren Buffet, Malcolm X and the TV dinner, Nebraska is also home to another American icon: the sweet elixir known as Kool-Aid. An annual cause for celebration, this year’s Kool-Aid Days takes place Aug. 16-18 at the Hastings Fairgrounds, bringing together Kool-Aid enthusiasts to celebrate the beverage’s humble beginnings and subsequent rise to pop culture fame.
Saturday morning of the festival marks the start of the Kool-Aid Days Grand Parade, as marching bands from across Nebraska join the procession downtown to welcome the Kool-Aid Man’s arrival. A Kool-Aid drinking contest is scheduled for later in the day, when five preliminary winners in each age category race against each other to see who can drink a glass of Kool-Aid the fastest.
Chimney Rock
Strike gold on the way to Carhenge
Switch over to the 385-Gold Rush Scenic Byway along US Highway 385 and you’ll find a peculiar attraction by the name of Carhenge. A modern-day reimagining of the United Kingdom’s Stonehenge, Carhenge is a to-scale replica made entirely out of cars, arranged in the same formation as the ancient wonder of the world.
This sculpture, comprising 39 vintage American cars, is both a playful twist on the famous European historical site and a tribute to artist Jim Reinders’ father, who lived on the land in Alliance where Carhenge now stands. Constructed in 1987 during a family reunion, some cars are held upright in pits 5 feet deep with the trunk end down, while others are stacked and welded on top of each other. The monolithic dimensions of the cars, spray-painted a flat gray, are a striking contrast against the surrounding Nebraska landscape for those who drive by.
Carhenge
photo credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commision
The 430 miles of Interstate 80 that connect the Wyoming border to the Missouri River may appear as an unremarkable blur of off-ramps and cornfields, but don’t let that fool you. Beyond this utilitarian stretch of blacktop lies a wealth of hidden gems ready to be explored.
Nebraskans love to spend time outdoors, and for good reason. Epic trails, other-worldly rock formations and the largest sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere all exist within the borders of the state, with ample room for adventure and exploration.
Fill up your tank and float away
As impressive as the Nebraska Sandhills are—19,300 square miles of sand dunes stretching 265 miles across the state—the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere looks even better when you’re experiencing it from the comfort of a … livestock water tank?
Indeed, floating down one of Nebraska’s almost 80,000 miles of river is best done via an unconventional spin on rafting known locally as “tanking.” Sandhill River Trips and Crazy Rayz Tanking are two of the many top-tier outfitters in the area, providing custom-fitted tanks with seats and coolers for you to soak up the scenery.
Reach new heights
An even taller version of Honest Abe can be found on the west side of the Nebraska State Capitol building, this time as a nearly 9-foot bronze statue standing contemplatively with the Gettysburg address carved into a granite backdrop behind him.
The capitol building itself, constructed in four phases from 1922-1932 and often referred to as the “Tower on the Plains,” is notable for its Art Deco architecture and 14th-floor observation deck. It was the first state capitol to incorporate a functional tower in its design. Mosaics on the floors and ceilings of the building by renowned muralist Hildreth Meiere depict classically inspired iconography like “Mother Nature Enthroned,” with two female figures symbolizing agriculture and industry.
Nebraska State Capitol
A self-guided Historic Haymarket Walking Tour starts at Bill Harris Iron Horse Park & CB&Q Locomotive 710. Keep an eye out for the three-dimensional brick mural “Iron Horse Legacy,” which depicts an old locomotive pulling the first train into town on July 4, 1870.
Abraham Lincoln bobblehead at the Lincoln Visitors Center (left); Haymarket District (right)
Visit the best zoo in America
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the premier destinations for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, most recently sweeping all three categories in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It wasn’t the first time. The Omaha zoo has won Best Zoo two years running, Best Zoo Exhibit for five straight years and Best Safari Park for the past four years.
This isn’t a hidden gem, but a bona fide must-see attraction for anyone visiting Nebraska. In addition to a world-renowned conservation program, the zoo boasts exhibits like Kingdoms of the Night (the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit), the Desert Dome (the world’s largest indoor desert) and the Lied Jungle (the largest indoor rainforest in North America).
Take a bite of an American classic
The Reuben sandwich may be a staple in restaurants across the country today, but the classic diner menu item is said to have originated in Omaha.
According to legend, the classic combination of corned beef, cabbage or sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on rye bread was the brainchild of a local grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky, who reportedly invented the hand-held delicacy during a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel in the 1920s.
The greatest show on dirt
Each June, the best college baseball talent in the country converges in Omaha for the College World Series. The event is the culmination of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament, as eight teams battle it out in a double-elimination tournament for the chance to be crowned the national champion.
