10 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Nebraska Do

My Grandma always told us, "We aren't weird. We're just special." And so is everyone in Nebraska. Just because we have traditions that people from other places might find odd, doesn't mean there's anything wrong with that! Without further ado, here are 10 facts about Nebraskan culture that may seem a bit unusual if you're not a local.

1. We Talk to Strangers

You won't find this in many other states. Here in Nebraska, you can go ahead and say "hello" to someone you've never seen before. And you can fully expect to get not only a response, but a whole conversation in return.

2. We Run Outside When We Hear Storm Sirens

Because how are you going to see the cool storm from indoors? From tornados and blizzards to you run-of-the-mill thunderstorm, there's no shortage of extreme weather in Nebraska.

3. We Plan Weddings, Parties, and Other Important Events Around Husker Games

We all know that fall means football, and Husker fans take it seriously. We wouldn't dare be caught anywhere but Memorial Stadium or in front of a TV when our team is playing.

4. We'll Travel Miles and Miles for a Great Meal or Party

Nothing going on in town this weekend? No worries! We don't mind driving a couple of hours to get to the fun. Or to get to wherever we think serves the best steak/pizza/BBQ in the state.

5. ...And There's ALWAYS a Party Somewhere

From the Big Rodeo in Burwell to AppleJack in Nebraska City, we've got festivals for everything! We celebrate minor holidays, pastries, flowers, animals...pretty much anything that can be celebrated.

6. We'll Grill in Literally Any Type of Weather

Speaking from personal experience, it's handy to keep a snow shovel by your back door in the winter so you can clear a path over to the grill. Nothing like a barbecue to keep you warm!

7. We Eat Cinnamon Rolls With Our Chili

It's so wrong that's it just right. No matter how many times we try to explain why this combination is so amazing, out-of-staters just won't get it until they try it for themselves.

8. We Put Dorothy Lynch on Everything

Sweet, tangy, and made it Nebraska. You'll find a of this sauce in nearly every local's home. It says "Home Style Dressing" on the bottle, but there's no mention of salad and there's a reason for that. It's because this stuff is perfect on french fries, rice, meat, pizza, baked potatoes, and probably every other type of food.

9. We Drink Red Beer

Also known as the “michelada of the Midwest,” this beer-and-tomato-juice concoction might sound weird, but trust me when I say it’s downright delicious. And so Huskery!

10. We'll Wave at Everyone While We're Driving, but Only With a Finger or Two

Hey, we're friendly! But we're not overly exuberant. We'll raise one, two, or three fingers in greeting when passing another car, no matter what kind of funny look we get in return.

If you're ready to try our Nebraskan traditions, plan your tip to the Cornhusker State using the OIYS itinerary planner.