From vast prairies to spacious farmlands and a unique music identity, Nebraska is not short of social and physical activities. Ranked 16th largest state in the United States, Nebraska has a slightly less than 2 million population, significantly less than other smaller states.
Given its manageable population, Nebraska has a notably low crime rate and a commendable sense of community. It is generally safe for anyone who would love to tour the region. But why would you visit this state? Here are some Nebraska Facts to help you research and decide.
1. Nebraska Hosts The College Baseball World Series
If you are into sports, you might be interested in Nebraska’s College Baseball World Series. Officially NCAA Men’s College World Series (MCWS), the state holds the event annually from May through June in Omaha. The event is so massive that it is internationally recognized and features 64 baseball teams.
MCWS has been around since 1947, except in 2020, when it was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world. However, Nebraska started hosting the event in 1950. The Charles Schwab Field (formerly TD Ameritrade Park) in Omaha, Nebraska, has hosted most tournament editions.
Other than baseball, Nebraska is famous for other sports, such as American football, and continues to receive countrywide recognition.
2. Warren Buffet Comes From Nebraska
Many prominent people figures have come from Nebraska; listing them here may not be ideal because of time and space. However, Warren Buffet, considering his business success, is worth mentioning. Warren, a business magnate, philanthropist, and investor, made his fortune by relying on time-tested investment thumb rules.
With an approximate net worth of over $120 billion, Warren Buffet’s influence and fame is unquestionable. However, what many may not know is that he comes from Nebraska. For a man with his fortune, many expect that he would be living somewhere considered fancy and out-of-reach by modern standards.
On the contrary, the business mogul still lives in his home in Omaha, Nebraska, which he bought in 1958. Other than that, he was born and raised in the state. He attended Rose Hill Elementary School and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1947.
3. Nebraska is Perfect for Tourism
From visiting Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to sightseeing at Carhenge and exploring the Durham Museum, there is no limit to the things you can do in Nebraska as a tourist. People flock to the region every year to visit the world’s largest indoor rainforest.
You can also choose from the many beautiful Nebraska cities, each with its own attractions. They include Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, Columbus, Grands Island, and Nebraska City. Tourists can visit the historical Old Lincoln Highway in Omaha or the Robber’s Cave in Lincon.
Nebraska also has approximately 79,056 miles of river with amazing scenic views. Hence, tourists fascinated by water bodies also have something to look forward to.
4. The Movie “Nebraska” Was Filmed in Nebraska
Over time, Nebraska has provided suitable locations for film and TV show productions. One of them bears the state’s name “Nebraska.” Featuring stars such as Bruce Dern as Woody Grant and Will Forte as David Grant, the movie was released on January 24, 2014. It is about a father and son on a road trip, starting in Billings, Montana and ending in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Shot in black and white, the Nebraska film is full of humor and son-father conflicts that captivate the audience. The movie’s main action scene was the O Street Bridge in Lincoln, Nebraska. It sold an estimated gross of over $27,000,000 worldwide.
5. There Is a Lighthouse in Nebraska
Usually, a lighthouse serves as a guide to guide or warn ships at sea or ocean. In that case, you would not expect to find one in a landlocked state such as Nebraska, yet there are at least two. For lighthouse fans, you can find one on the road in Ashland while in the state.
The tower is believed to have been built more than 70 years ago and serves a 40-acre lake nearby. It is about 55ft (17m) tall. The other one is the relatively taller Linoma Lighthouse, which stands at 100 ft. (30m).
6. Arbor Day Started in Nebraska
Arbor is a Latin word that translates to “tree,” so Arbor Day means “tree day.” On this day, people celebrate the value of trees and spread awareness about the need to plant more to help conserve the environment. People celebrate Arbor Day on the last Friday of April every year.
While Arbor Day is significant today, especially with climatic changes and all, it is important to note that it started in Nebraska in the early 1870s. Julius Sterling Morton, a journalist, moved to Nebraska with his wife, Caroline, in 1854. At the time, the region had not gained its statehood.
When Nebraska finally became a state in 1867, the couple bought about 160 acres of land and planted trees. Using his editorial skills and influence, Julius Sterling emphasized the benefits of planting trees in Nebraska. Thanks to him, the inaugural Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872.
The culture of planting trees spread across almost every state but Delaware. However, it was not until 1907 that President Theodore Roosevelt finally officially recognized Arbor Day. President Richard Nixon made it a national holiday in 1970.
7. It is Among the Least Populated States
Even though Nebraska is relatively big (the 16th biggest state in the USA), its population is not as high. The state’s population is just above 1.9 million, making it the 12th least populous and 7th least densely populated region.
This is understandable because the state is famous for agriculture and other rural activities. Many people prefer urban migration and style, so only those with a thing for farming are likely to inhabit the Nebraska region.
