Visiting Nebraska

Gotta love Nebraska if only because it's where Kool-Aid was invented. Hastings Nebraska was the birthplace and there is a Kool-Aid Festival to celebrate. From Omaha to Ogallala there is much more to celebrate and enjoy in the Cornhusker State. Omaha is the largest city, situated on the eastern border on the Missouri River, is a vibrant and active destination.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is the number one destination for visitors in the state. Unique indoor environments and exhibits make visiting in winter and spring comfortable. Join the Party for the Planet in April to celebrate Earth Day to learn how to help our planet while participating in fun activities. The Zoo is also sponsoring the 2010 Photo Challenge in May and June. Head to the zoo with your camera and take your best 'shot' to enter. The Zoo maintains the Wildlife Safari, which opens at the end of March for the season, featuring a 4 mile open range drive among herds of animals roaming free.

Baseball fans, grab your gloves and seat cushions for the NCAA College World Series. Annually in June Rosenblatt Stadium hosts the event drawing college teams and fans from across the nation for the competition.

Lincoln is home of Nebraska's State Capital and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers which should be enough to draw any visitor to town. Dominating the skyline is the state capital building which is one of a handful in the U.S. that are skyscrapers.

The University of Nebraska fields 21 men's and women's teams in 14 NCAA sports. Pick your sport and pick a game there is bound to be one when you're in the area. Hockey fans won't want to miss the Lincoln Stars. For something different the Lincoln No Coast Derby Girls first home game of the season is in late March. This is flat track roller derby and a good place to become a fan. The YMCA of Lincoln sponsors the Midwest Invitational Basketball Tournament in March. Over 450 boys and girls youth teams come to town for the event held in venues throughout the city.

June and July at the Lincoln Children's Museum features a series of outdoor concerts. These are all family-friendly events and a great opportunity for young ones to experience the joy of live music. June also brings the Celebrate Lincoln festival downtown. For two days downtown streets will be packed with food, merchandise, activities and entertainment from around the world. This may be the easiest and most affordable alternative to an around the world vacation.

Not a City slicker? Ogallala off Interstate 80 in western Nebraska is home to Boot Hill, the famous last resting place of many well know old west characters. Go to McDonald's for a Big Mac, go to Ogallala to experience Big Mac. Lake McConaughy, know affectionately as "Big Mac" locally, is Nebraska's largest reservoir and a wonderful spot for fishing and water recreation. With over 100 miles of shoreline there is plenty of nice beach for a picnic and games.

Best Western Hotels in Nebraska are ready for your visit. Convenient and affordable lodging for visitors to Nebraska's Capital, sports events and travelers passing through the state, Best Western Hotels are there.