By Lincoln McElwee
Ready for a bit of trivia? Did you know that the inhabitants of the “Cornhusker State,” which happens to reside in both the Great Plains and the Midwestern United States, were at one time nicknamed “Bug Eaters” and “Squatters?” It’s true! But don’t take my word for it: plan your own trip to Nebraska and uncover this rich state’s abundant history while exploring the many activities the state offers!
Before reaching your first stop in Nebraska, engage your kids’ curiosity with kid-friendly trivia and car games that will orient them to all things Nebraskan. Be sure to visit the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s website, http://www.visitnebraska.com/kids/car-activities, for a host of creative car activities, including coloring pages, car games and trivia!
What better way to start your excursion than by touching down in the capitol city of Lincoln? With its museums, historic markets and abundance of places to dine, Lincoln, Nebraska will make your first road stop one for the books.
Be sure to visit the University of Nebraska State Museum. Children can touch and explore in the Marx Discovery Center as well as immerse themselves in high-tech adventures at the Mueller Planetarium. The museum’s gallery programs are of particular interest: inquiry-based natural science programs that run for 45 minutes, they are both hands-on and linked to educational standards. For more information, visit: http://museum.unl.edu/education/index.html
Plan for lunch or dinner in the Historic Haymarket District. Open year-round, the Haymarket offers an impressive variety of entertainment, from shopping, museums and tours to amazing eateries of all kinds: http://lincolnhaymarket.org/.
For kid-friendly dining options, try Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill (American), Buzzard Billy’s (Southern, Creole) or The Oven (Indian).
Buzzard Billy’s: http://www.buzzardbillys.com/
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill: http://www.lazlosbreweryandgrill.com/
The Oven: http://www.theoven-lincoln.com/
Follow-up with your fun-filled excursions in Lincoln by making Nebraska City your next road stop site! For an unforgettable excursion, Arbor Day Farm, located at 2700 Sylvan Road, is a must-see!
The original estate of Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton, the farm is located on 260 acres or picturesque land. Be sure to get your fun and exercise in while climbing a 50-ft tall tree house with a beautiful panoramic view. Take a trip through nature on the Discovery Ride, a one-hour journey that traverses the 260 acres of Arbor Day Farm. The open-air ride takes guests into the backwoods of the farm while a Nature Interpreter offers guests historical and conservation information along the way! If you happen to visit in the fall, you can enjoy apple pie and cider, as well as apple picking: http://www.arbordayfarm.org/index.cfm
Canopy Tree House: http://www.arbordayfarm.org/canopy.cfm
Discovery Ride: http://www.arbordayfarm.org/discovery.cfm
You can also make the most of your Nebraska City stop by staying overnight at Arbor Day Farm! That’s right: rest from your day of hiking, climbing and exploring by booking a stay at the Lied Lodge & Conference Center. All of the beautifully designed rooms at the lodge—144 of in total—look out onto either the arboretum or hazelnut orchard, with the Arbor Day Farm only a 15-minute walk from the grounds of the lodge: http://www.liedlodge.org/index.cfm
Want a tasty treat in Nebraska City? How about coupling that with something fun and educational? Not to worry: Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, at 5995 G Road, will have your family covered!
This working orchard and vineyard offers scenic hikes, a unique shopping experience in its gift shop (which includes Nebraska-made items, fresh and seasonal produce and exceptional merchandise), wine tasting (the orchard and vineyard makes its own wines), as well as a great kitchen to taste local produce for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Pick from a tasty bevy of sandwiches, or try the apple cider donuts, cider slushes, jams, jellies, or apple pie! For more information, visit: http://www.kimmelorchard.org/
