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Nebraska

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Guide

Overview

Nebraska is situated in the Great Plains of the American Midwest, where agriculture is a 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.

Attractions

Henry Doorly Zoo

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.

Strategic Air and Space Museum

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.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

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 media.

Boys Town

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 over 20 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.

Omaha Children's Museum

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.

The Amazing Pizza Machine

This family entertainment center combines games, rides, activities and an 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.

Airports

Omaha Airport - Eppley Airfield

Website: www.eppleyairfield.com

Location: The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of downtown Omaha, on Abbott Drive.

Contacts: Tel: +1 402 661 8017.

Time Zone: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).

Departure tax: None.

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.

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.

Transfer 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.

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