Nebraska is filled with internationally recognized attractions that draw large crowds of people every year, without fail. In 2010, some of the
most popular places were:
1. Fort Robinson State Park (355,000 visitors)
2. Scotts Bluff National Monument (132,166)
3. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Museum (100,000)
4. Carhenge (86,598)
5. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (60,002)
and
6. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (28,446)
1. The scenic Pine Region of the state,
Fort Robinson, is best remembered as the place where
Chief Crazy Horse surrendered in 1877, after the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the defeat of Lt. Col. George Custer. Crazy Horse was later stabbed to death by a soldier at the fort.
Today, with some 50 original structures still standing, this important landmark is part of the 22,000-acre Fort Robinson State Park. Frontier artifacts are displayed in the former post headquarters that is now a museum.
2. In the mid-1800s, when covered wagons rolled west along the Oregon Trail, more than 250,000 people passed
Scotts Bluff, near present-day Gering. Looming 800 feet above the North Platte River valley, the bluff strikes a dramatic pose against the flat prairie.
At the museum, visitors can
view special exhibits about the Oregon Trail , as well as fascinating artifacts. It is also possible to drive to the top of the bluff! On a clear day, the vistas include views of distant Chimney Rock and the difficult mountain trails beyond.
3. The
Arbor Lodge, located in Nebraska City, is the
home of J. Sterling Morton, who founded Arbor Day in 1872. The mansion on the site is surrounded by a 65-acre arboretum with more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, most of which were planted by Morton.
4. Located near the town of Alliance is
Carhenge, an unusual
sculpture made out of automobiles. The site is modeled after EnglandÃs great Stonehenge.
5. The
Stuhr Museum illustrates several types of towns that were created on the Nebraska prairie, but its attraction is
Railroad Town, re-created on a 60-acre site in accordance with the plans of a rail company. Also on the grounds are dozens of authentic 19th-century buildings that line the village's streets.
6. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody
was an embodiment of the traditional rags-to-riches success story. In 1867 Cody became a buffalo hunter. A remarkable shot, he quickly earned a reputation as a fine marksman -- and the famous nickname Buffalo Bill.
Tales of his prowess spread, and before long, Cody was persuaded to demonstrate his talents onstage. His theater act made him wealthy, and he began developing a ranch in North Platte, Nebraska. Here, in 1882, Cody organized a rodeo event that evolved into his Wild West Show. Handsome and wearing his buckskin outfits, the sharpshooter was the star of this extravaganza for 30 years as it toured the United States and Europe.
Today, visitors to the
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (off Route 30 in North Platte) can marvel at the
treasures and memorabilia inside his barn and 19-room home.
