Nebraska: Cornfields and Carhenge

Front Street Crystal Palace Saloon

Now I had no expectation for Nebraska because I wasn't really sure what was in the state. It's in the middle of the U.S. so my guess what some sort of farmland, which we did go past many cornfields. We reached Kearney, NE and stopped at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, the area around it had paths that we walked along. It was a nice place to stretch our legs. After that we headed to one of my favorite places, Culver's. Don't ask me why I'm obsessed with Culver's but it's a must-do stop on every roadtrip, when possible. They don't have Culver's in California, so the closest one is in Arizona, which is probably a good thing because I would go there all the time if it was near me. We got to our destination for the night which was a tiny cabin near a little lake in Ogallala, NE. We were looking for something for dinner and we found the Front Street Crystal Palace Saloon, which was built like an old western saloon and it had a free cowboy museum inside. The people in Nebraska were some of the nicest people I've ever met in the U.S. We were met with kindness in every town, which was just a delight.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

According to ancestry research, a lot of my mom's family settled in Nebraska and so she wanted to stop at a couple cemeteries and pay respects to her great grandparents and other relatives. A lot of the cemeteries were small and just off the side of the road, which is different from what I'm used to. So that was interesting. One of the towns we were looking at in this ancestry quest was Bayard. While there we ended up stumbling on Chimney Rock National Historic Site, which was pretty cool.

Carhenge

To contrast that sentimental part, we also went to Carhenge, which is basically Stonehenge but made with cars. In 1987, Jim Reinders created Carhenge as a memorial to his father using 38 cars, trucks, and vans arranged to mimic the arrangement and proportions of the original Stonehenge. The cars are painted gray to resemble the stones of Stonehenge. The project took about six years to complete. Over the years, additional sculptures and installations have been added to the site, including a car-covered Cadillac Ranch-style sculpture known as "The Fourd Seasons." It's definitely a must-see if you happen to be in the area.

---

If you want to visit Nebraska, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha): This zoo consistently ranks as one of the best in the world, with its remarkable exhibits like the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, and the largest indoor rainforest in North America.

2. Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Bayard): A striking geological formation that served as a landmark for pioneers heading westward along the Oregon Trail in the 19th century. It's an iconic symbol of the American West.

3. Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln): Known for its unique architectural design, this building features a 400-foot tower with a statue of "The Sower" on top. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Nebraska's history and government.

4. Scotts Bluff National Monument (Gering): Another landmark along the Oregon Trail, Scotts Bluff rises dramatically from the plains and offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and exhibits about the area's history.

5. Omaha's Old Market District: A historic neighborhood in downtown Omaha, the Old Market features cobblestone streets lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars housed in renovated warehouses.

6. Carhenge (Alliance): A quirky roadside attraction reminiscent of England's Stonehenge, but made entirely of vintage cars. It's an offbeat and amusing stop for photography and exploration.

7. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (Ashland): This museum showcases a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts related to aviation history and the Strategic Air Command. Visitors can explore aircraft both indoors and outdoors.

8. Pioneer Village (Minden): Step back in time at this expansive museum complex dedicated to preserving pioneer life on the Great Plains. It features numerous historic buildings, artifacts, and exhibits.

9. Sandhills: Explore the unique landscape of the Sandhills region, characterized by rolling grass-covered sand dunes. It's a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.

10. Nebraska National Forest (Halsey): The largest hand-planted forest in the United States, offering opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is also popular for water activities.

If you want more suggestions on what to do in Nebraska, I suggest you check out their tourism website.