Nebraska is located in the heart of the United States and bordered by Iowa and Missouri across the Missouri River to the east, Kansas to the south, Colorado to the southwest, Wyoming to the northwest, and South Dakota to the north. French fur traders were the first Europeans to visit Nebraska in the late sixteen hundreds. The land later became part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and was explored by Lewis and Clark between 1804 and 1806. In 1812, Robert Stuart established the route of the Oregon Trail across Nebraska, which became one of the most important travel routes for pioneers heading west. The first permanent white settlement was established in 1823 at Bellevue. After the Mexican War in 1848, western Nebraska was acquired by treaty, and in 1865 the construction of the Union Pacific transcontinental railroad began, transforming the state’s development. Nebraska was admitted to the Union on March 1, 1867, as the thirty seventh state. The capital is Lincoln, and Omaha is its largest city. Nebraska covers 77,227 square miles and is home to over two million residents as of 2024.
Nebraska’s economy is driven by agriculture, livestock, and manufacturing. The state is one of the nation’s top producers of corn, wheat, and sorghum. More varieties of grass suitable for grazing grow in Nebraska than in any other state in the country, making it ideal for cattle and hog production. Dakota City and Lexington are among the nation’s largest meat processing centers. Oil was discovered in Nebraska in 1939, followed by natural gas in 1945, helping to diversify its industries. Today, the state also produces farm machinery, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and electronic components. Nebraska is known for its strong agricultural base and steady economic growth, supported by innovation, hard work, and a strong sense of community.
Nebraska offers a fascinating mix of natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Morrill County served as a key landmark for Native Americans and pioneers traveling west. The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, known as the Tower of the Plains, combines classical and gothic architectural styles and stands as one of the most unique capitol buildings in the country. Visitors can explore Carhenge, a creative replica of Stonehenge built from vintage American cars, or the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which features the world’s largest indoor rainforest. Other attractions include the Durham Museum, the Great Plains Black History Museum, the Strategic Air and Space Museum, and Pioneer Village, a 20 acre living history site with 28 restored buildings. The Old Market in Omaha offers a lively district filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops, while the world’s largest ball of stamps remains one of Nebraska’s quirkiest curiosities.
Living in Nebraska offers a warm, friendly, and affordable lifestyle. The people are known for their kindness and humility, and conversations with strangers often turn into friendships. The state is rich in agricultural charm, with an abundance of quality beef and some of the best steaks in the country. Nebraska is home to one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America, and locals are proud of their signature Runza sandwich, a favorite that has become a symbol of Nebraska’s food culture. The weather can be unpredictable, changing quickly from sunshine to storms, but the people take it in stride. Nebraska combines small town hospitality with the conveniences of modern living, making it a great place to raise a family or enjoy a peaceful life in the heart of the Midwest.
Back to map