Unlike other championship events, which move the competition to different locations each year, Omaha has been the proud host of the College World Series since 1950, making the “Road to Omaha” a time-honored tradition that attracts baseball fans from across the country—regardless of whether their favorite team is playing.
The atmosphere during the College World Series is electric, with fans decked out in team colors, tailgating before games and filling the bars and restaurants in the downtown area. If you want to see Nebraska at its busiest and most vibrant, this is the time to visit.
Go birdwatching at The Crane Trust, a habitat conservation in Wood River credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks
Wildcat Hills
credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks
Chimney Rock | photo credit: Neal Alfano
A guide will transport you to a nearby river as you embark on a leisurely float downstream. From there, you can relax (for the most part; occasionally tanking feels more like whitewater rafting than a lazy river) as you glide along. The outfitter then picks you up at a designated endpoint and returns you to your starting point.
Say hi to Abe in Lincoln
Stop by the Lincoln Visitors Center in Nebraska’s state capital, and you’ll be greeted by an oversize Abraham Lincoln bobblehead. This 5-foot-tall rendition of him—sporting sunglasses and a top hat—captures both the playful spirit of the city as well as its proud connection to the historical figure.
Bobblehead Abe resides in the Historic Haymarket District, a revitalized warehouse area that is now filled with unique shops like Licorice International and KD Designs Jewelry; dining options like the Italian eatery Vincenzo’s and the James Beard Award-nominated bar The Other Room; plus public art installations including sculptures and murals.
UNL Dairy Store
Soak in some scents
The Sunken Gardens, situated in the heart of Lincoln, features a new floral scheme each year. The 2024 theme is “Golden Hours”—inspired by the early spring mornings and late summer nights when the sun casts a warm, golden glow on the more than 30,000 annuals on display. A Depression-era project built on an abandoned neighborhood dumpsite, the Sunken Gardens has been a prized attraction for locals and visitors alike for nearly a century. The 1.5-acre area is free to the public and features a healing garden, perennial garden, annual garden, water features and a series of bronze sculptures.
Sunken Gardens
Ask a local about the best place to find a Reuben today, and they'll likely have a strong opinion and a favorite spot to recommend. Like most innocuous food debates, allegiances depend on personal taste and nostalgia, but the Crescent Moon, located across the street from the old Blackstone Hotel, is frequently touted as the top spot.
Crescent Moon
in collaboration with:
Butterfly at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (left); Lied Jungle (right)
Rocky Mountain Oysters at the Testicle Festival
Camping at Ponca State Park
credit: Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks
Once upon a time, Omaha was called “the Gateway to the West.” Spend some time in the city, though, and you'll find that it’s evolved to become so much more. Paired with the state’s capital, Lincoln, these two thriving metro areas offer plenty of experiences for the curious traveler to enjoy.
Visitors with a flexible schedule would be wise to check Nebraska’s events calendar before locking in their travel plans. With a wide range of festivals and celebrations throughout the summer, there’s bound to be an occasion to build your itinerary around.
Charles Schwab Field in Omaha
road trip classics | A natural playground | Cities | hootenannies
road trip classics | A natural playground | Cities | hootenannies
road trip classics | A natural playground | Cities | hootenannies
Take a detour back in time
Hop off I-80 at the town of Ogallala and head northwest toward Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (nicknamed “Big Mac”) and Clear Creek Waterfowl Management Area (popular among migratory birds) en route to the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway. Known as US Highway 26 to the layman, this route follows the path of the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails the early pioneers took in search of a better life.
Museums throughout the state welcome visitors to delve deeper into Nebraska’s history and culture. The Pioneer Trails Museum in Bridgeport and the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering offer insight into Nebraska’s pioneer heritage, the latter of which features exhibits like “Grassland Empire” (ranching and livestock), “Beyond the Dust Bowl” (dryland farming) and “Eye of the Artist” (High Plains Art Gallery).
“As Nebraskan as
Cornhusker football”
Imagine the vast landscapes and endless horizons that would have greeted these courageous pioneers as you pull into the drive-thru of the beloved fast-food chain Runza. This regional institution, regarded by certain locals as being “as Nebraskan as Cornhusker football,” is a must-try for road trippers seeking an authentic taste of the state's culinary heritage.
Both the name of the restaurant chain and its signature dish, the classic “Runza” is a mixture of meat, sauerkraut, cabbage, onions and seasoning concealed in a sleeve of dough. Not unlike a Hot Pocket, but with a unique Nebraskan twist, the local delicacy with German-Russian roots can be found in over 80 locations across the state, including Ogallala.
"Towering to the heavens"
Rising over 4,000 feet above sea level, Chimney Rock is a vertical rock formation that served as a beacon for settlers on their westward journey. An estimated 500,000 travelers covered the Westward Migration Routes in the 19th century. For many, seeing the sandstone spire appear on the horizon was a symbol of hope as they continued on their journey.
