In Nebraska, situated in the Great Plains, agriculture is the
way of life. The level land of the east is ideal for farming, while
the western area of high dunes and small, shallow lakes is dotted
with ranches. This divide is evident to some degree in personality
as well as in physical terrain. The hub of Omaha ties one half of
Nebraska to the Midwest, while many in the western half staunchly
identify with the more rugged Old West heritage.
Most travellers to Nebraska are probably not after big-city
action. Those who are have only one and a half options: Omaha and
nearby Lincoln. Famous as the home of financial genius Warren
Buffett as well as really great steaks, Omaha may be a far cultural
cry from New York City, but it has a world-renowned zoo and a
buzzing arts and entertainment district. Lincoln, the capital, is
transformed from small-city peace to football-fan pandemonium with
every University of Nebraska Huskers' game.
The true gems of Nebraska, however, lie in its natural beauty to
the west of the commercial centres and underwhelming flatlands.
Early each spring, the Platte River in south-central Nebraska is a
stopover in the massive migration of the sandhill cranes, the
largest gathering of this kind in the world. Watching the ritual
dancing of the cranes as the sun sets over the water is a
breathtaking sight.
Next up in the journey west are the Nebraska Sandhills, a
remote, rippling area of grass-covered dunes and isolated ranches.
But it is in the far panhandle region that the landscape truly
becomes remarkable, jutting up into rocky columns, sheer buttes and
pine-covered canyons. This is wilder land, where skirmishes with
Native Americans continued long after the east was settled, where
Crazy Horse, leader of the Lakota, was killed at a lonely frontier
outpost. The geography culminates in Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock,
unusual limestone formations that tower above the surrounding land.
Both were major landmarks for pioneers on the Oregon Trail, the
wagon roadbed of which is still visible. This is not the only
lasting impression man has left on this landscape, however. When
the thrill of the natural environment wears off, having come this
far west, travellers might as well visit one extremely odd man-made
addition: Carhenge, a life-size replica of Stonehenge constructed
entirely of old cars.
Time Zones
Climate Info
Nebraska's climate is mostly continental, with temperatures that
vary greatly from season to season. The western third of the state
has a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and humid, averaging 76°F
(24°C) in July, but hot winds often push summer temperatures above
90°F (32°C). Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures of around
23°F (-5°C) in January. The state is prone to severe weather
patterns such as blizzards, droughts and windstorms. Thunderstorms
are common in spring and summer.
The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of
downtown Omaha, on Abbott Drive.
Time Difference:
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to
November).
Contacts:
Tel: +1 402 661 8017.
Getting to the city:
The ground transportation centre is located inside centre door
three on the lower level of the terminal building. Shuttle service
reservations are available. Taxis can be engaged at the terminal
front drive.
Car rental:
Rental car counters are located at the ground transportation
centre, near door number 3. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar,
Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty offer rental services.
Airport Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include food courts and snack bars,
lounges, retail/specialty shops, three ATMs, one bank branch,
wireless Internet service, laptop workstations, a business centre,
a travel agency/currency exchange centre and shoe shine
service.
Car Parking:
The covered parking facility has both quick-park and long-term
spaces. Surface parking within walking distance of the terminal is
available, as is long-term economy parking with shuttle
service.
In carrying out its mission of conservation, research, education
and recreation, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has created Lied Jungle,
the world's largest indoor rainforest. Visitors can also explore
the Scott Aquarium, Desert Dome, Cat Complex and Hubbard Gorilla
Valley and Orangutan Forest, or catch ....
In carrying out its mission of conservation, research, education
and recreation, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has created Lied Jungle,
the world's largest indoor rainforest. Visitors can also explore
the Scott Aquarium, Desert Dome, Cat Complex and Hubbard Gorilla
Valley and Orangutan Forest, or catch a film at the Lozier IMAX
Theater. The zoo also offers train and tram rides, the TreeTops
Restaurant overlooking the rainforest and a variety of other
concessions.
The Strategic Air and Space Museum, regarded as the nation's
foremost facility of its kind, showcases WWII and Cold War era
aircraft and artefacts to illustrate the historical role of
strategic air command in securing peace. Its exhibits, multimedia
displays and educational programs are forward-loo....
The Strategic Air and Space Museum, regarded as the nation's
foremost facility of its kind, showcases WWII and Cold War era
aircraft and artefacts to illustrate the historical role of
strategic air command in securing peace. Its exhibits, multimedia
displays and educational programs are forward-looking as well,
generating excitement among the next generation about the future of
aviation, aerospace and engineering.
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, just south of the Old
Market district, was founded on the principle that exceptional
talent deserves to be supported. Artists from around the world
apply to participate in the centre's residency program, in which
they are given studios and accommodation, free....
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, just south of the Old
Market district, was founded on the principle that exceptional
talent deserves to be supported. Artists from around the world
apply to participate in the centre's residency program, in which
they are given studios and accommodation, freeing them to focus on
creative growth and experimentation. The centre presents over 20
exhibitions annually in its three main galleries, featuring
emerging and established artists and spanning all visual
mediums.
The famous Spencer Tracey film, for which he won an Academy
Award, was based on the true story of Father Flanagan and his
creation of a haven for abused and abandoned boys. Today, the
program has evolved into the Girls and Boys Town organization, with
19 sites nationwide. The original Village of Bo....
The famous Spencer Tracey film, for which he won an Academy
Award, was based on the true story of Father Flanagan and his
creation of a haven for abused and abandoned boys. Today, the
program has evolved into the Girls and Boys Town organization, with
19 sites nationwide. The original Village of Boys Town in Omaha is
still thriving. Visitors can wander the Hall of History (home to
Tracey's Oscar), the Father Flanagan House, the Dowd Memorial
Chapel and other sites in this idyllic spot.
This fun-filled and award-winning interactive museum is designed
as a learning and exploration space for young people. The various
exhibits and activities are exciting and engaging, with the
Imagination Playground and Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden proving
especially popular. The Charlie Campbell Sci....
This fun-filled and award-winning interactive museum is designed
as a learning and exploration space for young people. The various
exhibits and activities are exciting and engaging, with the
Imagination Playground and Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden proving
especially popular. The Charlie Campbell Science and Technology
Center features the Inventor's Workshop, the amazing whirligig
station and live science presentations like Whiz Bang Super Science
and The Amazing Bubble Show. At the Creative Arts Center children
can release their inner artist and create their own masterpieces in
whatever medium takes their fancy. The Omaha Children's Museum
really does guarantee a great day out for kids and adults
alike.
This family entertainment center combines games, rides,
activities and all-you-can-eat buffet under one enormous roof. The
centre has won many awards, including title of a "Top Family
Entertainment Center of the World". The entrance fee is the price
of the buffet, while individual games and rides, ....
This family entertainment center combines games, rides,
activities and all-you-can-eat buffet under one enormous roof. The
centre has won many awards, including title of a "Top Family
Entertainment Center of the World". The entrance fee is the price
of the buffet, while individual games and rides, of which there are
over 200, are priced on a ticket system. Parents report that the
only drawback is getting children to leave at the end of the
day.
