10 Incredible, Almost Unbelievable Facts About Nebraska

Nebraska is truly a fascinating place, and there is so much to be learned about our great state! For example, did you know any of these incredible, almost unbelievable facts about Nebraska?

1. In 1927, Edwin E. Perkins of Hastings invented the kid-favorite powdered drink, Kool-Aid.

2. Nebraska was once called "The Great American Desert."

3. Which is ironic because Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state.

4. And even the world's largest indoor rain forest: The Lied Jungle at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.

5. Nebraska's Chimney Rock was the landmark most often mentioned in journal entries by travelers on the Oregon Trail.

6. The Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings was the largest U.S. ammunition plant, providing 40% of WWII's ammunition.

7. The world's largest hand-planted forest is Halsey National Forest near Thedford, which covers over 90,000 acres.

8. The 9-1-1 system of emergency communication, now used across the country, was developed and first used in Lincoln.

9. Marlon Brando's mother gave Henry Fonda acting lessons at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

10. In Blue Hill, no female wearing a "hat that would scare a timid person" can be seen eating onions in public - it's the law.

Pretty surprising stuff, right? Do you know of any more fun facts about Nebraska? Share them with us!