As one pioneer said of the landmark that would one day feature on Nebraska's state quarter, Chimney Rock appears to be “towering to the heavens”—an image that still captivates today.
A 1.5-mile out-and-back trail from the Visitors Center leads hikers to the base of the rocky tower. The Chimney Rock Museum provides additional information about the area's history, with interactive displays showcasing the lives of those who traversed this challenging terrain, as well as a miniature Chimney Rock ring-toss game.
Strike gold on the way to Carhenge
Switch over to the 385-Gold Rush Scenic Byway along US Highway 385 and you’ll find a peculiar attraction by the name of Carhenge. A modern-day reimagining of the United Kingdom’s Stonehenge, Carhenge is a to-scale replica made entirely out of cars, arranged in the same formation as the ancient wonder of the world.
This sculpture, comprising 39 vintage American cars, is both a playful twist on the famous European historical site and a tribute to artist Jim Reinders’ father, who lived on the land in Alliance where Carhenge now stands. Constructed in 1987 during a family reunion, some cars are held upright in pits 5 feet deep with the trunk end down, while others are stacked and welded on top of each other. The monolithic dimensions of the cars, spray-painted a flat gray, are a striking contrast against the surrounding Nebraska landscape for those who drive by.
Hop into action at Toadstool Geologic Park
Drive along the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway (US Highway 20) in Nebraska’s northern panhandle and you'll find Toadstool Geologic Park. Named for the mushroom-shaped “hoodoos” scattered throughout the area—tall, thin clay pedestals topped with slabs of sandstone—the rock formations date back over 20 million years and stem from the same geological processes that created the Badlands in South Dakota.
A 1-mile interpretive loop leaving from the picnic area leads visitors through a quick tour of the hoodoos. The Bison Trail breaks off the loop at the halfway point and continues 3 miles to Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center—an archaeological site where over 600 bison skeletons have been excavated.
A view 11 million years
in the making
As your motor-powered “covered wagon” rolls across the Nebraska landscape, you’ll encounter another towering rock formation that will have you questioning what you thought you knew about Nebraska.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, like its counterpart Chimney Rock, was another reliable landmark on the Westward Migration Trails. Standing 4,600 feet as a sentinel over the prairie, these natural rock sculptures served as a navigational point for pioneers and offered a vantage point from which to admire the vastness of the surroundings.
Fill up your tank and float away
As impressive as the Nebraska Sandhills are—19,300 square miles of sand dunes stretching 265 miles across the state—the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere looks even better when you’re experiencing it from the comfort of a … livestock water tank?
Indeed, floating down one of Nebraska’s almost 80,000 miles of river is best done via an unconventional spin on rafting known locally as “tanking.” Sandhill River Trips and Crazy Rayz Tanking are two of the many top-tier outfitters in the area, providing custom-fitted tanks with seats and coolers for you to soak up the scenery.
Say hi to Abe in Lincoln
Stop by the Lincoln Visitors Center in Nebraska’s state capital, and you’ll be greeted by an oversize Abraham Lincoln bobblehead. This 5-foot-tall rendition of him—sporting sunglasses and a top hat—captures both the playful spirit of the city as well as its proud connection to the historical figure.
Bobblehead Abe resides in the Historic Haymarket District, a revitalized warehouse area that is now filled with unique shops like Licorice International and KD Designs Jewelry; dining options like the Italian eatery Vincenzo’s and the James Beard Award-nominated bar The Other Room; plus public art installations including sculptures and murals.
Reach new heights
An even taller version of Honest Abe can be found on the west side of the Nebraska State Capitol building, this time as a nearly 9-foot bronze statue standing contemplatively with the Gettysburg address carved into a granite backdrop behind him.
The capitol building itself, constructed in four phases from 1922-1932 and often referred to as the “Tower on the Plains,” is notable for its Art Deco architecture and 14th-floor observation deck. It was the first state capitol to incorporate a functional tower in its design. Mosaics on the floors and ceilings of the building by renowned muralist Hildreth Meiere depict classically inspired iconography like “Mother Nature Enthroned,” with two female figures symbolizing agriculture and industry.
Dabble with some dairy
Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus, the UNL Dairy Store sells handmade ice creams and cheeses produced by university food science students. This campus institution opened in 1917, serving all-you-can-drink milk for a nickel to those who brought their own cup. Today, visitors can enjoy a wide selection of ice cream flavors, including year-round classics like 4H Clover Mint, Butter Brickle and Carter’s Coffee Crunch.
