Nebraska

Basic Information

Nebraska, located in the Great Plains region of the United States, is known for its agricultural heritage, rolling prairies, and the unique Sandhills region.

Capital

• Lincoln

Largest City

• Omaha

Area

• 77,358 sq mi

Population

• 1.96 million (2020)

Demographics

Nebraska's population is concentrated in its eastern cities, with much lower density across its rural western regions.

Ethnic Composition

• White:78.2%
• Hispanic:11.4%
• African American:5.2%
• Asian:2.7%
• Native American:1.5%

Languages

• English:93.3%
• Spanish:4.8%
• Other Languages:1.9%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:24.8%
• 18-64:58.9%
• 65+:16.3%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.6%
• Natural Increase:8,000
• Migration:3,500

Economy

Nebraska has a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, but with growing strength in insurance, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.

GDP

• $129 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Agriculture (corn, soybeans, beef)
• Insurance and Financial Services
• Transportation and Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare

Employment Rate

• Employed:97.1%
• Unemployment:2.9%

Major Companies

• Berkshire Hathaway
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Mutual of Omaha
• ConAgra Foods
• Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops

Climate

Nebraska has a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and significant temperature variations between seasons and regions.

Eastern Nebraska

• Avg. Summer:85°F
• Avg. Winter:25°F
• Rainfall:30-35 inches/year
• Humid continental climate

Western Nebraska

• Avg. Summer:87°F
• Avg. Winter:20°F
• Rainfall:15-20 inches/year
• Semi-arid climate

Weather Patterns

• Thunderstorms (spring and summer)
• Tornadoes (Nebraska averages 45 per year)
• Blizzards (winter)
• Drought cycles

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring:April-May (planting season)
• Summer:June-August (hot, thunderstorms)
• Fall:September-October (harvest season)
• Winter:November-March (cold, snowfall)

Visiting Nebraska

Nebraska offers visitors unique natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and historical sites across its expansive territory.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring:May-June (wildflowers, wildlife)
• Summer:June-August (outdoor activities)
• Fall:September-October (harvest festivals)
• College Football Season:September-November

Transportation

• Major Airports:Omaha Eppley Airfield, Lincoln Airport
• Train:Amtrak California Zephyr route (southern Nebraska)
• Highway System:Interstate 80 crosses entire state east to west
• Scenic Byways:9 designated routes

Accommodation

• Hotels:600+
• Bed & Breakfasts:50+
• Camping Sites:200+
• Average Hotel Rate:$110/night

Tourist Information

• Visitor Centers:14 statewide
• Tourism Website:Visit Nebraska
• Info Hotline:1-888-NEBRASKA
• Nebraska Tourism Commission

Popular Attractions

Nebraska offers a surprising variety of attractions from natural wonders to historical landmarks and cultural sites.

Natural Landmarks

• Chimney Rock National Historic Site
• Nebraska Sandhills
• Scotts Bluff National Monument
• Niobrara National Scenic River
• Toadstool Geologic Park

Historical Sites

• Homestead National Historical Park
• Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer
• Fort Robinson State Park
• Carhenge
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum

Urban Attractions

• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha)
• Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln)
• Old Market District (Omaha)
• Haymarket District (Lincoln)
• Memorial Stadium (Lincoln)

Festivals & Events

• Nebraska State Fair
• College World Series (Omaha)
• Sandhill Crane Migration (Central Nebraska)
• Husker Harvest Days
• Nebraskaland Days (North Platte)

History

Nebraska's history spans from Native American cultures through westward expansion, homesteading, and its development as an agricultural and transportation hub.

Early History

• Native Peoples:Pawnee, Omaha, Ponca, Otoe, and other tribes
• Lewis and Clark Expedition:1804
• Fur Trading Era:1810s-1830s

19th Century

• Oregon Trail & Mormon Trail:1840s-1860s
• Kansas-Nebraska Act:1854
• Homestead Act:1862
• Statehood:1867
• Transcontinental Railroad Completion:1869

20th Century

• Agricultural Advancements:1900s
• Dust Bowl & Great Depression:1930s
• Rural Electrification:1940s
• Interstate Highway System:1950s-1960s
• Agricultural Technology Revolution:1970s-1990s

Recent History

• Technology and Innovation Growth
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Urban Development in Eastern Cities
• Renewable Energy Development

State Symbols

Nebraska has designated various official state symbols representing its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

• State Mammal:

  White-tailed Deer
• State Bird:

  Western Meadowlark
• State Fish:

  Channel Catfish
• State Insect:

  Honeybee

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Goldenrod
• State Tree:

  Cottonwood
• State Grass:

  Little Bluestem
• State Plant:

  Common Milkweed

Cultural Symbols

• State Flag:

  State seal on blue background
• State Song:

  "Beautiful Nebraska"
• State Folk Dance:

  Square Dance
• State Motto:

  "Equality Before the Law"

Other Symbols

• State Soft Drink:

  Kool-Aid
• State Fossil:

  Mammoth
• State Rock:

  Prairie Agate
• State Soil:

  Holdrege Soil

State Facts

Nebraska holds numerous distinctive facts and records that highlight its unique character and contributions.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Panorama Point (5,429 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Missouri River (840 ft)
• Largest Man-made Lake:

  Lake McConaughy
• Sandhills:

  Largest area of sand dunes in Western Hemisphere
• Ogallala Aquifer:

  World's largest underground water system

Records & Rankings

• 16th Largest State by Area
• 37th in Population
• Largest Cattle Producing State (per capita)
• Top Corn Producing State
• Only State with a Unicameral Legislature

Notable Firsts

• Arbor Day (founded in Nebraska City, 1872)
• Largest Indoor Rain Forest (Henry Doorly Zoo)
• First Reuben Sandwich (Blackstone Hotel, Omaha)
• Kool-Aid (invented in Hastings, 1927)
• First 911 System (Lincoln, 1968)

Unique Features

• Unicameral Legislature (only one in US)
• Carhenge:

  Replica of Stonehenge made with cars
• Center of the US Population (1930s)
• Bailey Yard:

  World's Largest Railroad Yard (North Platte)
• Chicken Dance Capital of the World (Maywood)

Government & Politics

Nebraska has a unique governmental structure as the only state with a unicameral (one-house) legislature.

Governor

• Jim Pillen (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Unicameral Legislature:49 state senators (nonpartisan elections)

Political Trends

• Republican-leaning in recent decades with Democratic strength in urban areas

Key Political Issues

• Agricultural Policy
• Water Resources
• Property Tax Reform
• Rural Development
• Educational Funding

Time Zones

Nebraska is divided between two time zones, with most of the state in the Central Time Zone.

Central Time

• Majority of Nebraska (Central Time, UTC -6)

Mountain Time

• Western portion of Nebraska (Mountain Time, UTC -7)

Daylight Saving

• Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC -5)
• Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC -6)

County Divisions

• Mountain Time Counties:Cherry (western portion), Dawson, Frontier, Gosper, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Sioux, Thomas, Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan

Education

Nebraska maintains a strong commitment to education with both public and private institutions serving its population.

Major Public Systems

• University of Nebraska System (Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, Medical Center)
• Nebraska State College System (Peru, Wayne, Chadron)
• Nebraska Community College System (6 colleges)

Notable Private Institutions

• Creighton University (Omaha)
• Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln)
• Doane University (Crete)
• Concordia University (Seward)

K-12 System

• 244 public school districts
• Class sizes from small rural to large urban
• Strong agricultural education programs

Key Educational Initiatives

• Career Academy Programs
• Educational Service Units
• Distance Learning for Rural Schools
• Early Childhood Education Expansion

Culture & Festivals

Nebraska's cultural identity combines agricultural heritage, pioneer history, and diverse traditions from immigrant communities.

Major Festivals

• Nebraska State Fair (Grand Island)
• Nebraskaland Days (North Platte)
• Wilber Czech Festival
• AppleJack Festival (Nebraska City)
• River City Rodeo & Stock Show (Omaha)

Cultural Events

• Sandhill Crane Migration Festivals
• Omaha's Summer Arts Festival
• Lincoln's Haymarket Farmers Market
• Wayne Chicken Show
• Shakespeare on the Green (Omaha)

Regional Traditions

• Husker Football Game Days
• County Fairs throughout summer
• Harvest Festivals
• Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Lights
• Small Town Fourth of July Celebrations

Sports & Teams

Nebraska has a passionate sports culture centered around collegiate athletics, particularly Husker football.

Collegiate Athletics

• University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten Conference)
• Creighton Bluejays (Big East Conference)
• Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (Summit League)
• Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves (American Rivers Conference)

Minor League Teams

• Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A Baseball)
• Lincoln Saltdogs (Independent Baseball)
• Omaha Lancers (USHL Hockey)
• Union Omaha (USL League One Soccer)

Amateur Sports

• High School State Championships
• Nebraska School Activities Association Events
• Amateur Baseball Associations
• Nebraska Golf Association

Sporting Events

• College World Series (Omaha)
• Cornhusker State Games
• Nebraska State High School Championships
• Omaha Marathon
• Lincoln Marathon

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Nebraska's food culture is influenced by its agricultural heritage, immigrant traditions, and beef production legacy.

Signature Dishes

• Runza Sandwich (meat-filled bread pocket)
• Omaha Steaks
• Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing
• Reuben Sandwich (created in Omaha)
• Kolaches (Czech pastries)

Beverage Heritage

• Kool-Aid (invented in Hastings)
• Craft Beer (50+ breweries)
• Meadery (honey wine production)
• Local Wines from Nebraska Vineyards
• Grain-based Spirits

Agricultural Products

• Corn and Corn Products
• Beef (Omaha was once "beef processing capital")
• Soybeans and Soy Products
• Popcorn (major producer)
• Wheat and Grain Products

Food Festivals

• Taste of Omaha
• Capital City Ribfest (Lincoln)
• Nebraska Soybean Feed
• Czech Festival Foods (Wilber)
• Applejack Festival (Nebraska City)

Infrastructure

Nebraska's central location makes it a crucial transportation hub with extensive road, rail, and shipping networks.

