#Niobrara National Scenic River

[wonderlesch]

Travel Adventures - Nebraska

The Travel Adventures - Nebraska share travel destination Nebraska style! Discover more than corn fields and explore, Fontenelle Forest, Carhenge, Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge and more. Read on and start planning your next Nebraska getaway!

Hello ad welcome to my latest travel destination blog post, Travel Adventures – Nebraska. Better known as the “Cornhusker State.” It may seem like a vast expanse of farmland to outsiders. I discovered it holds plenty of surprises and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Read on and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of The Sandhills. The historical landmark of Chimney Rock. And more.…

[fatehbaz]

Big week for news about “mountain lions wandering back into historic habitat where they were once persecuted to extinction” in February 2023.

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Central Texas:

Headline and screenshots from: Priscilla Aguirre. “Potential mountain lion sighting in San Antonio area raises awareness.” My San Antonio. 14 February 2023.

Excerpt from this article: Officials at the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department are asking others and the surrounding areas to be cautious about potential mountain lions in Central Texas. Officials said the message comes after the department received a call about a potential sighting of a mountain lion at Upper Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos on Sunday, February 12. [...] In Central Texas, it’s extremely rare to see a mountain lion in person, according to a report from the San Antonio Express-News. [...] Only one mountain lion has been confirmed in Bexar County in the past decade, on November 24, 2013, according to TPWD. [End of excerpt.]

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Great Plains and Nebraska:

Headline and screenshot from: Damon Bennett. “Nebraska mountain lion now looking for a name after 700-mile journey.” Lincoln Journal-Star. 16 February 2023.

Excerpt from this article: A Nebraska mountain lion that found itself in a sanctuary in Indiana after a 700-mile journey through four states is now looking for one last souvenir: a name. Back in the fall, the big cat made its way from the scenic Niobrara River valley all the way to suburban Springfield, Illinois, according to the GPS tracker that Nebraska Game and Parks had tagged it with a year prior. "A lot of people were watching him," said [the director of an “exotic feline rescue center”] in Center Point, Indiana, where the mountain lion has been since October. When the lion overstayed its welcome near Springfield, it was sedated by federal wildlife officials, who offered to return it to Nebraska. Nebraska declined.’ [...] "I'm incredibly impressed with this animal; he crossed both the Missouri and Mississippi rivers [...]." [End of excerpt.]

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Ozarks and Missouri:

Headline and screenshot from: Julia Wilson. “Mountain lions in Missouri? We’re seeing more than usual this winter.” Columbia Missourian. 16 February 2023.

Excerpt from this article: Footage from a trail camera taken Jan. 3 confirmed that a roaming mountain lion made a rare appearance in northern Boone County. Since then, the Missouri Department of Conservation documented three additional sightings around the state last month — one in Callaway County, another in Montgomery County and a third that was hit by a vehicle south of St. Louis.  Reports of mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas and panthers, have increased over the past decade in the state. Between 2013 and 2022, a total of 65 were counted around Missouri. Compare that to the years between 1994 and 2006, when only 12 were spotted. [...] The animals may come from an established colony in the Black Hills, cross Nebraska and wander into Missouri, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Missouri’s extensive forest coverage, which includes 35% of state acreage, then becomes an ideal destination for the animals. Mountain lions have roamed Missouri since pre-settlement times. Their range crosses the western hemisphere from Canada to southern Chile. [...] Although they are seen across the state, over half of all sightings have been documented within 40 miles of Mark Twain National Forest in southeast Missouri. [...] Trophy hunting by early colonists wiped out most of the population east of the Mississippi River. [...] Except for the recent encounter in Franklin County where a lion was hit by a vehicle, the last documented human contact occurred in December 2021 during another vehicle collision. [End of excerpt.]

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For reference:

[southcountrysummers]

Niobrara National Scenic River September 2023

[americasgreatoutdoors]

The Niobrara Valley in Nebraska is home to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and 76 miles of the Niobrara National Scenic River. The valley boasts dramatic bluffs, gorgeous waterfalls, world-class fossil resources, rich forests, wide grasslands and incredible wildlife diversity. Over 350 bison live on the refuge, letting visitors enjoy iconic scenes like this sunset. Photo by Kristen Maxfield, National Park Service.

[juniperandmagpie]

Our National Parks Sites Bucket List by State

It goes without saying that we plan to eventually conquer all 59 US National Parks, but there are quite a few other sites run by the National Parks Services that we want to see in addition to the parks. Below is our bucket list of all the nationally designated areas we'd like to see in the US in alphabetical order. We hope this inspires you to go out and see some of these sites that are near you!

For more bucket list inspiration: Check out our list of America's best thru-hikes, our epic road trip plan to see all of the contingent US National Parks, and our "get started" map to see what wilderness areas are close to you!

Alabama

Little River Canyon National Preserve • Russell Cave National Monument

Alaska

Alagnak Wild River • Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve • Bering Land Bridge National Preserve • Cape Krusenstern National Monument • Denali National Park • Denali National Preserve • Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve • Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve • Katmai National Park and Preserve • Kenai Fjords National Park • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park • Kobuk Valley National Park • Lake Clark National Park and Preserve • Noatak National Preserve • Sitka National Historical Park • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve • Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

Arizona

Canyon De Chelly National Monument • Chiricahua National Monument • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area • Grand Canyon National Park • Montezuma Castle National Monument • Navajo National Monument • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument • Petrified Forest National Park • Saguaro National Park • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument • Tonto National Monument • Tuzigoot National Monument • Walnut Canyon National Monument • Wupatki National Monument

Arkansas

Buffalo National River • Hot Springs National Park

California

Cabrillo National Monument • Castle Mountains National Monument • Channel Islands National Park • Death Valley National Park • Devils Postpile National Monument • Golden Gate National Recreational Area • Joshua Tree National Park • Kings Canyon National Park • Lassen Volcanic National Park • Lava Beds National Monument • Mojave National Preserve • Muir Woods National Monument • Pinnacles National Park • Point Reyes National Seashore • Redwood National Park • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area • Sequoia National Park • Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area • Yosemite National Park

Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park • Colorado National Monument • Currecanti National Recreation Area • Dinosaur National Monument • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument • Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve • Hovenweep National Monument • Mesa Verde National Park • Rocky Mountain National Park • Yucca House National Monument

Florida

Big Cypress National Preserve • Biscayne National Park • Canaveral National Seashore • Dry Tortugas National Park • Everglades National Park • Gulf Islands National Seashore • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Georgia

Appalachian National Scenic Trail • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area • Cumberland Island National Seashore • Ocmulgee National Monument

Hawaii

Haleakala National Park • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park • Kalaupapa National Historical Park • Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park • Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park • Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Idaho

City of Rocks National Reserve • Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve • Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument • Nez Perce National Historical Park

Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Kansas

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Kentucky

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park • Mammoth Cave National Park

Maine

Acadia National Park

Maryland

Assateague Island National Seashore • Catoctin Mountain Park • Piscataway Park • Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Massachusetts

Cape Cod National Seashore

Michigan

Isle Royale National Park • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Minnesota

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area • Pipestone National Monument • Voyageurs National Park

Montana

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area • Glacier National Park

Nebraska

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument • Missouri National Recreational River • Niobrara National Scenic River • Scotts Bluff National Monument

Nevada

Great Basin National Park • Lake Mead National Recreation Area • Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

New Mexico

Aztec Ruins National Monument • Bandelier National Monument • Capulin Volcano National Monument • Carlsbad Caverns National Park • Chaco Culture National Historical Park • El Malpais National Monument • El Morro National Monument • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument • Petroglyph National Monument • Valles Caldera National Preserve • White Sands National Monument

North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway • Cape Hatteras National Seashore • Cape Lookout National Seashore

North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Oregon

Crater Lake National Park • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument • Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Pennsylvania

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area • Middle Delaware National Scenic River • Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

South Carolina

Congaree National Park

South Dakota

Badlands National Park • Jewel Cave National Monument • Mount Rushmore National Memorial • Wind Cave National Park

Tennessee

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area • Great Smokey Mountains National Park • Obed Wild and Scenic River

Texas

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument • Amistad National Recreation Area • Big Bend National Park • Big Thicket National Preserve • Guadalupe Mountains National Park • Lake Meredith National Recreation Area • Padre Island National Seashore • Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River

Utah

Arches National Park • Bryce Canyon National Park • Canyonlands National Park • Capitol Reef National Park • Cedar Breaks National Monument • Natural Bridges National Monument • Rainbow Bridge National Monument • Timpanogos Cave National Monument • Zion National Park

Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

Washington

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area • Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area • Mount Rainier National Park • North Cascades National Park • Olympic National Park • Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Wisconsin

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore • Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument • Fossil Butte National Monument • Grand Teton National Park • John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway • Yellowstone National Park

American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa

Puerto Rico

San Juan National Historic Site

Virgin Islands

Buck Island Reef National Monument • Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument • Virgin Islands National Park

See a site you think we missed? We'd love to hear about your favorite nationally designated areas!

[rjzimmerman]

LEFT: IN ALABAMA, THE SIPSEY FORK OF THE WEST FORK RIVER FLOWS THROUGH THE SOUTHERNMOST REACHES OF THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS. RIGHT: THE SIERRA NEVADA FOOTHILLS SECTION OF THE TUOLUMNE RIVER WAS DESIGNATED AS WILD AND SCENIC, PREVENTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM. PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM PALMER.

Excerpt:

At first the cause to protect wild rivers seemed hopeless. The era of building big dams was in full swing throughout the United States—at least 70,000 dams had already been built and thousands more had been proposed or planned or were under construction, with virtually no rivers off-limits. But the Craighead twins got a positive reception from officials in the Interior Department, then took their idea to Stewart Udall. Before becoming interior secretary, Udall had served as a U.S. representative for Arizona and had been an ardent supporter of dams. But now—encouraged by the Craigheads and river supporters from the Allagash River in Maine and the Current River in Missouri—Udall agreed that "balance" was needed in the federal government's approach to water development.

By the time the proposal reached the floor of Congress, it enjoyed a level of bipartisan support that is unheard of today. The Senate voted unanimously for the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; in the House, only seven representatives voted against the measure. The bill, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 2, 1968, declared "that certain selected rivers of the Nation . . . shall be preserved in free flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

While the legislation originally protected just 12 rivers and their tributaries, it established a protocol for adding other rivers to the system. Conservationists nationwide began campaigns to safeguard their local streams, and over the next 50 years, citizens' efforts to add rivers to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System blocked dozens of unneeded dams. All three forks of the Flathead were included in the system in 1976. Urgent threats of dams and diversions were halted with the designations of the Tuolumne, Merced, and Kings in California, the Snake in Idaho and Oregon, the Chama in New Mexico, the Niobrara in Nebraska, the Delaware in Pennsylvania, and the Farmington in Connecticut, among others. Today, 300 major rivers and tributaries that flow across nearly 13,000 miles enjoy protection under the law.

Like the Organic Act of 1916, which established the National Park Service, and the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act represented a pathbreaking approach to conservation. Yet the measure is unique (curious, even) in being the only U.S. conservation law that calls for protection of a certain category of landscape: undammed rivers with their integral valley or canyon corridors. There are no similar laws designed specifically to protect mountains or forests or deserts or lakes. 

[publisher1977]

Diversions: A story about assumptions

Diversions: A story about assumptions

Canyon Waterfall Mark Cohen, Peak to Peak. It was about twelve years ago, I guess. Some buddies and I had rented a bunkhouse on the Niobrara River near the Nebraska / South Dakota border. Portions of the Niobrara are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. Floating the river on giant inner tubes is a wonderful way to spend a summer’s day. You can soak up the sun, enjoy the scenery,…

[camarowrx]

The Niobrara River is neither wild or scenic this far west. #findyourpark #nps #roadtrip2020 #trekstrikesback (at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkmOTRlq6g/?igshid=19pdon243hdt1

[arplis]

Arplis - News: 6 Nebraska Campgrounds That Uncover the Beauty of the Great Plains

For those in the know, the words camping in Nebraska bring to mind some pretty epic images. The experienced campers in this state know where to find waterfalls, caves, and fossil beds. They can choose whether they want to see rolling hills covered in tall pines, or grasslands and high prairie outside their tent door. Perhaps an exciting weekend of tubing, jet skiing, and kite boarding? Or maybe a quiet morning fishing for bass or crappie on a secluded bay.

No matter what the ideal camping activity, odds are they will find it, as well as fewer crowds and more beautiful views at campgrounds in Nebraska.

For many other people, the state of Nebraska is little more than the backdrop of I-80: a place to drive through from one city to the next. But if you get off the highway, slow down, and pitch a tent or park your RV, these campgrounds in Nebraska offer hidden gems for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

6 Local Experts Share Their Favorite Campgrounds in Nebraska

We turned to the campers who have wandered, hiked, explored, and uncovered the best of Nebraska campgrounds. Here are some of their favorites:

1. Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Photo from Visit Nebraska

In Northeastern Nebraska, near Pierce, Willow Creek State Recreation Area is a great camping opportunity for those who want to get outside without an epic road trip. The campground is shaded and peaceful, bordering the reservoir with lake views in some sites. Visitors can fish or swim, or take advantage of the archery range. Be sure to bring your bike and ride the eight-mile limestone trail that winds around the reservoir. Equestrians are welcome on a ten-mile mowed horse trail.

One of the highlights of this campground is its proximity to the Ashfall Fossil Beds. The fossil beds allow visitors to tour through open excavations showing a very rare tableau of fossils in which the specimens are preserved exactly how they died.

In the Hubbard Rhino Barn, visitors can not only view the fossils, but watch as paleontologists work on unearthing new discoveries.

We found this campground a few years back and have visited multiple times. The lake is huge and great for fishing. There are miles of trails that we enjoyed. The Dyrt CamperPat V.

Camp Here

2. Smith Falls State Park

Photo by The Dyrt Camper Rebecca S.

Whether you go there for the scenic waterfall (tallest one in the state), or because you plan to float the scenic Niobrara River and want to take out next to your tent, Smith Falls provides a unique opportunity for water lovers.

Situated in the North-Central plains, the park is off the beaten path, and gives visitors a more rugged experience than many of the more manicured campgrounds in Nebraska. It is a great place to tent camp, with the main attractions being the waterfall, and the tubing, canoeing or kayaking available on the Niobrara. The nearby 76-mile stretch of this river is nationally designated as a scenic stretch of river which means no motor craft and very little civilization is to be found.

We had a great time playing in the falls and wading close to shore in the river.This area is amazing for stargazing because it is incredibly dark at night but bring a lot of bug spray, the mosquitoes could carry away small pets. The Dyrt CamperRick J.

Camp Here

3. Merritt Reservoir

Photo by The Dyrt Camper Jennifer M.

If you are a water lover who is looking for a little more room to stretch out with your rod or perhaps a jet ski, then Merritt Reservoir is second only to the famed Lake Mac for size and depth in the state. Fish for walleye, white bass or crappie with the great inflow from the Snake River. Launch your boat from any of five different ramps, and tie off at seven different docks.

With five different campgrounds to choose from, most of which have gorgeous, shady lake-view sites, both RVers and tent campers can find exactly what they are looking for. Camp on the sand, and wake up on the beach.

Seasonal hunting opportunities are also available for small game and waterfowl.

We come here every year with a small group of friends and have a wonderful time. Whether we are out on the lake boating, or fishing, or this year trying to kayak, or by the camp fire telling stories, we always have fun. The Dyrt camperShannon G

Camp Here

4. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area

Photo by Outdoornebraska.gov

Just minutes from Interstate 80, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area is a great place to camp on your way through Nebraska. In fact, the roadside attraction quality is part of the appeal to this place. The recreation area was created from the 4,000-acre ranch owned by its namesake, Buffalo Bill, during his Wild West Show days. Tour the homestead and enjoy five miles of hiking trails to stretch your legs. In the summer, the park also offers horseback trail rides and float trips down the North Platte River. Both tent pads and RV hook-ups are provided.

Another unique value to this place, which brings it to our list today, is that it is one of the best places in the state to view the sand hill crane migration. Famed for their beautiful mating displays and piercing calls, sand hill cranes flock to the wetlands to rest on their thousand mile journey twice a year. Bird watching enthusiasts can use a large bird blind on the property to watch this natural phenomenon up close.

The sites were nicely secluded and the campground was quiet. We didnt plan on doing much exploring in the area, but ended up spending the better part of our day here. The Dyrt Camper,Sara S.

Camp Here

Your State by State Guide to Camping the Oregon Trail

5. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Photo by The Dyrt Camper, Megan H.

Located right between Lincoln and Omaha on the Platte River, and just off I-80, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is just plain fun when it comes to modern campgrounds in Nebraska. Besides beautifully manicured, shady tent sites and full RV hook-ups, the park has get ready for it water slides, a swimming pool, hiking trails, fishing, tubing, a petting zoo, an indoor playground, paddle boat rentals, fishing, rental cabins, arts and crafts, and an observation tower you can climb for a wide open view of the Platte River valley!

This very well-maintained campground is open year-round with sledding and ice skating available as weather permits in the winter. It is the perfect family friendly introduction to camping.

Wow, what a wonderful State Park. This park has so much to offer and is well kept and beautifully landscaped. Make sure to reserve youre spot well in advance because everyone loves this park. We enjoy the sites right by the water where the geese come up into our site. The Dyrt Camper,Shannon G.

Camp Here

6. Chadron State Park

Photo by The Dyrt Camper, Shannon G.

In the tall pines of Nebraska National Forest, campers can find tranquility and a sense of removal from the fast pace of the world. Pull into the State Park with an RV or pitch a tent to take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. This beautiful Nebraska campground has views of rolling hills and the Pine Ridge Buttes.

Families will appreciate the pool, as well as horseback tours, paddle boats, evening programs in the summer, and the playground. Chadron State Park is also adjacent to over 100 miles of mountain biking trails and old roads available in the National Forest. Mountain bikers of all skill levels will find trails at their ability level.

The views from here include cliffs, prairie/grassland, rolling hills, waterways and little lakes, and amazing sunrises & sunsets. Close to historic Ft. Robinson and other national forests and grasslandsThe park itself is a lovely find. The Dyrt CamperDan N.

Camp Here

Related Campgrounds:

Platte River State Park, Cass County, NE

The post 6 Nebraska Campgrounds That Uncover the Beauty of the Great Plains appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/6-nebraska-campgrounds-that-uncover-the-beauty-of-the-great-plains

[texaslonestarrider]

Checking Out The Niobrara National Scenic River! https://ift.tt/2GLbG30 #AmericanDiabetesAssociation #DFWTourDeCure #RidingForACure  #TeardropTrailer #TrailerTime #iphone6splus #rexcovingtonphotography  #lonestarrider — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2nAQxBu

[instapicsil3]

The Niobrara Valley in #Nebraska is home to Fort Niobrara National #WildlifeRefuge and 76 miles of the #Niobrara National Scenic River. The valley boasts dramatic bluffs, gorgeous waterfalls, world-class fossil resources, rich forests, wide grasslands and incredible wildlife diversity. Over 350 #bison live on the refuge, letting visitors enjoy iconic scenes like this #sunset. Photo by Kristen Maxfield, National Park Service. #usinterior http://ift.tt/2DJdARL

[dailynynews-blog]

Nebraska State Map, Capital, Universities, History, Population, Facts

New Post has been published on https://www.dailynynews.com/2018/nebraska-state-map-capital-universities-history-population-facts/

Nebraska State Map, Capital, Universities, History, Population, Facts

Nebraska /nɪˈbræskə/ ( listen) is a state that lies in both the Great Plains and the Midwestern United States. The state is bordered by South Dakota to the north, Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast, both across the Missouri River, Kansas to the south, Colorado to the southwest and Wyoming to the west. It is the only triply landlocked U.S. state. Nebraska’s area is just over 77,220 sq mi (200,000 km2) with almost 1.9 million people. Its state capital is Lincoln, and its largest city is Omaha, which is on the Missouri River.

Indigenous peoples including Omaha, Missouria, Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe, and various branches of the Lakota (Sioux) tribes lived in the region for thousands of years before European exploration. The state is crossed by many historic trails and was explored by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Nebraska was admitted as the 37th state of the United States in 1867. It is the only state in the United States whose legislature is unicameral and officially nonpartisan.

Nebraska is composed of two major land regions: the Dissected Till Plains and the Great Plains.

State of Nebraska

Flag Seal

Nickname(s): Cornhusker State Motto(s): Equality before the law

Official language English Demonym Nebraskan Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro Omaha–Council Bluffs Area Ranked 16th  • Total 77,358 sq mi (200,365 km2)  • Width 210 miles (340 km)  • Length 430 miles (690 km)  • % water 0.7  • Latitude 40° N to 43° N  • Longitude 95° 19′ W to 104° 03′ W Population Ranked 37th  • Total 1,907,116 (2016 est.)[1]  • Density 24.6/sq mi  (9.5/km2) Ranked 43rd  • Median household income $60,474[2] (18th) Elevation  • Highest point Panorama Point[3][4] 5,424 ft (1654 m)  • Mean 2,600 ft  (790 m)  • Lowest point Missouri River at Kansas border[3][4] 840 ft (256 m) Before statehood Nebraska Territory Admission to Union March 1, 1867 (37th) Governor Pete Ricketts (R) Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley (R) Legislature Nebraska Legislature  • Upper house None (unicameral)  • Lower house None (unicameral) U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R) Ben Sasse (R) U.S. House delegation Jeff Fortenberry (R) Don Bacon (R) Adrian Smith (R) (list) Time zones  • Most of state Central: UTC −6/−5  • Panhandle Mountain: UTC −7/−6 ISO 3166 US-NE Abbreviations NE, Neb., Nebr. Website www.nebraska.gov

Nebraska State Symbols and Emblems:

State Flag

Nebraska’s official flag was adopted in 1925. The flag has a deep blue field with the state seal in the center, pictured in gold (yellow) and silver. The state seal, designed in 1867 by Isaac Wiles (a member of the House of Representatives), pictures a blacksmith hammering on an anvil, a settler’s cabin, sheaths of wheat, a steamboat on a river, and the transcontinental railroad, with mountains in the background. The state motto, “Equality Before the Law,” is on a banner above the landscape. The date of Nebraska’s admission to the union, March 1, 1867, is listed below the seal.

Animal Symbols:

State Bird Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) State Mammal White-tailed Deer State Fish

Channel catfish

State Fossil Mammoth State Insect Honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Plant Symbols:

State Flower

Goldenrod (Solidago serotina)

State Tree

Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

State Grass

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Earth Symbols:

State Rock

Prairie Agate

State Gemstone

Blue Chalcedony

State Soil

Holdrege

Miscellaneous Symbols:

State Beverage

Milk

State Soft Drink

Kool-Aid Developed in Hastings, Nebraska, by Edward E. Perkins in 1927

State River

Platte River

State American Folk Dance

Square dance

  Geography

The state is bordered by South Dakota to the north; Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast, across the Missouri River; Kansasto the south; Colorado to the southwest; and Wyoming to the west. The state has 93 counties and is split between two time zones, with the state’s eastern half observing Central Time and the western half observing Mountain Time. Three rivers cross the state from west to east. The Platte River, formed by the confluence of the North Platte and the South Platte, runs through the state’s central portion, the Niobrara River flows through the northern part, and the Republican River runs across the southern part.

Federal land management

Nebraska National Forest

Areas under the management of the National Park Service include:

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument near Harrison

California National Historic Trail

Chimney Rock National Historic Site near Bayard

Homestead National Monument of America in Beatrice

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Missouri National Recreational River near Ponca

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Niobrara National Scenic River near Valentine

Oregon National Historic Trail

Pony Express National Historic Trail

Scotts Bluff National Monument at Gering

Areas under the management of the National Forest Service include:

Nebraska National Forest

Oglala National Grassland

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

Demographics

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Nebraska was 1,896,190 on July 1, 2015, a 3.82% increase since the 2010 United States Census.[22] The center of population of Nebraska is in Polk County, in the city of Shelby.

Nebraska racial breakdown of population [hide]Racial composition 1990 2000 2010 White 93.8% 89.6% 86.1% Black 3.6% 4.0% 4.5% Asian 0.8% 1.3% 1.8% Native 0.8% 0.9% 1.0% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander – 0.1% 0.1% Other race 1.0% 2.8% 4.3% Two or more races – 1.4% 2.2%

The five largest ancestry groups in Nebraska are German (38.6%), Irish (12.4%), English (9.6%), Mexican (8.7%), and Czech (5.5%).

Nebraska has the largest Czech American and non-Mormon Danish American population (as a percentage of the total population) in the nation. German Americans are the largest ancestry group in most of the state, particularly in the eastern counties. Thurston County (made up entirely of the Omaha and Winnebago reservations) has an American Indian majority, and Butler County is one of only two counties in the nation with a Czech-American plurality.

Education

Colleges and universities

University of Nebraska system

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska at Omaha

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture

Nebraska State College System

Chadron State College

Peru State College

Wayne State College

Community Colleges

Central Community College

Little Priest Tribal College

Metropolitan Community College

Mid-Plains Community College

Nebraska Indian Community College

Northeast Community College

Southeast Community College

Western Nebraska Community College

Private colleges/universities

Bellevue University

Clarkson College

College of Saint Mary

Concordia University

Creighton University

Doane University

Grace University

Hastings College

Midland University

Nebraska Christian College

Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Summit Christian College

Union College

York College

  Sports

Professional sports

Nebraska Stampede – Women’s Football Alliance

Lincoln Saltdogs – American Association (independent minor league baseball)

Nebraska Danger – Indoor Football League

Omaha Beef – Indoor Football League

Omaha Storm Chasers – Pacific Coast League, AAA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals

Junior-level sports

United States Hockey League

Lincoln Stars

Omaha Lancers

Tri-City Storm

College sports

The College World Series has been held in Omaha since 1950. It was held at Rosenblatt Stadium from 1950 through 2010, and at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha since 2011.

The following are National Collegiate Athletic Association college sports programs in Nebraska:[46]

School Nickname DIvision Conference National titles Founded University of Nebraska–Lincoln Cornhuskers NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference 19 1869 University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks NCAA Division I The Summit League 11 1908 Creighton University Bluejays NCAA Division I Big East Conference 0 1878 University of Nebraska-Kearney UN-Kearney Lopers NCAA Division II MIAA 1 1905 Wayne State College Wayne State Wildcats NCAA Division II NSIC 2 1910 Chadron State College Chadron State Eagles NCAA Division II RMAC 0 1911 Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves NCAA Division III Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference 19 1887

The following are National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics college sports programs in Nebraska:

School Mascot Conference National titles Founded Bellevue University Bellevue Bruins Midlands 14 1966 College of Saint Mary Saint Mary Flames Midlands 0 1923 Concordia University Concordia Bulldogs Great Plains 1 1894 Doane University Doane Tigers Great Plains 10 1872 Hastings College Hastings Broncos Great Plains 3 1882 Midland University Midland Warriors Great Plains 2 1883 Peru State College Peru State Bobcats Midlands 2 1865 Southeast Community College SCC Storm National Junior College Athletic Association 6 1978 York College York Panthers Midlands 28 1890

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Ready for summer fun on the Niobrara River? (at Niobrara National Scenic River)

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Take Your Valentine to Valentine

Take Your Valentine to Valentine

By Linda Tancs How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Maybe with some chocolate and a candlelit dinner. Well, there’s so much more awaiting you in Valentine, Nebraska, where of course you can obtain a postmark to commemorate the day of love. But most visitors travel there to start a float trip or to tour the river valley, a good starting point for the 76 miles of the Niobrara National Scenic River…

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The Niobrara wild and scenic river #nps #findyourpark #roadtrip (at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge)