Nebraska’s tallgrass prairies are some of our greatest natural treasures, but unfortunately, much of our prairie land has been lost to development and progress. There is one preserved virgin tract, however, that’s located in pretty much the last place you’d expect in the whole state, and it’s so underrated that most people don’t even know it exists.

Nine-mile Prairie is located just a short distance from downtown Lincoln. The 230-acre tract of tallgrass prairie is one of the finest examples of preserved prairie land in the state.
Google Local/ChihChung Lee
The vast majority of this stunning land has never been plowed. There is a small portion that was farmed as recently as the 1950s and parts that were previously grazed as recently as the 1960s, but since then the entirety of the land has been left in its natural state.
Google Local/ChihChung Lee

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The prairie has been used as a research area by UNL since the 1920s, and it's been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986. This natural area is truly a treasure for so many reasons.
Flickr/orientalizing
In addition to being used as a valuable research tool and conservation area, Nine-Mile Prairie is a recreational destination for hikers and nature-watchers. It would be hard to overstate the peace and tranquility you'll find here, despite being so close to the city.
Flickr/orientalizing
You can spot 80 species of birds, 392 species of plants, and countless insects in this vast natural area. Some of the species are rare or threatened, so seeing them here is truly a treat.
Flickr/orientalizing

In the video below, watch UNL Professor Dave Wedin describe why preserving plants in Nine-Mile Prairie is so important.

Although this isn’t the only preserved prairie in Nebraska, Nine-Mile Prairie is unique in its proximity to one of the state’s largest cities. The beautiful space is perfect for wandering and contemplating, and it’s open all year round. You’ll find it four miles north and five miles west of downtown Lincoln (that’s where the “nine miles” in the name comes from). It’s free to enter and explore, and this is definitely one of those places that everyone should see at least once.

The Cornhusker State is full of some seriously fantastic natural and manmade wonders. Check out seven of the most notable right here.

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Nine-Mile Prairie Historical Marker, Lincoln, NE 68524, USA