Nebraska isn’t a state that a lot of people give much thought. Most people think of Nebraska as flat, boring, and “podunk”. Well, as someone who lived in Nebraska for about 6 years, I can tell you that, yes, there is a LOT of flat emptiness in Nebraska, and yes, you will find plenty of “podunk” there, but Nebraska has plenty to offer if you know where to look!

Omaha is where I lived, and it is not at all what people think of when they think of Nebraska. Omaha is not at all flat — it’s really quite hilly because it is on the Missouri River. Omaha is home to one of the best zoos I’ve ever visited — Henry Doorly Zoo. It also has a terrific art museum, Joslyn Art Museum. Omaha is also home to Creighton University, a highly rated school. In addition, students can attend University of Nebraska at Omaha if they don’t want to attend University of Nebraska in Lincoln, a few short hours away from Omaha (GO HUSKERS!!!!!!!). In addition, right on the edge of Omaha is Offut Air Force Base  and Strategic Air Command (SAC). I remember visiting there and seeing the Thunderbirds perform. It was one of the most memorable events of my life! Sadly, you can’t watch horse races at Ak-Sar-Ben anymore though. Any guesses as to how Ak-Sar-ben got its name?????

Here are some fun facts about Nebraska:

• President Gerald R. Ford was born in Omaha.
• Nebraska’s state beverage is milk.
• Nebraska’s state soft drink is Kool-Aid, which as developed by Edward Perkins in Hastings, NE, in 1927.
• The College World Series is played in Omaha.
• Kearney, Nebraska, is located exactly between Boston and San Francisco.

Hopefully you see that Nebraska is so much more than flat land! If you get the chance, spend a few days there, especially in Omaha, and you’ll develop and appreciation for this state which really is at the heart of this nation!