Soak in some scents
The Sunken Gardens, situated in the heart of Lincoln, features a new floral scheme each year. The 2024 theme is “Golden Hours”—inspired by the early spring mornings and late summer nights when the sun casts a warm, golden glow on the more than 30,000 annuals on display. A Depression-era project built on an abandoned neighborhood dumpsite, the Sunken Gardens has been a prized attraction for locals and visitors alike for nearly a century. The 1.5-acre area is free to the public and features a healing garden, perennial garden, annual garden, water features and a series of bronze sculptures.
Walk among the locals
In 2022, Omaha celebrated the grand re-opening of Gene Leahy Mall. Renovations included an additional 40,000 square-foot lawn space, a new concert pavilion and a sculpture garden in the heart of the city’s urban core, revitalizing the downtown area and providing a vibrant outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing soon followed, creating a gathering space between the historic Old Market and north downtown Omaha. Collectively known as The RiverFront, this $325 million redevelopment project has grown to include the outdoor Skate Ribbon rink for rollerskating and ice skating, a lakeside amphitheater, a STEM-inspired Luminarium and a sandy beach with firepits and volleyball courts.
Bond with Bob
A scenic pathway connects these three sites and leads to the 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which provides unobstructed views of the Missouri River and the city’s skyline while letting visitors walk across state lines to Iowa. Taking a selfie on the “Bob” while standing in two states at the same time is called “Bobbing,” and visitors are encouraged to post their photos online using the hashtag #ItHappensOnBob. (The Harlem Globetrotters and the Rockettes have both been documented “Bobbing.”)
The Omaha Visitors Center also awards 0.9-kilometer “marathon” stickers to those who take a photo of themselves while trekking the exceedingly surmountable length of the bridge. Designed to mimic the familiar “26.2” bumper stickers endurance runners proudly display on their cars, the 0.9k sticker reads, “You don’t have to be in shape. You just have to be a shape."
Visit the best zoo in America
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the premier destinations for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, most recently sweeping all three categories in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It wasn’t the first time. The Omaha zoo has won Best Zoo two years running, Best Zoo Exhibit for five straight years and Best Safari Park for the past four years.
This isn’t a hidden gem, but a bona fide must-see attraction for anyone visiting Nebraska. In addition to a world-renowned conservation program, the zoo boasts exhibits like Kingdoms of the Night (the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit), the Desert Dome (the world’s largest indoor desert) and the Lied Jungle (the largest indoor rainforest in North America).
Take a bite of an American classic
The Reuben sandwich may be a staple in restaurants across the country today, but the classic diner menu item is said to have originated in Omaha.
According to legend, the classic combination of corned beef, cabbage or sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on rye bread was the brainchild of a local grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky, who reportedly invented the hand-held delicacy during a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel in the 1920s.
Have a ball at the Testicle Festival
The menu might say “Rocky Mountain Oysters,” but that doesn’t mean it's seafood. These delicious pearls of the prairie are actually fried bull testicles, and they take center stage each year at the Testicle Festival in Ashland. Held annually over Father’s Day Weekend for the past 30 years, the culinary gathering draws visitors from near and far to indulge in this one-of-a-kind delicacy.
Not merely a novelty food event, the Testicle Festival coincides with the time of year when young cattle are branded and castrated to make the animals easier to handle. Festivities include live music, dancing, adult tricycle races and a highly anticipated ball-eating contest. No word on whether the “oysters” in question actually taste like chicken.
Quench your thirst at
Kool-Aid Days
The birthplace of Warren Buffet, Malcolm X and the TV dinner, Nebraska is also home to another American icon: the sweet elixir known as Kool-Aid. An annual cause for celebration, this year’s Kool-Aid Days takes place Aug. 16-18 at the Hastings Fairgrounds, bringing together Kool-Aid enthusiasts to celebrate the beverage’s humble beginnings and subsequent rise to pop culture fame.
Saturday morning of the festival marks the start of the Kool-Aid Days Grand Parade, as marching bands from across Nebraska join the procession downtown to welcome the Kool-Aid Man’s arrival. A Kool-Aid drinking contest is scheduled for later in the day, when five preliminary winners in each age category race against each other to see who can drink a glass of Kool-Aid the fastest.
The greatest show on dirt
Each June, the best college baseball talent in the country converges in Omaha for the College World Series. The event is the culmination of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament, as eight teams battle it out in a double-elimination tournament for the chance to be crowned the national champion.
Unlike other championship events, which move the competition to different locations each year, Omaha has been the proud host of the College World Series since 1950, making the “Road to Omaha” a time-honored tradition that attracts baseball fans from across the country—regardless of whether their favorite team is playing.
The atmosphere during the College World Series is electric, with fans decked out in team colors, tailgating before games and filling the bars and restaurants in the downtown area. If you want to see Nebraska at its busiest and most vibrant, this is the time to visit.
