Yeah everyone says they've driven thru NE and couldn't see the point of stopping. Good! It'll just be me then. Next late spring before the english summer I expect to land in Omaha and head west. I'll have two months and photo project in Alliance is where I end up but before that I want to see the Cornhuskers stadium and ask why american football, why a 720000 sell out crowd? & then drive route 2 via Broken Bow down to Big Mac Bridgeport & Platte trails , Alliance then on to Ft Robinson & eventually BadLands /Black Hills. Back via Valentine to Omaha. What should I see who should I meet. Good B&B's. Vegetarian. Love the euphoria of sport's crowds but don't understand most. Have done Omaha before what about Lincoln? Are you all ex europeans? Will I need a coat?

Plymouth,

Let me welcome you in advance to Nebraska! Generally the people who think Nebraska is just a state to drive through as quickly as possible have only traveled on the Interstate. Get off I-80 and it's a beautiful state with rolling hills, waterfalls and yes, even trees. I live in Scottsbluff and am looking out my window right now at an 800 ft. bluff that surrounds our town. We're less than an hour from Alliance so I would suggest a trip here. Our area is full of Oregon Trail history and sites. Barn Again Bed and Breakfast outside of Scottsbluff is a gorgeous place with a great view. You can even have a chuckwagon dinner (I guess you'd want to skip the beef but can still have a nice dinner) and trail ride by Chimney Rock in Bayard--that's lots of fun. Tubing down the Niobrara river near Valentine is also something you'd probably enjoy. There are many outfitters in Valentine as well as hotels, etc. If you're by Lake MacConaughy in Ogallala, don't miss eating at Junie Mae's on the east side of the lake (right by the dam). The restaurant was featured in the Omaha World Herald yesterday, as a matter of fact, so you can probably read the article online.

There are so many other things I can suggest--let me know any other questions you have. I'm a native Nebraskan who's lived in Lincoln, Scottsbluff and Gothenburg and have relatives everywhere so I know the state well. There's a pioneer spirit and attitude alive and well in Nebraska--similar to that found in Wyoming. Proud, independent and certainly not the backward hicks that everyone portrays us as, I hope you enjoy the scenery and the people here.








As to your question about Lincoln--yes! Do visit this beautiful city. The state capitol is located here and is totally unique in terms of design--not the golden dome that many states have. A tour of Memorial Stadium (where the Huskers play) is a must. If you're here in April, try to arrange your schedule around the spring football game. The game attracts 30,000-40,000 fans every year--to watch the Huskers play each other!

My wife grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and my sister-in-law's husband grew up in Scotts Bluff. Before my wife's family scattered to Colorado, Kansas and Maine, I (reluctantly) made many trips to this fine state from Connecticut mostly in the dead of winter when everything is brown.

Never actually toured the Cornhusker stadium but did go to a game. It was about 35 degrees out and pouring rain. We left at half-time but were at my inlaws' house in time for the 4th quarter - Lincoln is very easy to get around. The other 69,996 fans stayed in the stadium (all wearing red) - they are absolutely crazy about the 'huskers in Lincoln (even though they aren't nearly as good as they were when Osborne was coach).

You must try Valentino's pizza (locations all over Lincoln) - I am sure they have something vegetarian.

The state capital is this phallic looking thing that towers over the city. They do have tours.

If you have time in Omaha and have not been, Borsheims Jewelry store is a pretty amazing place.

People are very friendly - that's the way it is in our midwest.

Are vegetarians allowed in Nebraska? ;-)

Yes about allowing vegetarians--I seem to be raising one!

Plymouth, I thought of one other thing. If you're here in the spring, you'll be able to see the Sand Hill Crane migration near Kearney/Grand Island. People come from all around the world to see this (which seems strange to me, but different strokes for different folks

About bringing a coat. Yes. You might also want to bring shorts and t-shirts since our spring weather ranges from blizzards to sun-tanning weather.

Since you are headed to Alliance, I assume you already have plans to vist carhenge: http://www.carhenge.com/

For Rowe Sanctuary try http://www.rowesanctuary.org/ From March 5 through April 10 you can reserve a spot in a blind to view and photograph Sand Hill Cranes.

Keith

As tenious a link that there are Plymouths banged into the dirt makes it a loose pilgrimage of sorts but I'll be watching the people who visit - it goes with my work! So yeah Carhenge will do. I'm only expecting a ring of cars in the ground. Timely. Speilbergs The Dual was on tv here last night in which a Plymouth co-stars v the petrol tanker. Eerie. I look forward to driving the roads of NE.

What is a national parks license, where do I get one, is it compulsory for rec.parks?. Do vegetarians have to carry special i.d so they aren't force-fed Omaha Steaks at every diner? What side of the road. Left? Up the middle? Are there towns between Broken Bow and Alliance. I've been told I'll pass chimney rock, where is it? Definately NOT a mormon but interested in their trail. Is the cemetary in Florence,Omaha worth a look? Boot Hill Ft Kearney. Any relation to Gunfights? Ogalalla (?) worth a stop/night?

I assume your English summer is July and August?, and you will be in Nebraska in June.

Well Nebraska is a very geographically diverse state from Omaha on west, so it should be interesting to you visually if nothing else.

I am not sure the UNL football stadium will be too exciting that time of year as it will be empty (but you can imagine, its like any other football stadium in the country, full of fans).

Please get off the Interstate system and drive the state and county highways. You will find more interest there.

Visit some of the Nebraska state parks, just a small entrance fee is required or a pass might save you a bit of money. They are some of the nicest state parks that I have been too. I am from Iowa, so I try not to admit I like any aspect of Nebraska but I must be truthful about their state parks.

Try to get to the Chadron area as well as Valentine and the Sand Hills. Possibly take a canoe trip down the Niobrara etc.

Go to Scotts Bluff and walk the trail either up or down the monument. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

Ohh, don't worry if you don't know where things are, just ask. The Nebraskans will be thrilled to tell you where to go!!!

Just tell them you are a blackshirt from Plymouth England....