By David Harris
Though most tourists would not consider Nebraska the eminent state to visit in the United State, this Great Plains state has much to offer. Mostly for agriculture, Nebraska is a place steeped with pioneer history and an indelible love for American pastimes such as football and rodeo.
Fort Kearney
Used as an outpost in the second half of the 19th century, Fort Kearney is located near Kearney, Nebraska, along what was the Oregon Trail. In 1929, the state opened a historical park at the site. It is an active archeological site which has uncovered much of the original fort. The park is only open in the summer and on the weekend of July 4th features cannons are fired. There is also a short film available on-site about the fort's history.
Fort Kearney
2 miles south of Kearney on Highway 44 and 4 miles east on Link 50A
(308) 865-5305
www.stateparks.com/fort_kearney.html
Museum of Nebraska History
Also located in Kearney, the Museum of Nebraska History. It is affiliated with the University of Nebraska at Kearney and features from artists from or associated with Nebraska. Featured artists include Alice Eliza Cleaver, Frank Rinehart and Robert Henri. The museum also offers classes and special exhibits. It also has work from John James Audubon who studied Plains wildlife.
Nebraska History Museum
15th and P Streets
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
(402) 471-4754
www.nebraskahistory.org/sites/mnh/index.htm
Huskers Football
If you are in Nebraska in the fall and you are lucky enough to land a Huskers football ticket, you are in for a unique experience. Located at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, the Huskers ranks fourth in all-time victories. The team has been around since 1890 and is only 1 of 7 teams in NCAA Division 1-A to win 800 games or more. They also hold the record for most sold out games in a row.
University of Nebraska--Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588
(402) 472-7211
www.huskers.com/
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Located near Harrison, Nebraska, the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a grassy plains site where many Miocene period fossils were uncovered. These mammals date back to 20 million years ago such as an ancestor of a horse, a small rhino and a bear dog. There is a museum there as well that feature Native American artifacts.
www.nps.gov/agfo/
About the Author:
David Harris is a writer living in Portland, Ore. He currently is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Spectrum Culture. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.
