100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Nebraska (NE) is an agricultural state in the American Midwest, with corn and soybeans as the primary crops. The local economy is driven by food processing, and Nebraska ranks among the largest processors of beef and pork. The capital is Lincoln, and the largest city is Omaha. Top tourist attractions include the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, one of the largest automobile museums in the United States.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Nebraska Abbreviation NE Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha (Population: 483 335) Current time 10:52 Time zone CST (UTC-6) is in effect in most of the state, MST (UTC-7) is in effect in the western tip. The state observes daylight saving time CDT (UTC-5) and MDT (UTC-6) Population 1,961,965 (#37 most populous US state) Area 77,358 sqmi (#16 largest US state) Admitted to the Union March 1, 1867 (#37 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Nebraska
The capital of the state of Nebraska is Lincoln, which was founded in 1859 under the name Lancaster. It was declared the capital in 1867, when it was also renamed in honor of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
🏙️ Largest City in Nebraska
The largest city in Nebraska is Omaha, which had 483,335 residents in 2023. The capital, Lincoln, ranks second with 294,757 residents, and Bellevue is third with a population of 63,922.
🕒 Time in Nebraska
The current time in Nebraska is 10:52. Almost the entire state uses Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6), while only the western panhandle follows Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC-7). The entire state observes daylight saving time from March through November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Nebraska
According to 2023 data, Nebraska had a total of 1,961,965 residents, making it the 37th most populous state in the United States.
📍 Area of Nebraska
Nebraska’s total area is 77,358 sqmi, of which 76,872 sqmi is land and only 481 sqmi is water. Nebraska is the 16th largest state in the United States.
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Fun Facts About the State of Nebraska
🧩 Which States Border Nebraska
Nebraska borders six U.S. states. To the west is Wyoming, to the north South Dakota, to the east Iowa, to the southeast Missouri, to the south Kansas, and to the southwest Colorado.
📅 Date of Nebraska Statehood
Nebraska was admitted to the Union on March 1, 1867 as the 37th state. It was preceded by the Nebraska Territory.
📛 Nebraska State Nickname
Nebraska is nicknamed the Cornhusker State, which refers to the large amount of corn traditionally produced in the state. The term cornhusker means a person or machine that removes the husk from an ear of corn. Cornhusker is used for Nebraska sports teams, and you will also see it on license plates.
⛰️ Highest Point in Nebraska
The highest point in Nebraska is Panorama Point at 5,432 ft, located very close to the borders with Wyoming and Colorado.
🏞️ Rivers in Nebraska
The longest river in Nebraska is the Missouri River, with a total length of 2,341 mi. It is followed by the North Platte River (716 mi), White River (578 mi), Niobrara River (568 mi), and Republican River (453 mi).
🎓 Universities in Nebraska
The largest number of students attend the University of Nebraska, with around 52,000 enrolled across several campuses. The university was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in Lincoln. In second place, with approximately 12,000 students, is Bellevue University. Also notable is Concordia University, which has about 3,000 students enrolled.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Nebraska
The state of Nebraska uses the ZIP code ranges 680xx–681xx and 683xx–693xx. You can look up a specific ZIP code on the USPS website, and you can read more about how ZIP codes work in the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in Nebraska
The best time to visit Nebraska is fall, when temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer rainy days.
Spring in Nebraska is known for changeable weather with frequent shifts between chilly and warm days. While March temperatures range from 28 °F to 52 °F, by May they usually rise to 52 °F to 73 °F. Rain is very common, with May being the wettest month, so this season is not among the most popular with tourists. Tornado risk is significant in April and May.
Summer in Nebraska tends to be humid and hot. From June through August, daytime temperatures range from 73 °F to 88 °F. Strong thunderstorms are common and can bring torrential downpours. Tornadoes remain a risk, although they are less frequent than in spring.
Fall in Nebraska runs from September to November and is generally mild. In September, temperatures range from 54 °F to 79 °F, then cool to 28 °F to 48 °F in November. Rain gradually tapers off, which makes fall the best season for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Winters in Nebraska are cold. In December and January, temperatures range from 14 °F to 36 °F. Strong winds make it feel even colder. Snow is frequent, especially in the northern part of the state, where as much as 30 cm of snow can fall in a month.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Nebraska
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What to See in Nebraska
1️⃣ Indian Cave State Park
Indian Cave State Park sits on the banks of the Missouri River in the southeastern corner of the state. The park is known for its large cave with prehistoric petroglyphs that can be viewed from a wooden boardwalk. A partially reconstructed 19th-century village is a popular draw. The park offers about 22 mi of hiking and biking trails that run along the river and through wooded areas.
2️⃣ Carhenge
Carhenge is a replica of the iconic Stonehenge monument, although it is not built of stone, it is made of old cars sprayed gray. It consists of 39 classic American automobiles from 1951 to 1986. Jim Reinders built Carhenge in 1987 in honor of his father. You can visit this quirky roadside attraction in the city of Alliance in western Nebraska, just a short detour off the highway.
3️⃣ Scotts Bluff National Monument
The Scotts Bluff group of rock formations served as a crucial landmark when early settlers headed farther west. From 1843 to 1869 alone, roughly a quarter of a million emigrants passed by Scotts Bluff.
This unique site has been protected since 1919. Visitors can explore several hiking trails, some of which lead to the top of the bluff. The national monument includes a visitor center that provides information about the site’s history.
