Nothing to Do or See in Nebraska? Think Again!

When I was growing up in Western Nebraska, I simply couldn't wait to move out of the state, and I loved that our annual family vacations were always to far-away states such as California or Florida. Over the past few years, however, I have grown to absolutely love this beautiful Mid-Western state I call home. It took quite a while for me to even realize how much I was missing out on; I had lived here for over ten years before I had even visited the capitol, and (I'm ashamed to say) I have yet to make it to a Husker game! Now, as I zip back and forth across the state, I am continually finding more and more interesting and amazing places that I had never even known about.

A couple weeks ago, the Miss America Organization launched "Miss America Brands," a clothing line inspired by Miss America. They sent each state titleholder a tee-shirt to take a photograph in somewhere in their state. As I considered where I'd like my photo, I realized I couldn't pick just one place to "mark" Nebraska. I took the picture in that shirt in front of Chimney Rock, but decided to start a photo log of all the other beautiful Nebraska spots that make our home so unique.


Last weekend, on the way to Chadron, I stopped by Car Henge, an amazing replica of Stone Henge, only in cars, in Alliance. There are also several other sculptures around the area, all very interesting. Car Henge is a free attraction, and is the only one of its kind in America! They have a website for the site, including Car Henge souvenirs and gear: www.carhenge.com Such a neat place!


Then, when I got home, I stopped near the sign for the Scottsbluff National Monument, (the monument is practically my front yard) a beautiful summit that frames the valley. There is a mile of biking trail from my house to the Visitors' Center, and then a two-mile walking trail that I love to run on in the summer and fall. There is also a road for driving that goes almost all the way to the top, and then short walking trails you can take to the summit. The Monument has always been one of my favorite places, and was a major landmark on the Oregon Trail. Also, the city of Scottsbluff received its name because an explorer by the name of Scott lost his group while up on the Monument, and died there. Just a little bit of history for you! (:

For the next seven months, I will continue visiting Nebraska tourism spots and logging them with pictures while I travel the state. I'm starting an album on my Facebook page for this, called "Tour Nebraska with Miss Nebraska." I know there are so many incredible places in our state, so if you have gone somewhere amazing that I need to visit, please let me know! I'm so excited to show others all that Nebraska has to offer and that we truly have "The Good Life."

Your Nebraska Explorer,
Teresa