Everything You’ll Ever Need To Know About Nebraska From A To Z

There's so much to love about Nebraska. We have stunning sunsets, incredible hiking trails, and fascinating history. If you're new to this state, or just want to learn more about your home, you've come to the right place. We whipped up some Nebraska facts A to Z! Okay, we can't really tell you everything about Nebraska in just 26 items, but we can give you a pretty good feel for the state.

Agriculture

Things to know about Nebraska: Agriculture is our #1 industry, and it helps support our state and feed the entire country.

Boys Town

This village started out as Father Flanagan's Boys' Home and grew into a huge operation that serves at-risk youth. In fact, some say Boys Town is one of the most interesting places in Nebraska!

Cornhuskers

Although the name "Cornhuskers" is shared by all of the sports teams at UNL, the football team is a very big deal in Nebraska. If there's one thing you need to know about life in Nebraska, it's this!

Desert, Great American

Early explorers saw the expansive Sandhills region of the state and decided it was completely unusable. The called the entire state "the great American desert."

Education

Nebraska has a high rate of high school graduation, and with more than 30 post-secondary educational institutions, we also know the value of higher education.

Fossils

Nebraska is surprisingly rich in ancient fossils, located in several locations throughout the state. A portion of the state is even known as the "Fossil Freeway." Morrill Hall on the UNL campus features the world's largest articulated mammoth fossil. Visit this fossil park in Nebraska for more fascinating finds!

Goldenrod

The pretty goldenrod, which blooms in the late summer, is our state flower.

Honeybee

Buzz! The honeybee is Nebraska's official state insect.

Irrigation, Center Pivot

Nebraska is both the largest producer and largest user of central pivot irrigation systems.

J. Sterling Morton

Newspaperman, Secretary of Agriculture, short-term acting governor, and founder of Arbor Day, Morton's influence can still be felt around the country. Make sure to visit his beautiful mansion, Arbor Day Farm in the fall!

Kool-Aid

Kool-Aid was invented right here in Nebraska, and it also happens to be the official state soft drink.

Lincoln

The state's capitol and second-largest city is also home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the impressive Memorial Stadium. It's also one of the happiest cities in America!

Museums

Nebraska has an abundance of art and history museums for the entertainment and education of residents and visitors. From a spooky paranormal museum to the Kearney Archway Museum, there's something for everyone! Take a look at our list of these historic railroad museums for more fun!

Native Americans

Many Native American tribes once lived and hunted in what is now Nebraska. Today, the state has eight reservations.

Omaha

The state's largest city is located along the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska and is home to many large businesses, including Berkshire-Hathaway and Union Pacific. It's also home to the world's largest indoor desert!

Parks

Nebraska has an amazing array of state parks, state recreation areas, state historical parks. There's always a beautiful place to spend a day outdoors! No doubt about it -- our state parks are the best things about living in Nebraska. Check out our full guide to Nebraska's State Parks for more info.

Quilt Study Center and Museum

This facility at UNL houses the world's largest public collection of quilts. The Quilt Study Center and Museum is a must-visit!

Rodeos

Buffalo Bill Cody popularized rodeos in Nebraska with his Wild West Show. Today, there are still plenty of rodeos held all through the state.

Sandhills

This expansive region covers one-quarter of the state. It's a unique ecosystem perfect for ranches, and it has been named a National Natural Landmark. Come see the most gorgeous sand dunes in America!

Tin Roof Sundae

This tasty concoction, consisting of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, marshmallow cream, and peanuts, was invented in Potter, NE at Potter Sundry. If you've never eaten at this historic soda fountain in Nebraska, add it to your bucket list!

Unicameral

Nebraska is the only state in the country with a single-house legislation.

Valentine, Nebraska

Valentine and its exceptional natural beauty were named one of the nation's top 10 wilderness towns and cities by National Geographic Adventure magazine.

Warren Buffett

The Oracle of Omaha is the world's sixth wealthiest person, one of the most influential people in the world (according to Time magazine), and chooses to continue residing in the city in which he was born.

X, Malcolm

The famed human rights activist was born in Omaha in 1925. Today, an historical marker stands where his family's home was once located.

Yahoo!

The technology giant has two offices in Omaha employing a few hundred people.

Zoo

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has repeatedly been voted the best in the country - and even the best in the world. It has the world's largest indoor desert and America's largest indoor rainforest.

There's so much more to Nebraska - we could fill at least five or six alphabets with interesting state facts! What would you put into your own Nebraska facts A to Z primer?