4️⃣ SAC Aerospace Museum
This highly rated museum in Ashland focuses on the history of aviation and space exploration. The museum holds an extensive collection of aircraft, including World War II bombers, modern fighter jets, and space rockets.
Highlights include a 1950s Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and the stealth Lockheed F-117A. The museum also features interactive exhibits and simulators for visitors of all ages.
5️⃣ Smith Falls State Park
Smith Falls State Park lies in the northern part of the state near the South Dakota border and is home to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, where the water drops 70.0 ft. A short trail leads to the falls. The Niobrara River area is popular for its hiking options, campgrounds, and opportunities for kayaking.
6️⃣ The Old Market District in Omaha
The Old Market District is a historic neighborhood in the state’s largest city, packed with restaurants, shops, and galleries. As the name suggests, it originally served as a market for agricultural products. The era long gone is still visible in the historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming courtyards. The Old Market District often hosts farmers’ markets, art shows, and other cultural events.
7️⃣ Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
The zoo and aquarium in Omaha consistently ranks among the best in the world and is known especially for its strong commitment to conservation. The zoo was founded in 1894 under the name Riverview Park.
It now bears the name of Henry Doorly, the longtime publisher of the Omaha World-Herald, whose wife’s generous donation helped secure the zoo’s operation. Visitors can see nearly a thousand animal species housed in themed pavilions such as a rainforest, polar world, underwater tunnel, and desert habitat.
8️⃣ Museum of American Speed
The highly rated Museum of American Speed is located in Lincoln and is dedicated entirely to the history of American racing and sports cars. Its rich collection spans from the 1920s to the present day. Exhibits include cars by legendary builder Darryl Starbird, Herzog Motorsports race cars, motorcycles, go-karts, and hot rods.
9️⃣ Nebraska State Capitol
This building in the capital city of Lincoln ranks among the most significant state capitols in the United States from an architectural perspective. The structure blends Neo-Byzantine style, Art Deco, and Neo-Gothic architecture. It was built between 1922 and 1932.
Thanks to its height of 400 ft, the building is visible from much of the city. The interiors are richly decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Visitors to the capitol can ascend to the observation deck at 246 ft and enjoy views of the surroundings.
🔟 Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Chimney Rock is a distinctive spire that rises 299 ft above the surrounding landscape. During the settlement of the West, it served as a major landmark for emigrants traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The protected site includes a museum where you can learn more about the history and significance of Chimney Rock.
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Largest Cities in Nebraska
The table shows the ten largest cities in the state of Nebraska in 2023. The source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is the decennial census.
City County Population 1 Omaha Douglas 483,335 Map of Omaha 2 Lincoln Lancaster 294,757 Map of Lincoln 3 Bellevue Sarpy 63,922 Map of Bellevue 4 Grand Island Hall 52,622 Map of Grand Island 5 Kearney Buffalo 34,362 Map of Kearney 6 Fremont Dodge 27,602 Map of Fremont 7 Norfolk Madison 26,147 Map of Norfolk 8 Hastings Adams 24,896 Map of Hastings 9 Columbus Platte 24,464 Map of Columbus 10 Papillion Sarpy 23,791 Map of Papillion -
Sports Teams in Nebraska
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
No team from Nebraska plays in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
There is no NFL team from Nebraska.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Nebraska has no team in the NBA.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
There is no MLB team from Nebraska.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Nebraska has no representation in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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Nebraska State Symbols
Nebraska law recognizes a wide range of state symbols. This article lists several of them.
Nebraska State Flag
The current flag of Nebraska has been in use since 1925. It features the state seal on a dark blue background. Notably, Nebraska was among the last U.S. states to officially adopt a flag.
Nebraska State Seal
The Great Seal has been in use since March 1, 1867, when Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state. The imagery symbolizes life in Nebraska at that time. With mountains in the background, it depicts a blacksmith, a steamboat on the Missouri River, and a sheaf of wheat. Together they represent Nebraska’s industry, agriculture, transportation, and natural beauty.
State Anthem
The official state anthem since 1960 is Beautiful Nebraska, composed by Jim Fras, who immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union. The song celebrates Nebraska’s natural beauty and values.
State Tree
Since 1972, the symbol has been the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), which grows along rivers and streams across Nebraska. Some trees reach heights of up to 98 ft.
State Bird
In 1929, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was declared Nebraska’s official bird. It is common on the state’s prairies and is known for its melodious song. Adults measure about 22 cm in length.
State Fish
In 1997, the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) became the official state fish. It is common in Nebraska’s rivers and lakes and is prized by anglers for its good flavor.
State Gemstone
The blue agate was added to the list of state symbols in 1967. It occurs relatively often on Nebraska’s prairies and is valued for its deep blue color, commonly used in jewelry.
State Mammal
In 1981, Nebraska designated the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as the official state mammal, typical of the state’s forests and fields.
State Beverage
Milk was declared the official state beverage in 1998. The move was seen as support for the local dairy industry, which contributes significantly to Nebraska’s economy.
State Nonalcoholic Beverage
Since 1998, Nebraska’s official nonalcoholic beverage has been Kool-Aid powder. Just add water and you get a sweet soft drink. The powder was developed in 1927 in the city of Hastings, Nebraska by Edwin Perkins, who discovered a way to remove water from a fruit concentrate. The original Kool-Aid flavors were lemon-lime, cherry, orange, grape, raspberry, and strawberry.
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