Miles:
73
The Great Platte Valley
Gretna, Nebraska; Sarpy County
Welcome to the Platte Valley, a historic route to the West. Nearby bluffs were once home to some of Nebraska’s first residents, Native Americans, including the Pawnee and Oto nations who built large earthlodge villages in the area. As you journey westward, you’ll follow the footsteps of native Nebraskans, white explorers, and pioneers who traveled early trails to the western United States. In 1820, Major Stephen Long led an exploring party through the Platte Valley to the Rocky Mountains, followed by General William Ashley’s expedition in 1826. By 1830, the valley became the primary supply route for fur traders in the Rocky Mountains. Later on, in 1847, the Mormons followed a trail along the north side of the Platte on their way to Utah, while the Oregon Trail reached the Platte 150 miles west of here and followed the south side of the river. By the late 1850s, it was estimated that 90% of all traffic crossing the Plains followed the Platte. The famous Pony Express and the first transcontinental telegraph line also journeyed through the Platte Valley. The first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 and followed the valley, leading to permanent settlement of the land along the river.
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Schramm Park
Gretna, Nebraska; Sarpy County
Schramm Education Center is a state-of-the-art educational center that allows visitors to learn about Nebraska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through unique, interactive exhibits. Additionally, visitors can access the ponds, nature trails and historic fish hatchery at Schramm Park, located directly east of the facility. The center, formerly known as the Aksarben Aquarium, was newly renovated and expanded in 2019.... Read more
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Ashland, Nebraska; Saunders County
The Strategic Air Command (SAC) & Aerospace Museum, located between Lincoln and Omaha near Interstate 80, utilizes over 300,000 square feet of exhibit, education, and event space to entertain, educate, and inspire its guests. The museum, first opened in 1959. It became well-known by allowing the public to visit an impressive array of aircraft that helped SAC preserve the peace and ultimately win the Cold War.
... Read more
Morrill Hall-University of Nebraska State Museum
Lincoln, Nebraska; Lancaster County
The University of Nebraska State Museum, established in 1871, is the top museum in the state for natural history. Its goal is to discover and share knowledge about the natural world through education and research.
At Morrill Hall, visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits that showcase Nebraska’s past and present biological diversity, as well as its cultural heritage. The museum is located on... Read more
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