Nebraska

Nebraska, nestled in the heart of the Great Plains, is a state rich with history and natural beauty. Known for its sweeping prairies and wide-open skies, it played a pivotal role in America’s westward expansion. Pioneers, traders, and hopeful settlers once traveled across the rugged landscape, leaving behind a trail of stories etched into the state’s soil. The Oregon, Mormon, and California trails all cut through Nebraska, turning it into a vital corridor of American movement and ambition.

Today, Nebraska preserves much of this history through several national sites that honor its frontier spirit and Indigenous heritage. These protected lands offer a quiet reverence for the people who lived, traveled, and struggled here. From ancient geological formations to historic landmarks, they provide a glimpse into the powerful forces—both natural and human—that shaped the region.

While often overlooked, Nebraska’s understated beauty reveals itself to those who take the time to explore. Beyond the cornfields lies a state with a deep cultural legacy and a proud sense of resilience. Whether you’re tracing history or simply watching the sun dip below the prairie, Nebraska offers a timeless American experience.

The 16

National Treasures in Nebraska

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Nebraska National Forest
Niobrara National Scenic River
Oglala National Grassland
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Scotts Bluff National Monument

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries From Nebraska

A scenic view of a calm river surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky. A bridge spans the river in the distance, while trees frame the foreground, offering a natural window to this Mulberry Bend landscape, creating an ideal spot for nature trail enthusiasts seeking serenity.
On my way to Vermilion, SD, to deal with Internet challenges, I had to cross the Missouri River. I thought the overlook was a quick place for a photo, but it had a nature trail too.
A black Jeep is parked next to a small, gray teardrop trailer on a dirt road by the Missouri river. Outdoor camping chairs are set up near the trailer under a clear blue sky.
Dropped into a boat ramp for the night so that I could spend at least one night next to the Missouri river, but had a bit of a hot day waiting for the cool evening.
A black jeep equipped with off-road gear is towing a sleek, modern teardrop trailer parked on a concrete pad in a grassy campsite, with other RVs and trees in the background, creating an auto draft scene of adventure and tranquility.
A very cool welcome, sign stand along the side of the road as you roll into Wausa, NE. Sadly, the T-Mobile connection sucked and the restaurant with barbecue closed early!
A black off-road vehicle is parked in a grassy area at Osmond Park, towing a small camper trailer. Nearby trees provide shade, and a few utility poles and a playground are visible in the background.
About 10 miles down Highway 20 from my last campsite, I rolled into Osmond for a couple of days of work while staying in a beautiful municipal park.
A compact teardrop trailer hitched to a black Jeep is parked on grass near red picnic tables and a tree in Chilvers Park, Plainview, Nebraska on a sunny day.
Stayed in a nice little city park in Plainview, NE, in order to see clowns and rhinos over the next couple of days. No really, the clowns were in town and the rhinos a few miles away.
Front view of the Plainview Klowndoll Museum, a white building with red accents, decorated with colorful clown illustrations and balloons. A sign offers free admission.
This is one of the funniest and craziest places I've visited, with a collection of over 8,000 clowns. It is definitely an unexpected treat in Nebraska.
Interior of St Joseph Catholic Church with rows of wooden pews, arched ceiling, stained glass windows, and an altar featuring religious statues at the front.
Platte Valley's St Joseph Catholic Church has a beautiful brick exterior and a simple interior with an arched roof.
A historical marker in Nebraska titled "Columbus Powerhouse" provides information about the local landmark. The marker is situated on a green lawn with trees and power lines in the background, creating an picturesque scene.
The Columbus Powerhouse is Nebraska's largest hydroelectric plant. Funded by a New Deal grant, it provided jobs during the Depression and supports local industrial development.
The two-story white building, labeled "Glur's Tavern," boasts a peaked gray roof and a front porch with a railing. A white pickup truck is parked alongside. On the left, a stop sign and power lines are visible, amid Nebraska's clear sky and tree-lined backdrop, marking this site as the oldest tavern around.
Established about 1876 as the Bucher Saloon, Glur's Tavern is the oldest continuously operated tavern west of the Missouri River and I had to go and give it a try.
A bronze sculpture depicting a person plowing with a horse takes center stage on a wooden cabinet at the Platte Valley Historical Society Museum. Capturing mid-movement action, signs urge "Please Do Not Touch," while framed documents adorn the wall behind, enriching the historical narrative.
After getting a little bit of work done, I decided to head into town and check out the local history. The Platte Valley Historical Society has done a fantastic job preserving area history.
A black jeep is parked on a dirt pathway, towing a small, silver teardrop camper with its rear hatch open. The area is surrounded by trees and grass. A barbecue grill is visible in the foreground.
Needing a place to do a few days of work, I stopped north of Columbus, NE, at a campground with free electricity run by the local power company.
Street view of a storefront named "402 Floral" with a black awning. The storefront offers flowers, coffee, boutique items, and rentals. Potted plants line the sidewalk entrance. The building has a light brick facade with large windows displaying floral arrangements inside. A neighboring shop is visible on the right.
When you're in a small town, and you need a cup of coffee, you are very unlikely to find a Starbucks or any other major brand of coffee, so sometimes you go to the local florist.
A black Jeep and a small teardrop camper parked on a grassy area near trees at David City Campground. A picnic table and signpost are visible in the background, capturing the essence of a perfect July day in nature.
After a pleasant day on the road, even if I was a little hacked about missing out on Czech food, I rolled into David City to spend some time with my brother and his kids.
A rural roadside scene in Saline County reveals an expansive grassy field under a cloudy sky. A blue road sign stands near a gravel shoulder, next to a tall historic marker. Power lines run parallel to the road, stretching into the distance beside the green farmland.
It's not every day that you're driving down a rural highway and see a historical marker that is an obelisk. Still, I found one dedicated to the Bohemian settlers of this region.
A mural on a white brick building in Wilber, Nebraska, titled "Czech Capital of the USA," features Czech dancers, an American flag, and local landmarks. Decorative scrolls and symbols border the artwork. In front lies a cracked asphalt parking lot, adding to its rustic charm.
Wilbur is one of the many small towns I've rolled into, and I wish I had more time to explore it. However, having a few minutes to walk around was still cool and interesting.
A historical marker stands in a grassy field with farmland stretching into the distance under a cloudy sky. Titled "Swan City," it provides insight into the area's settlement history in Nebraska. A line of trees gracefully borders the far edge of this picturesque scene.
It's always weird to come across a historical marker for a town that was historically significant at one time but now no longer exists, and no trace of the city remains at all.