45 Interesting Facts About Nebraska

Last updated on September 6th, 2022

31. Michael Jackson Was an Idol of His

Michael Jackson dedicated his autobiography, Moonwalk, to Astaire and highlighted the time he was called by Astaire, after an especially impressive television performance, who congratulated him. Astaire was very impressed with the “exceptional” way Michael Jackson moved and expressed it to him in a comical yet sincere manner, which was well received by Jackson. According to Michael Jackson: The Golden Book of Condolence, Astaire has been quoted as referring to Jackson as “the greatest dancer of the century.”

32. Popular On and Off the Court

Roddick has been featured on a number of magazine covers; Rolling Stone and Vogue are only two of the non-sports magazines on which covers he has appeared. Andy Roddick and Chris Evert are the only two tennis tennis players to host Saturday Night Live. Additionally, in December 2003, People Magazine named him the Sexiest Athlete and he was among their Sexiest Men in 2006.

33. She Impressively Moved Up the Career Ranks in the 1940s and 1950s

Born in Omaha on October 21, 1924, Julie May Wilson joined the “Earl Carroll’s Vanities” chorus early in the 1940s.  Along with the show, she traveled to New York and worked as a chorus girl at the Latin Quarter and the Copacabana.  With a role in the revue “Three to Make Ready,” Wilson made her debut on Broadway in 1946.

34. Lincoln – the capital!

Lincoln City has the mildest maritime climates. Unlike other parts of Oregon which may have disagreeable weather, Lincoln will remain a desirable tourist destination. Even during the winter weather, the cold never gets too extreme at this location.

35. Are you a surfer?

Lincoln is the ideal destination for lovers of surfing and kiting. In summer, the location experiences winds from the Northwest and in winter it experiences winds from Southwest direction, which makes it perfect for flying kites or surfboarding.

A Surfer riding on the waves. Interesting facts about Nebraska

36. A statue of Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln City has a memorial statue of Abraham Lincoln on the NE 22nd Street. The statue is an honor to the famed president and as a uniting symbol to the seven communities of Oregon coast that united in 1964 forming the incredible city.

37. Influx of people

Lincoln City has a shifting population all year round. It records all-time-highs in population during the summer times when people come in massively from across the country and the entire globe.

38. Nature’s hot spot

Lincoln is positioned perfectly on the coast of Central Oregon. To its West, it neighbors the Pacific Ocean and the East neighbors both the Coast Range and the Devil’s Lake. This makes the place ideal for all nature lovers.

39. A test before marriage

In Omaha, there is strict legislation that even extends to the entire state of Nebraska, which proscribes anyone tested positive for gonorrhea from marrying. This requires tests being carried to establish the condition of both marrying parties before they are married.

40. Beer and soup

All owners of bars in Omaha are required to sell beer while they prepare soup. Beer sellers have to brew soup for the clientele sipping on the beer. It is legislation, and no beer seller can get away with it.

41. This connects Iowa and Nebraska

Omaha is renowned to be the home for a 3000-foot bridge. The humongous and attractive bridge over Missouri River links more than 150 miles of biking and hiking trails. It is the linking bridge between the states of Iowa and Nebraska. It opened on September 28, 2008.

42. A rain forest in a zoo

Omaha is home to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. It is one of the best and renowned zoos in the word. This zoo is home to the largest indoor rainforest in North America, the largest indoor desert in the world, and the largest world glazed geodesic dome.

43. The only incorporated place in America with a population of one

Did you know that there is only one person living in Monowi, Nebraska? This makes the town the only incorporated place in America with a population of one. Elsie Eiler, being the sole resident of the place, is the mayor, the librarian, the bartender; and she even grants her own alcohol license. She is more than 85 years old. She has been running the Monowi Tavern, the place where she serves her visitors with reasonably priced and tasty food. The town has an area of 0.54 square kilometers.

44. The world’s largest collection of historical roller skates

Did you know that the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln, Nebraska, holds the world’s largest collection of historical roller skates dating from 1819?

45. U.S. Olympics swim trials

Omaha has played host to the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials for three consecutive trials.

10 Largest Cities Nebraska

46. North Platte

North Platte was named after the eponymous river that flows through it. During WWII, a train bearing soldiers would pass through the city, so the locals would line along the tracks to offer food, coffee, and other beverages. This was once called the North Platte Canteen.

47. Columbus

Columbus is the seat of Platte County. A new settlement was established in the area in 1856, spearheaded by 13 people who came from Columbus, Ohio. This is how the city was named. It is the home of the oldest tavern in western United States, Glur’s Tavern.

48. Norfolk

Norfolk was settled by German Lutherans in 1865, thanks to the efforts of three scouts. It became a village in 1881 and was originally called North Fork, after the river. This name was shortened to Norfork but postal personnel misspelled the name to Norfolk and the name stuck.

Kool Aid With Bugs Bunny, 1960's. For facts about Nebraska
Kool Aid With Bugs Bunny, 1960’s. Interesting facts about Nebraska. Image credit – Roadsidepictures

49. Hastings

Hastings was named in honor of Col. Thomas D. Hastings, a prominent railroad contractor. Hastings is the birthplace of Kool-Aid, the city’s own official drink. The popular powdered mix was formulated by Edwin Perkings in 1927.

50. Fremont

The city of Fremont was named to honor American explorer and politician John C. Fremont. The city is ideally located for the First Transcontinental Telegraph line, highway, and railroad to be built. In fact, part of the Old Lincoln Highway’s brick portions can still be found in the city.

51. Kearney

Kearney is one of the cities in Nebraska that were formed thanks to the construction of America’s railroads. It often finds itself in the spotlight. It’s been featured on TV shows and movies such as The Blacklist, Dexter, and About Schmidt. If you want the best view for watching cranes migrate, head off to Kearney.

52. Grand Island

Grand Island is often the place for celebrations in Nebraska. The State Fair and the Fonner horse races are held here. It is also the home of Fred’s Flying Circus, an art installation that depicts different cartoon characters on vehicles. The wacky display was created by Fred Schritt, an automobile repair shop owner.

53. Bellevue

Bellevue is the oldest town in Nebraska. It was established in 1822 for fur trading and also served as a central post for trade among local Native American tribes. The city was named by French Canadian trappers who were awed by the area’s beauty and named it “Belle Vue”.

Notice that the words of the Gettysburg Address are on the wall behind Lincoln.
Notice that the words of the Gettysburg Address are on the wall behind Lincoln. Interesting facts about Nebraska. Image credit – Shannon McGee

54. Lincoln

Lincoln is Nebraska’s state capital and is currently in the Top 15 of the most populated capital cities in the U.S. Named after Honest Abe, the city is a political hub and culture center in the state. It is famous for many areas of interest, including the Sunken Garden, the Mueller Planetarium, the Children’s Zoo, and the University of Nebraska.

55. Omaha

Omaha is the largest city in the Cornhusker State. This town isn’t afraid to show its love for corn and it shows in the local food, from corn chowder, to pudding, to ice cream. Omaha also has the largest indoor desert (Desert Dome), largest indoor rainforest (Lied Rainforest), and largest coffee pot (Sapp Bros. Coffee Pot). It is also the birthplace of TV dinners, butter brickle ice cream, and cake mix.

About Life in Nebraska

1. Nebraska is a Midwestern state with a large agricultural sector. They are among the largest producers of pork, beef, corn, wheat, and soybeans. The AppleJack Festival is celebrated during harvest season with a carnival, car show, a parade, and an impressive array of apple-based food.

Sandhill Cranes in flight at sunrise along the Platte River, Kearney, Nebraska. Nebraska fact file
Sandhill Cranes in flight at sunrise along the Platte River, Kearney, Nebraska. Image credit – Diana Robinson

2. The Nebraska Crane Festival puts a spotlight on the sandhill crane migration in Kearney. Over a million of these birds descend for food before heading to their nesting grounds. Visitors can take guided trips and watch the cranes along the banks of the Platte River.

3. Nebraska is mostly considered as a Red State with voters leaning towards conservative politicians. Republicans have won here in the presidential election since 1940 except in 1964 when the Democrat Lyndon Johnson carried the state. Despite this, Nebraska has a progressive streak with the 1980 protest of apartheid and the 1975 law against marital rape.

4. Nebraska has several professional sports teams in soccer, football, and baseball. Seven of its schools play in the NCAA. Omaha has been the host of the College World Series since 1950 with the first games held at the Rosenblatt Stadium until 2010. Its new home is the TD Ameritrade Park Omaha.

5. Every year, residents celebrate the Nebraska State Fair at the Grand Island. This is considered as the largest festival in the state so it draws a lot of people who are entertained by some of the biggest musical acts. It lasts a week and a half with endless activities for the family.

About State Flag of Nebraska

Flag of Nebraska.svg
Flag of Nebraska. Image in Public Domain.

1. History

Nebraska was the last of the contiguous 48 U.S. states to adopt a state flag. In 1925, Nebraska’s legislature passed a bill that commissioned the flag’s design. The bill stipulated that the flag should have the state seal in silver and gold with a blue background.

The flag was officially designated in 1963. A 2001 survey indicated that Nebraska’s flag was the second-worst in North America. That has led to multiple bills being introduced in an attempt to change the design; all the bills have failed.  The most recent bill was introduced in 2017.

2. Who Designed It

Mrs. B.C. Miller played a central role in the design of Nebraska’s state flag. The state seal appearing on the flag was conceived by Isaac Wiles, it symbolizes the Missouri River.

3. How & When It Came Into Being

To know about Nebraska flag, it is important to understand how it came into being. The flag law was passed in 1925 and it indicated that the flag is a state banner. Mrs. B.C. Miller, the writer of “The Flag Song of Nebraska,” promoted the flag design. In 1963, the legislature made the flag official.

4. Flag Colors

The Nebraskan flag has an azure blue background. The state seal is rendered in gold and silver. The Missouri River and the mountains around it are represented in silver. The texts appearing on the seal are written in white while the motto, “Equality before the Law” is featured on a gold banner.

5. The Meaning of the Flag

Nebraska’s flag has a seal like other state flags. This seal has a depiction of different elements including the Missouri River, a cabin, and a blacksmith with his anvil. The Missouri River is the lifeline of the state. A cabin symbolizes settlers and the importance of agriculture in the state. The blacksmith symbolizes Missouri’s history of blacksmithing.

Nebraska – quick facts and state symbols

State AbbreviationNE
State CapitalLincoln
Largest CityOmaha
State SizeTotal (Land + Water): 77,354 sq miles; Land Only: 76,872 sq miles
Population
1,963,692
(Estimate July 1, 2021 from United States Census Bureau)
StatehoodMarch 1, 1867
State rank by population37th
State rank by date of formation37th
State rank by area16th
Number of Counties93
DemonymNebraskan
Bordering StatesColorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming
Official LanguageEnglish
Highest PointPanorama Point
5,424 ft (1654 m)
Lowest pointMissouri River at Kansas border 840 ft (256 m)
Length 430 miles (690 km)
Width210 miles (340 km)
GovernorPete Ricketts (R)
Lieutenant GovernorMike Foley (R)
Electoral Votes5
State MottoEquality before the law
State NicknameCornhusker State; Beef State
% Water0.7
Noble prize WinnersGeorge Beadle (Physiology or Medicine, 1958)
Lawrence R. Klein (Economic Sciences, 1980)
Val Fitch (Physics, 1980)
Famous peopleMick Tingelhoff (Pro Football player)
Wade Boggs (Baseball player)
Hilary Swank
(Actress)
U.S. President Born in Nebraska1. Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr.
State Flag

Flag of Nebraska

State seal

Nebraska-StateSeal.svg

State coat of arms

Nebraska state coat of arms (illustrated, 1876).jpg

State BirdWestern meadowlark
State FishChannel Catfish
State FlowerGoldenrod
State FossilMammoth
State GrassLittle bluestem
State GemstoneBlue agate
State InsectHoneybee
State MammalWhite-tailed Deer
State RockPrairie Agate
State TreeCottonwood
Longitude95° 19' W to 104° 03' W
Latitude40° N to 43° N
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone
Websitewww.nebraska.gov
Area Codes308, 402
Table last updatedDecember 9, 2022