Highway System

• Interstate 80:Coast-to-coast connection
• State Highways:10,000+ miles
• County Roads:60,000+ miles
• Nebraska Department of Transportation

Public Transportation

• Urban transit in Omaha and Lincoln
• Rural transit services
• Amtrak California Zephyr route
• Intercity bus services

Major Transportation Hubs

• Omaha Eppley Airfield
• Lincoln Airport
• Bailey Yard (world's largest railroad yard)
• Union Pacific Railroad Headquarters (Omaha)

Energy & Water

• Nebraska Public Power District
• Omaha Public Power District
• Wind and renewable energy development
• Ogallala Aquifer management
• Dam and irrigation systems

Notable Historical Figures

Nebraska has produced influential individuals who have made significant contributions in politics, arts, business, and athletics.

Political Leaders

• William Jennings Bryan (Secretary of State, presidential candidate)
• George Norris (Senator, champion of TVA and Rural Electrification)
• J. Sterling Morton (Arbor Day founder)
• Chuck Hagel (Secretary of Defense, Senator)

Cultural Figures

• Willa Cather (author)
• Malcolm X (civil rights leader, born in Omaha)
• Johnny Carson (TV host)
• Marlon Brando (actor)
• Henry Fonda (actor)

Business Leaders

• Warren Buffett (investor, Berkshire Hathaway)
• Clayton Yeutter (Secretary of Agriculture)
• Joyce C. Hall (Hallmark founder)
• C.W. McConaughy (irrigation pioneer)

Sports Figures

• Bob Gibson (Baseball Hall of Fame)
• Gale Sayers (NFL Hall of Fame)
• Tom Osborne (College Football Hall of Fame coach)
• Alex Gordon (MLB player)
• Jordan Larson (Olympic volleyball)

State Government Services

Nebraska's state government offers various programs and services to residents through its departments and agencies.

Health & Human Services

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• Medicaid Services
• Public Health Division
• Children and Family Services

Economic Development

• Nebraska Department of Economic Development
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture
• Nebraska Department of Labor
• Tourism Commission

Natural Resources

• Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
• Natural Resources Districts (23 districts)
• Environmental Quality Council

Public Safety

• Nebraska State Patrol
• Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
• Department of Correctional Services
• State Fire Marshal

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Nebraska's history is preserved through significant documents and historic landmarks throughout the state.

State Constitution

• Original 1866 Constitution
• Current 1875 Constitution with amendments

Historical Landmarks

• Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln)
• Chimney Rock National Historic Site
• Boys Town (Omaha)
• Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
• Willa Cather Historic Site (Red Cloud)

Archival Repositories

• Nebraska State Historical Society
• Nebraska State Archives
• University of Nebraska Special Collections
• Durham Museum Archives (Omaha)

Historic Routes

• Oregon Trail
• Mormon Trail
• Pony Express Route
• California Trail
• Lincoln Highway (first transcontinental highway)

Environmental Initiatives

Nebraska works to balance agricultural productivity with conservation through various environmental programs.

Conservation Programs

• Natural Resources Districts system
• Conservation Reserve Program
• Nebraska Environmental Trust
• Soil and Water Conservation Initiatives

Water Management

• Republican River Compact
• Platte River Recovery Implementation Program
• Groundwater Management
• Drought Mitigation Center (UNL)
• Irrigation Management

Wildlife Protection

• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Programs
• Wetland Preservation Projects
• Sandhill Crane Habitat Protection
• Threatened and Endangered Species Programs

Renewable Energy

• Wind Energy Development
• Ethanol Production
• Solar Energy Projects
• Nebraska Energy Office Programs

Major Events & Conferences

Nebraska hosts numerous conferences, trade shows, and events focused on agriculture, business, and culture.

Agricultural Events

• Husker Harvest Days (Grand Island)
• Nebraska Cattlemen's Convention
• Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
• Nebraska Farmers Union Convention
• Farm Progress COMBINE (formerly Farm & Ranch Expo)

Business Conferences

• Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Annual Meeting
• Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting
• Nebraska Economic Development Summit
• Silicon Prairie News Events
• Nebraska Banking Association Conference

Cultural Events

• Omaha Film Festival
• Nebraska Book Festival
• Great Plains Theatre Conference
• Nebraska Writers Conference
• Nebraska Art Teachers Association Conference

Sports Events

• College World Series
• U.S. Olympic Swim Trials (Omaha)
• Nebraska High School State Championships
• NSAA State Tournaments
• NAIA Championships