This was my first visit to Nebraska. Given my limited knowledge of the state, I struggled to find many noteworthy places or activities. All I knew was that it's situated in the center of the Great Plains, characterized by its desert-like terrain and part of Tornado Alley—not exactly an enticing description. Nonetheless, I was compelled to visit to fulfill my goal of touring every state in the U.S.

Omaha: A Vibrant Blend of Past and Modern Flair

To my surprise, Nebraska offered far more than the flat, arid landscape I anticipated. It's a state that beautifully marries rich history with modern lifestyle elements. Omaha, vibrant and diverse in its architecture and people, was my first stop. I started my exploration with a three-mile jog across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a 3,000-foot-long bridge over the Missouri River. It features a unique spot where you can stand in two states at once—Nebraska and Iowa—offering a fascinating experience of being in two places simultaneously.

Omaha offers approximately 150 miles of nature trails and many other attractions for those less inclined toward hiking. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center, a haven for national park enthusiasts, is a must-visit. Nearby, Lewis and Clark Landing provides a family-friendly space with green areas, a sandy beach, fire pits, volleyball courts, and interactive playgrounds for children. Additionally, the Kiewit Luminarium, with its 125 interactive kaleidoscope-themed exhibits, offers engaging experiences for all ages.

Another delightful spot is the Gene Leahy Mall at the RiverFront, a 10-acre park featuring walking paths, gardens, a lagoon, water fountains, playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, a slide and swing park and is completely dog-friendly. Positioned between Omaha's skyline and the Heartland of America Park, the area is stunning in the evening when illuminated, blending modern art with historical statues that commemorate its Western heritage.

Culinary Delights In Omaha

To my surprise, the food in Omaha was exceptional. Coming from Houston, Texas, where I pride myself on being a foodie, I often benchmark other cities' cuisines against Houston's. Therefore, claiming that Omaha's culinary offerings rival Houston's is high praise. A standout for me was Mula, a Mexican restaurant located at the corner of Farnam and South 40th Street. Despite its small menu, the flavors are robust; their Birria Tacos are the best I've ever tasted. The restaurant's fun and casual atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for happy hour.

Platte River State Park: Tranquility in Nature

Just a short drive from Omaha, Platte River State Park is nestled within 450 acres of rolling hills. The park requires a $14 daily permit fee for non-Nebraska licensed vehicles. I ventured on the 6.7-mile Platte River State Park Trail Loop, which, despite a somewhat dry waterfall in August, was a peaceful hike alongside the river.

The park also offers several log cabins and teepees for overnight stays, and the Scott Lodge Restaurant provides beautiful river views. Available activities include bicycling, bird watching, boating, fishing, horseback riding, paddle boating, picnicking, and enjoying the playgrounds, spray park, and swimming pool, making it a perfect nature retreat for families.

Gretna-The Holy Family Shrine: Enriching the Soul with Spiritual Reflections

The highlight of my trip was visiting The Holy Family Shrine in Gretna. This Roman Catholic shrine, about 30 minutes outside Omaha, features a beautiful chapel and "The Way of the Cross" trail, which imitates "The Via Dolorosa" in Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa is a traditional processional route that symbolizes the path Jesus Christ walked to Mount Calvary, with the trail's distance mirroring the same distance that Jesus carried the cross. The trail, marked by fourteen stations, each with a cross and bench, offers a poignant reflection of Jesus Christ's path to Mount Calvary, with plaques at each station explaining their symbolism. My favorite station features a statue of Jesus Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. I was fortunate to experience the entire trail in solitude, allowing me to take my time and fully absorb the significance of each moment. The solitude and spiritual depth of the trail brought me immense peace and joy, even moving me to tears. Although I am not Catholic, I highly recommend this shrine to everyone.

Chimney Rock and Scottsbluff: Echoes of the Pioneer Spirit

En route to Colorado, I detoured to visit Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Scottsbluff National Monument, enriching my drive by two hours. Located about 20 minutes apart, both sites are significant historical landmarks on the Oregon Trail, with Chimney Rock being a notable geological formation that served as a critical landmark for travelers. Upon arrival at Chimney Rock, you first encounter a small museum featuring educational displays about the various pioneer groups who traveled this trail in the 1800s. Visitors can bypass the museum and drive straight to the parking area. From there, walking trails lead to the rock site. Please note that this is the only attraction in the area, so I recommend it primarily for history enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Scottsbluff, known for its rich geological and paleontological history, offers more decadent activities, including hiking, road biking, picnicking, and a wide variety of guided tours. Nearby Mitchell hosts "The Old West Balloon Fest" annually in late August, a must-see for hot air balloon enthusiasts.

Recommendations for Omaha Visitors

Lodging:

*Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel
Magnolia Hotel
Hotel Indigo

Dining:

Twisted Fork - American Casual
*Clio - Mediterranean
*Fig - Organic and Casual
*Mula - Mexican

Activities:

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
*Bayliss Park
Tree Adventure
*Union Pacific Railroad Museum
*Lauritzen Gardens
*Chalco Hills Recreation Area

Note: Recommendations marked with an asterisk are based on my experiences, while the others are highly rated local options.

Nebraska revealed its unexpected charm through this journey, blending vibrant city life with tranquil natural escapes and deep historical roots. It was a memorable part of my quest to explore every state.