4 Unexpected Treasures in Nebraska
With so much to see and do across the state, Nebraska is pretty good at defying expectations. From the beginnings of famous foods to unanticipated natural wonders, here are 4 things you may not have known were in Nebraska.
Culinary Origin Stories
How many foods do you think were born in Nebraska? The answer is: More than you think. Two of them have their beginnings in the same place, at the Blackstone Hotel (now the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel) in Omaha in the 1920s. The Reuben Sandwich was the creation of Bernard Schimmel, a local grocer whose late-night creation became a staple of menus all over the country. Also, Butter Brickle ice cream with its toffee, vanilla and salted caramel, comes from the same location. Check it out at Omaha’s Coneflower Creamery.
Kool-Aid has its beginnings in Nebraska as well. Edwin Perkins from Hendley put the famous drink on the map in 1927 and established its headquarters in Hastings. Today, Hastings holds the annual Kool-Aid Days festival in August, and the Hastings Museum has a permanent exhibit on the history of the drink while the iconic Kool-Aid Man welcomes guests outside the building.
Did you know that the famous Badlands landscape extends into Nebraska? When you drop into Toadstool Geologic Park near Crawford, you will feel like you’ve landed on the moon. Fascinating geologic structures, fossil deposits and a fascinating natural history are all part of the experience, hiking and primitive camping are fantastic ways to take it all in. This far northwest corner of the state is home to so many other historical stops and natural wonders, including Chadron and Fort Robinson State Parks and the Nebraska National Forest.
Water Adventures
Sure, Nebraska is landlocked, but you might not know just how much a water adventure here can float your boat. Its natural and man-made lakes offer prime fishing opportunities, and you won’t want to miss Lake McConaughy near Ogallala, with its 30,000 surface acres of water and endless possibilities for beach bums and fun on the waves. The state has more than 80,000 miles of river, from shallow, gently meandering streams to faster-flowing adventures.
Nebraska boasts more than just natural waterway recreation. Two of its cities, Norfolk and Kearney, have water trails ripe for kayaking that include drop points, whitewater and unique ways to experience the beautiful communities via a float trip.
Darks Skies and Quiet Parks
If you are looking to unplug for a while and connect to the serenity of nature, two recent designations in Nebraska’s Sandhills tell the story of just how much Nebraska offers. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine was certified as the state’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2022, meaning it passes rigorous standards of having pristine night skies and lacks light pollution. Visitors can experience it by joining the annual Nebraska Star Party each summer, an event that has been the state’s top astronomy event for more than three decades.
Travelers don’t have to go far to experience another wonder: The Niobrara National Scenic River, which earned the designation of International Quiet Trail in 2023. This 76-mile stretch of winding waterway is seeped in natural silence and is free of industrial noise pollution. Float the river via tube, canoe or kayak or simply immerse yourself in the gorgeous landscape and the sound of…nothing. Just how unique is this natural treasure? At the time, the river was the first to receive the designation from Quiet Parks International in North America and just the second in the world.
Header Image: Toadstool Geologic Park, @jeffcolhoun