Destination attractions things to do in nebraska

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

If youre thinking of getting away for awhile, or are preparing to plan your yearly vacation, you might wish to consider paying a visit to the state of Nebraska. There are a fair number of interesting sites to see, some of which are quite unusual. Here are a few suggestions for attractions and activities that will make your vacation memorable.

Should you find yourself traveling along Highway 87 in the plains of Nebraska C just north of Alliance C youll see a rather amazing sight: Carhenge. Rising out of the plains like a Phoenix from the ashes, this most unusual artistic presentation is sister to Stonehenge, in merry old England. While the design is the same, the materials are far different. As opposed to Stonehenge, Nebraskas version has been constructed of vintage American cars which have been painted stone grey to resemble their English counterparts. Theres no telling whether or not the components of Carhenge have exactly the same mathematical alignment as those of Stonehenge, but the design is certainly the same and the effect is incredible.

Americana enthusiasts will want to take the time to visit Pioneer Village in Minden, Nebraska. This grand site prides itself in its claim of having the largest private collection of Americana items in existence. Its 20 acres of land are the foundation for 28 buildings which, cumulatively, contain over 50,000 historic items. Among the many items that youll see in the Pioneer Village complex are Jackson paintings, Rogers statues, an Iron Horse, a toy store, a steam carousel, a Pony Express Station and a genuine sod house. There are also a dozen historic buildings encircling the village green. Theres a great deal to see and lots of walking to be done at Pioneer Village, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plan to spend the better part of the day.

Ashland, Nebraska is home to the Strategic Air and Space Museum C formerly known as the Strategic Aerospace Museum. From its inception in 1959, the museum has been dedicated to teaching the public about science, math, aviation, engineering and space travel and is the principal facility of its kind. Among the many educational collections, youll find C-47A Skytrain, A-26B Invader, B-36J Peacemaker, F-84F Thunderstreak, H-19B Whirlwind, U-2C Dragon Lady and XF-85 Goblin. A number of exhibitions are available, as well, such as Tuskegee Airmen: African Americans in World War II and Target America. Special events are scheduled to take place on a regular basis, as well. If youre interested in obtaining a souvenir, the museum sports its own gift store which offers a variety of merchandise that includes clothing, artwork, space food and more.

The next time youre hungry for a cheeseburger, head for Sioux Sundries in Harrison, Nebraska. According to local residents, this establishment serves the largest burger in America C which goes by the moniker of The Coffee Burger. Delores Wasserburger, the owner of Sioux Sundries, orders in excess of 300 pounds of hamburger each week so that she can serve her famous 28 ounce burger to customers who stop by for a visit. This burger dwarfs the bun to such a degree that its actually comical in appearance. While youre there, you can pick up a few necessities, since the burgers are served at a food counter within what looks very much like an old five and dime store. The folks are friendly, the prices are great and the burgers are mammoth C a definite must see when you visit Nebraska.

The Oregon Trail Wagon Train C in Bayard, Nebraska C offers a variety of covered wagon tours. For those who are interested in a short ride, theres a three-hour tour of Chimney Rock. Folks who are looking for a more well-rounded experience might prefer a tour of the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon. Visitors who opt for the Oregon Trail package are able to choose either the 24-hour wagon tour or C for those who are more daring C the four day trek. Each of these offers a taste of what life was like in the prairie in the 1850s and offers all meals, a trail bag, sleeping accommodations (covered wagon, sleeping bag, tent or under the night sky), towels, soap and toilet accommodations. Also included are arts & crafts and rifle demonstrations, among other events and activities. Chuck wagon suppers are made by campfire in the evening and the Pony Express Mail Service is offered for those who wish to receive mail during their journey. RV and camping facilities are on the premises, and canoes may be rented for water excursions on the North Platte River.

Combination attractions are quite appealing, and the Fremont Dinner Train of Fremont, Nebraska blends sightseeing with elegant dining in a most enjoyable way. A variety of trains are available to take guests on a three-hour journey, offering a number of themed dinners. Choose from themes such as Murder Mysteries, Melodrama, Halloween Run, Christmas Run and more. While aboard, youll enjoy a gourmet meal thats appropriate to the season. One example of a summer menu might include entrees such as Prime Rib or Blackened Tuna Steak, while a winter menu might offer Roast Goose and Poached Salmon. One thing to keep in mind is the dress code: Friday and Saturday excursions are formal and require jackets and ties for the gentlemen and dresses for the ladies. Other tours are casual or semi-formal.

Hunters will enjoy visiting KSK Elk & Buffalo Hunting Acres in Niobrara, Nebraska. Big game hunting is available for those who are taking a fall or winter vacation and are interested in a variety of game, including Elk, Dall Sheep, Buffalo and Fallow Buck Deer. Plenty of game is guaranteed on these two day hunts, and food and lodging are included. These are walking hunts only, as vehicles are not allowed on the property other than to remove the kill. Hunters may choose from among three types of weapons: archery equipment, high powered rifles (24 caliber minimum) and black powder rifles (50 caliber minimum). Hunters are given the opportunity to have the game prepared and stored after the completion of the hunt, and elk meat is available for sale when stock is available.

Wayne, Nebraska is host to an annual event that you must see to believe: The Wayne Chicken Show, held on the second Saturday in July each year, like clockwork. In addition to numerous chicken-related activities, a wide variety of contests are also available for those who are adventurous enough to enter them. Among them you may find the Most Beautiful Beak Contest, Best Chicken Legs on a Human Contest, National Cluck-Off, Chicken Flying Contest, Chicken Hat Contest and many, many more. A parade is built into the events of the day and chicken shirts are available for sale. There are a number of lodging facilities that are located nearby for those who wish to remain in the area for the pre-chicken day events, as well as the day of the show. Each year, the theme changes (the 2004 theme was Lewis & Cluck) and the activities, events and contests are extensions of the years theme.

Depending upon where your interests lie, you may find quite a number of interesting sights to see in Nebraska. In addition to those listed, there are a number of museums and parks that are riddled throughout the state. For further information, contact the Department of Tourism or your local travel agent.