Summer is the time for festivals, and we've got some pretty terrific ones in Nebraska. In July, people gather at Lake McConaughy from miles around for Kites & Castles, an event that celebrates everything fun about summer on the beach.
This annual event is now in its 28th year. It takes place on the beach of Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest lake and one of the state's most popular recreational destinations.
Attendees are invited to bring their kites to fly them high over the beach, adding a whole other dimension to this already fabulously fun time.
Unfortunately, Kites & Castles was canceled in 2015 due to high water levels, but it returned in 2016. The 2017 event is planned for July 29th. The exact location is yet to be determined based on water levels; keep up on the latest news on the event's website or Facebook page.
For another big kite event in Nebraska, check out the Callaway Kite Flight that takes place over Labor Day weekend.
Fun fact: Nebraska is the 15th largest state in the United States (by area). It's an impressive 76,824 square miles of so much more than just corn fields and "flyover" country; in fact, there are a few destinations (okay, more than a few) in the Cornhusker State that are so incredibly lovely that I would absolutely recommend driving from wherever you might be to come to experience them. One such destination is Zorinsky Lake.
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Hidden away in west Omaha, Zorinsky Lake Park is an amazing little respite from the real world that I personally cannot get enough of. Walking the numerous trails in the morning is probably my favorite thing to do here, though you can't go wrong with a sunset wander (or 10) either. The entire place is intensely beautiful - so much so that I swear it's worth the trip!
There's one trail in particular here—the Zorinsky Lake East Loop—that caught my attention for its otherworldly wonders, including an absolutely jaw-dropping view of a pristine lake you won't believe is in Nebraska. It looks and feels more like something out of a painting than real life in the Midwest, but here we are. I love it.
The Zorinsky Lake East Loop—or the Loop, as I'll call it from here on out for brevity's sake—is just under four and a half miles long and takes about an hour and a half to complete (if you choose to do the whole thing without stopping). I definitely recommend that you make many stops along the way, though—this place is pristinely beautiful. It is Nebraska at its most breathtaking.
And, my goodness, just look at that lake view. I suspect it doesn't get a lot more amazing than this (but if you think it does, let me know, and you might just see your happy place featured someday). The Loop leads you right to it: pure perfection.
When it comes to hiking trails in Nebraska, this one's pretty popular - especially on the weekends during the day. If you want to try and get it to yourself as much as possible, I recommend showing up early in the morning during the week - that's when you're least likely to encounter other folks along the trail. It's open all year, which is awesome - I like to come back in the spring and summer for wildflowers and the fall for foliage. It's a win-win! Amazingly, this park is home to one of the few native tallgrass prairies left in this region of Nebraska. Explore it on foot for the best experience.
The lake is just over 255 acres in size, making it a much-beloved destination for folks passionate about fishing. They love the universally accessible fishing dock, and if you're a fisher of any skill level, I suspect you'll love it, too.
If you're planning to hike The Loop (any part of it) or any of the trails at Zorinsky Lake Park and you want to bump your hiking game up to 11, be sure to check out AllTrails Plus. I don't know how I managed to hike without it, and I highly recommend it.
Have you ever hiked the Zorinsky Lake East Loop? What was it like? Tell me about it in the comments!
The entire state of Nebraska has endless stories to tell about its history, but only one can lay claim to the title of the oldest continuous settlement in the state. That would be the city of Bellevue in southeastern Nebraska, right along the Missouri River. First settled by fur traders in 1822, the town was officially incorporated in 1855. Come along as we show you why old town Bellevue, Nebraska is one place that should definitely be on your travel bucket list!
With the distinction of being the "Birthplace of Nebraska," Bellevue's identity is deeply rooted in history. The population of the city has swelled to more than 55,000 people, making it the third-largest city in Nebraska. Despite this - and despite being so close to Omaha - most parts of Bellevue manage to retain a small-town feel.
Preservation of the past is important in Bellevue. The First Presbyterian Church, pictured above, was built somewhere around 1856-1858 and is thought to be the oldest extant religious building in the state. Its beautifully maintained interior makes it one of the most popular churches in the area for weddings.
The Sarpy County Historical Museum is located in Bellevue, and although the building looks small it's packed with information about the area's history. Going all the way back to before the first European settlers, the information here is fascinating. The museum is free (suggested donation is $2.00), and it's a must-stop for anyone visiting Bellevue.Address: 2402 Clay St, Bellevue, NE 68005
Offutt Air Force Base has been a huge part of Bellevue since all the way back in World War I. It has grown into a large installation housing the Air Force Weather Agency, the US Strategic Air Command, and the 55th Wing, the largest wing of the Air Combat Command.
The city's ties to the military don't end there. The Martin Bomber Plant in Bellevue is where Enola Gay and Bockscar (not pictured), the planes which dropped nuclear bombs on Japan at the end of World War II, were built. The war effort brought thousands of new residents to Bellevue who moved there to work as civilians or military personnel.
Today, Bellevue has spread out considerably and offers plenty of dining, entertainment, and cultural opportunities. Fontenelle Forest is one of the city's most popular attractions. The 1,400-acre forest features 26 miles of hiking trails, including some that are wheelchair accessible. The new Woodland Raptor Refuge (also wheelchair accessible) offers the chance to see impressive birds of prey up close.
The city itself also has many miles of paved walking and biking trails that are open year-round. From the 20+ mile Bellevue Loop Trail you can link up with the Keystone Trail, a 27-mile out and back trail that runs between northwest Omaha and the Bellevue area.
Bellevue University is based in Bellevue, not surprisingly. The private college attracts students from all over the world. Residents enjoy a wide variety of retail shops and restaurants that range from fast food to semi-casual. A movie theater, several public pools, tons of parks and green space, a robust community center, and several golf courses keep everyone busy year-round. Festivals like RiverFest at Haworth Park and the Midlands Pirate Festival at Bellevue Berry Farm keep things exciting.
The area that was once the center of commerce in Bellevue is now known as Old Town (or Olde Towne, depending on how old-timey you want to get) and houses some of the city's most historic buildings. The lovely old building above, built in 1855, was once the Fontanelle Bank, then the Sarpy County Town Hall and the Sarpy County Courthouse. Today it is on the National Register of Historic Places.Revitalization efforts of the Old Town area are ongoing. The city hopes to turn this area into a destination for shoppers and other visitors. Many of the businesses there have been around for years and already draw in considerable business; namely, Moonstruck Meadery (Nebraska's first meadery) and Swine Dining, a popular BBQ restaurant.
Nebraska's first town has grown up nicely into a sweet community full of character. While preserving the past is important in Bellevue, the city is always keeping an eye toward the future and developing new projects.
What do you think of the "Birthplace of Nebraska?" Did you know that Bellevue was the oldest town in Nebraska? Have you ever visited the old town of Bellevue, Nebraska? What are some of your favorite historic towns in Nebraska? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
Another great city right next door to Bellevue is Papillion, which was at one time named the #2 place to live in the U.S. Read all about it:
