The history of Nebraska begins 12,000 years ago with its first human residents. Historic tribes emerged in the 17th century and with the re-introduction of horses from Spain, rapid changes occurred. In 1867 when Nebraska became a state, it took a lead in beef production. By 1872, the Union Pacific Railroad had attracted Europeans to Nebraska. The interaction of European settlers, African-Americans and Native Americans branded Nebraska as a state rich in history. Begin your understanding of this state's diverse history in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Historical Society Museum.
Follow the 200 mile trek that took Lewis and Clark along the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers. Begin your journey from the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Winnebago and travel north on US-75, west on US-20, then continue in the same direction on NE-12. At Niobrara, take NE-14 south, then US-20 west. At Royal, go east on US-20, then south on NE-12. At Neiligh take US-275 east. For the final trek take US-81 north and then NE-13 northeast. On your expedition you can observe bison, take wildlife hikes, purchase goods from local farmers' markets, visit the historic and haunted Argo Hotel in Clinton, taste wine at one of the vineyards, and even stop at a doll museum before arriving in Pierce.
In order to truly enjoy the beauty of Nebraska, you will need a place to rest at night. Depending on your mode of travel, if you choose to travel by RV, then you will find numerous facilities in the following regions: Panhandle, Sandhills, Lewis and Clark, Prairie Lakes, Frontier Trails, Pioneer Country and Metro. If you prefer the comforts of a home, stay at a bed and breakfast and enjoy the atmosphere of a small community. Otherwise, choose one of the more than 50 guest ranches where cabins or lodges are available. Of course, you can also stay at any number of hotels or motels.
Depending on the time of year you travel, conditions of certain roadways may be difficult to maneuver. The Nebraska Department of Roads continually provides updates for traveling conditions throughout the state. In addition, you can find the location of rest areas, bicycle and pedestrian trails, historical markers and historical bridges. Any information regarding highway projects is also readily available through the NDOR.
According the the Governors Highway Safety Association, Nebraska's speed limit on rural interstates for cars and trucks is 75 mph. On urban interstates and other rural access roads, the speed limit for cars and trucks is 65 mph. Currently there is no state law covering aggressive driving, but there is a ban on driving and texting. In addition, novice drivers under 18 who hold a learner's permit or provisional license are not permitted to use cell phones. If you travel by motorcycle, there is a universal helmet law.
Located in the center of the United States, Nebraska has 95 state parks and recreational areas. Among the places of interest to visit also include the outposts that protected travelers on the Oregon Trail, accessible along routes 92 and 80; Boys Town, a home for homeless boys and founded by Father Flanagan, located near route 6 at 14057 Flanagan Boulevard, Boys Town; Buffalo Bill's Ranch, which is now part of the state's historical parks, located in North Platte, off of route 30; and the Gothenburg Pony Express station, southeast of North Platte, off of route 80 in Gothenburg.
