Most people wouldn't be surprised to hear that 92% of Nebraska is farmland. After all, it's the "Cornhusker State," a phrase that calls to mind sleepy road trip days with a landscape so static it's hard to tell if you've moved at all. There's something beautiful about the sunset on a flat plain, though - a perfectly open sky smeared in purples and pinks, a dull orange glow illuminating the vibrant, green corn stalks.
There's more to admire about Nebraska than its open sky and dedication to agriculture. The remaining eight percent of land contains some unexpected attractions that might have visitors questioning if they're in the right state. A little quirk and a lot of beauty come together on this list of Nebraska's most visitable places.
9 Carhenge
Stonehenge has stumped experts and visitors alike since its discovery. The circular arrangement of ancient, massive stones has born conspiracy theories on its mysterious origins, begging the question - Why isn't anyone talking about Carhenge? Nebraska's answer to Stonehenge is a quirky rendering of the famous monument, 38 cars arranged in the same shape and proportions as the original.
Carhenge sits on a piece of farmland in smalltown Alliance. Its early existence had residents up in arms, but people eventually came around to the eccentric attraction and changed their welcome signs to include "Home to Carhenge." The unique roadside stop has expanded to include a visitor center and car-art sculpture park featuring the craftsmanship of Nebraska locals.
8 Scotts Bluff National Monument
People might be surprised to discover Nebraska is home to large rock formations. Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering is a striking ancient landmark that towers over the surrounding prairie land. Native Americans once settled the area and hunted the herds of buffalo that roamed freely across the land. Scotts Bluff also served as a milepost to westward pioneers on the Oregon Trail in the mid-19th century. Today, visitors can step into the shoes of their ancestors and walk atop the historical trail remnants.
7 Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
Bill Cody made his mark on America by becoming one of the best buffalo hunters and showmen of his time. Although he was born in Iowa, Buffalo Bill considered North Platte his hometown due to the admiration he received from its residents. His success as a performer prompted him to build the "Mansion on the Prairie," where he lived for almost thirty years. The restored property has transformed into a museum open to the public for self-guided tours. The house and barn are awash with memorabilia from his showman days to delight visitors looking for a taste of the wild west.
6 Smith Falls State Park/Valentine
Every state has at least one waterfall, and Smith Falls in Valentine is Nebraska's tallest. A mile-long trail takes visitors through a scenic forest and across the bridge to the 63-foot tall waterfall, a beautiful sight offset by the surrounding trees and bright blue sky. The Niobrara River, named a National Scenic River, runs through the park and attracts visitors looking for an ideal spot for kayaking and tubing.
Valentine itself is located in the Sandhills, home to an expanse of dunes not typically associated with Nebraska. The town lives up to its name, its street signs decorated in hearts and outgoing mail postmarked with romantic designs.
5 International Quilt Museum
People have been crafting quilts for centuries not only to keep warm but to tell meaningful stories about life. Their cultural significance is on full display at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, where guests will gain an immense appreciation for the highly underrated art.
Opened in 2008, the museum hosts the most extensive collection of quilts in the world. Pieces from 30 countries represent the evolution of quiltmaking from the early 1700s to the present day. The museum features a permanent collection of intricately crafted quilts and rotating exhibits highlighting the progression of modern-day artisans.
4 Indian Cave State Park
Yep, Nebraska has caves, too. Situated along the Missouri River in Shubert, Indian Cave State Park is home to a large, explorable sandstone cave. A wooden boardwalk takes visitors across the cave wall, where they will see prehistoric petroglyphs left by early Native Americans.
The park also hosts live history weekends in a restored schoolhouse and general store, demonstrating old-fashioned craft-making. There are over 22 miles of trails to explore, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a nature-filled day trip.
3 Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been ranked among the world's top five zoos more than once, and its unique exhibits prove it deserves the honor. The 160-acre zoo features hundreds of plants and animals from around the world.
The Asian Highlands takes visitors from grassy flatlands to the Himalayas, seeing animals like the red panda, sloth bear, and snow leopard along the way. Kingdom of the Night turns daytime on its head as guests witness the activity of nocturnal animals like crocodiles, bats, and alligators in gorgeously constructed habitats.
2 Toadstool Geologic Park
Often described as a "moonscape," the rock formations at Toadstool Geologic Park in Harrison will not only make people question which state they're in but also what planet they're on. It might be hard to believe that Nebraska used to be a subtropical environment that attracted a wide variety of wildlife, but the proof is in the fossils found in the expanse of Nebraska's very own badlands. Visitors can take the mile-long interpretive loop trail to view the fossilized remains of saber-toothed cats and ancient horses located in this otherworldly geological wonder.
1 Joslyn Castle
The Joslyn Castle was built in 1902 to house the family of George Joslyn, who gained his wealth in the bustling newsprint business. The mansion in Omaha's Gold Coast Historic District features 35 luxuriously furnished rooms open to the public for admiration. Visitors can learn about the lasting legacy of the Joslyn family in Nebraska and beyond while touring the impressive estate that also contains lavish gardens and a greenhouse.