The Cornhusker State

Nebraska claims the state's possibilities are endless – take a road trip along Interstate 80 from Ogallala, to Lincoln and Omaha to discover for yourself. From the Panhandle and Prairie & Lakes regions, past the Frontier Trails and Pioneer County to the big cities, Nebraska captivates travelers. Stop on Ogallala’s Front Street for a glimpse of Nebraska’s once Cowboy Capital. At the north end of the Texas trail, it was the party town at the end of a long cattle drive. The region was home of Buffalo Bill Cody and his Rodeos and Wild West shows - today's fairs and festivals continue as reminders of days past.

Kearney along Interstate 80 in central Nebraska is the cultural and commercial hub for the Frontier Trails region. Nicknamed the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World, Kearney sees 80% of the world’s Sandhill Cranes from late February to April. The birds converge on the Platte River where crane viewing is exceptional. Kearney’s Viaero Event Center is home to US Hockey’s Tri-City Storm. Load up the kids and take in a game during the October to April season. Check the schedule at the VEC when you’re traveling to Kearney for a concert or special performance – Kenny Rodgers performs on October 6th, one of many performers on the calendar.

As Mayor Stan Clouse says – “Stop, Stay and Play in Kearney”. Golfers choose from six golf courses, including Buffalo Ridge, Prairie Hill and Meadowlark Hills and these courses are open year round. Take advantage of summer weather to visit Fort Kearny State Historical Park or take a Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Fort Kearney Museum. As you travel along Interstate 80, don’t miss a stop at the Great Platte River Road Archway – can’t miss it stretching over the Interstate south of town.

South of Omaha, the community of Bellevue is considered the birthplace of Nebraska. Today it is home to Offutt Air force Base and the Fightn’ Fifty-Fifth Wing. The Heartland of America Band, US Strategic Command and Air Force Weather Agency are also located at Offutt AFB. Convenient to Omaha, travelers looking for Omaha hotels, find Bellevue a nice option for lodging outside the city. The Fontenelle Forest sits to the east of Bellevue offering wonderful trails, marshlands and wetlands for outdoor enthusiasts. Bellevue is also the designated host of Nebraska’s official Veterans Parade - stake out your spot in Olde Town Bellevue to honor Nebraska's veterans.

Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and is full of great places and people. Decide yourself if Gorat’s on Center Street or Piccolo Pete’s on 20th Street serves the best Omaha steaks. Henry Doorly Zoo and the Omaha Children’s Museum make wonderful family destinations any time of year. The zoo is home to the Scott Aquarium, Lozier IMAX Theater and one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests. The Super Gravitron at the Children’s Museum with its pneumatics and mechanics is popular with the kids. The Imagination Playground is ideal for younger children and don’t miss a family visit to Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age, a special exhibit at the museum through 2011.

Yep – Nebraska’s possibilities are seemingly endless.