Mining is definitely not something you immediately associate with Nebraska, but we do actually have one mine - and touring it is much more fun than you might imagine.
Right on the North Loup River just outside of Scotia, this cheery sign greets visitors to an unusual kind of attraction.
Tiny algae-like creatures called diatoms settled on the sea bed, eventually forming a huge deposit of little diatoms that would become a soft rock called diatomite.
The diatomite was first discovered and mined in the mid-to-late 19th century. It was used as a building material, a paint additive, a cement component, and even an ingredient in chicken feed.
After the mining activity ceased, the mine became an undeveloped tourist attraction for a while before closing due to safety concerns. A few changes in ownership and a major renovation later and it's now a fun and developed tourist attraction.
Your guided or self-guided tour will take about 30 minutes, and if you're lucky you might get to see some of the tiny brown bats that call the caverns home.
The mine remains a cool, comfortable temperature even when it's blisteringly hot outside. The combination of the quiet environment, the cool temperature, and the relative darkness make the mine a welcome refuge from the outside world.
The rest of the land on which the Happy Jack Chalk Mine sits is absolutely beautiful. Climb to the top of the "mountain" to see an unbelievable view of the lush green Loup Valley.
Only two diatomite mines were known to have existed in the United States, and Happy Jack is the only one that's open for tours. A day spent here feels like a real connection to nature and to Nebraska's past. It may not be the fanciest place you could visit, but it's a uniquely Nebraskan experience.
Happy Jack Chalk Mine's season only runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so plan your visit accordingly.
Nebraska is a one-of-a-kind place, and it's full of one-of-a-kind sights and experiences. Apart from the plentiful and spectacular natural features that we enjoy living in Nebraska (which deserve an entire list of their own), here are 20 wonderfully things you can only find in the Cornhusker State. Consider this your bucket list of unique places in Nebraska!
Delicious Colby Ridge Popcorn was a staple at Fourth of July celebrations when my kids were little. Now we pick up a bag once in a while just because it's really, really good - and a big part of life in Nebraska!
4. Great Platte River Road Archway Museum - Kearney
Gothenburg is home to two historic Pony Express stations. The one located in Ehman Park has operated as a museum since the 1950s and offers free admission.
6. International Quilt Study Center & Museum - Lincoln
The entire town of Monowi is a treasure. With a population of just one, Monowi is the smallest incorporated town in the country. The town's highlight (besides its delightful sole resident) is Rudy's Library, a little warehouse filled to the brim with books. You just have to find Elsie to give you the key in order to visit it.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay in North Platte, Holiday RV Park and Campground has been praised as clean, safe, and friendly. And where else will can you hook up your RV and enjoy an outdoor swimming pool shaped like Nebraska?
13. Oldest Known Straw Bale Church in the Country - Arthur
The Pilgrim Holiness Church, in Arthur, was built in 1928 when building materials were scarce. Baled rye straw was the only suitable material, so townspeople constructed the church and then sealed it with sticky mud. When it was renovated in the 1970s, the building was stuccoed on the outside and plastered on the inside to preserve it.
All around Taylor, black-and-white painted plywood people can be found marking places of interest. More than 80 Villagers dot the town, making for a kind of scavenger hunt for visitors.
It might be hard to remember, but there was once a time when people sent things to one another in paper envelopes with stamps affixed. The ball was started in 1953 by the Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club and, today, contains more than 4,655,000 stamps. The ball weighs 600 pounds and is 32 inches in diameter.
Milford's giant covered wagon has definitely seen better days. The former gas station used to include wheels and a giant cowboy but, today, is missing those finishing touches.
There are a couple of other porch swings that want to claim this title, but Hebron's is for sure the world's largest covered porch swing. It's said to be able to seat 16 adults or 24 children.
This big, big project was the dream of Seward resident Harold Keith Davisson. Included in the time capsule (which actually includes two different chambers) are two full-size cars.
The tiny 26-foot by 28-foot building in Arthur, Nebraska, was built in 1914. It lacked (and still lacks) any indoor plumbing and functioned as a courthouse until 1961, when it was turned into the Arthur County Museum.
As always, it's impossible to fit EVERY great thing in Nebraska onto just one list. So what are your opinions on these unique places in Nebraska? Share them with us in the comments below so we can explore more of our wonderful state. And when you're out there exploring, be sure to show off your pride in your Nebraska roots!
Summer in Nebraska is a truly fun time of year and it’s when we love to get out of the house and enjoy all sorts of activities and events both indoors and outdoors. Enjoy some fishing, explore history, take in nature’s beauty, and maybe see a part of the state you haven’t yet explored. If you’re looking for some summer fun, here are some things that belong on your Nebraska summer bucket list.
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1. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
This 440-acre Wildlife Safari Park was regarded as the best one in America by USA Today and you’ll see why when you come here and see the wide variety of wildlife including bison, wolves, prairie dogs, eagles, deer, pelicans, cranes, and so many more species. There’s a Hands-On Corral where you can pet some animals and the whole place is such a fascinating and educational experience.
Tubing a lazy river is a wonderful way to spend a summer day in Nebraska. Especially when it’s so long you can float all day! The Elkhorn River is 290 miles long and is a popular river for tubing and kayaking. If you don’t have a tube, you can rent one from Elkhorn Outfitters and you’re sure to have a great time. Bring your friends and family and make a group excursion of it. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
Summer wildflowers are always such a delight to see and you don’t have to go wandering all the way to the prairies to view them. You can see not only many kinds of wildflowers at Laurtizen Gardens but also a whole fairyland-like expanse of various species of plants. Plus, the greenhouse here is nothing short of spectacular.
The Old West Balloon Fest is a wonderful display of colorful balloons taking to the summer sky. From August 7-10, 2024, you can see this beautiful event for yourself in Mitchell, NE. There’s also a craft fair on-site and other fun activities like a wiener-dog race. It’s four days of festivities that you won’t want to miss.
Picking your own produce is a great way to get in touch with nature and also take home some scrumptious farm-fresh food that you’ll savor. Nelson Produce Farm is an excellent U-Pick farm that has a massive sunflower field as well as seasonal produce like raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, green beans, pickling cucumbers, and much more on 400 acres. Plus, there’s a Watermelon Festival taking place August 3-4 and August 10 & 11.
6. Have a beach day at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area
Nebraska may be landlocked, but we still have some magnificent sandy beaches available. The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area has tons of sandy beach areas where you can sunbathe, swim, go boating, and enjoy a fun summer beach day just like you were on the coast. Make a camping trip of it, catch some fish, watch a beautiful sunset, and enjoy a campfire under the stars.
When it’s hot as blazes out, why not get underground to cool off? Better yet, how about exploring a mine made up of ancient tiny fossils? The Happy Jack Chalk Mine is a fascinating experience where you can walk under what was once a sea bed millions of years ago. There are over 6,000 feet of caverns to explore and it’s a great way to beat the heat.
Chimney Rock is well known as one of the most important landmarks for settlers heading west during the 1800s, but did you know there’s an out-and-back trail that is surprisingly secluded? You can get up close to this gorgeous 350-foot-tall sandstone spire without being surrounded by crowds. Best of all, it’s an easy trail that is perfect for families. The closer you get, the more awe-inspiring it is!
While there are a lot of fun things to do with the family, a lovely adult day trip is always in order. Why not sample some delicious wine and stroll through a picturesque vineyard? Junto Wine makes some of the best wines in Nebraska and also boasts a 5K trail around its vineyards that makes for a lovely summer stroll. When you get back to the tasting room, meat and cheese trays and pretzels will be awaiting you while you sip a refreshing vintage.
Whether or not you are of Irish descent, you’re sure to enjoy the craic and have a ton of fun at the Greeley Irish Festival. It’s taking place on the very last day of summer, September 21, 2024, so it’s a wonderful way to see out the summer and enjoy some traditional Irish culture. While Greely is a small town, it gets filled up with people visiting from all over Nebraska during this event. Sláinte!
Have you taken part in any of these activities during the summer in Nebraska? Do you have any other favorite summer activities in Nebraska? Let us know about your favorite experiences in the comments. One more thing to put on a Nebraska summer bucket list is a summer road trip! Here are several excellent ones:
