To start off our location spotlight, what better place to start than our home base – Nebraska! Talking to people all day we get many questions about location – aren’t you in tornado alley? Don’t you have all dirt roads in Nebraska with cows crossing the road? And my personal favorite…do you even have indoor plumbing? While yes, there are plenty of cows in Nebraska, we do have a lot more to offer.
From National Parks to sporting events, Nebraska has something for everyone. Because I could endlessly talk about Nebraska, I decided to condense this post to the top five attractions that will have you begging for a placement in Nebraska.
1) Henry Doorly Zoo
The number one Zoo in the World according to TripAdvisor, (August 2014) is The Henry Doorly Zoo, located in Omaha. The zoo hosts thousands of animals from all over the world. Visit the Desert Dome to observe animals from Africa, Australia, and the Southern United States in the world’s largest indoor desert. Stopover at Kingdoms of the Night to view a nocturnal exhibit that allows you to see animals that come alive in the night time. If water intrigues you, check out the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium and stand just feet away from penguins, fish, and sharks. The Henry Doorly Zoo is a wonderful experience for adults and children alike.
2) The Niobrara River
The Niobrara River, located near Valentine, Nebraska (300 miles NW of Omaha), is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. While visiting the Niobrara River you will have the opportunity to appreciate an abundance of nature. The river has more than 230 waterfalls, including the prominent Smith Falls, which is approximately 63 feet tall. Whether you are interested in canoeing, kayaking, or simply floating on a tube, the Niobrara is for you. No matter which form of transportation you choose, a trip down the Niobrara River will not disappoint.
3) Nebraska Cornhuskers Football
Nebraska fans proudly claim the title of the best fans in the nation. We claim this title for a variety of reasons, but a large part is due to the fact that every home Husker Football game has been sold out since November 3, 1962. After all, Memorial Stadium, in Lincoln, Nebraska, converts into the third largest city in Nebraska during home games. It’s nearly impossible to beat the energy generated at Memorial Stadium on game day. Native Nebraskan or not, witnessing the famous tunnel run and being engulfed in the sea of red is something you will remember forever!
4) Aksarben Village
Aksarben, Nebraska spelled backwards, is an area as unique as its name. Aksarben has superb dining and shopping. Aksarben is home to Jones Bros. Cupcakes who competed on Food Networks hit show Cupcake Wars. I feel confident stating that it is impossible to be bored at Aksarben Village. Take a stroll through the park, explore your artistic capabilities while sipping wine at Village Canvas and Cabernet, see a movie at the theatre, or enjoy live music in the park. Every Sunday from May 3 to October 18, the Omaha Farmers Market is open and selling fresh, local food. Whether you are in the mood to dress up to hit the town or rent a bike and enjoy the view, Aksarben Village will exceed your expectations.
5) College World Series
Do you crave the combination of sunflower seeds, an ice cold beverage, and great baseball? Then Omaha in June is the place to be. Omaha has had the pleasure of hosting the College World Series since the 1950’s. TD Ameritrade Park quickly fills with baseball enthusiasts as downtown Omaha awakens with excitement. The College World Series starts off with opening ceremonies consisting of a variety of activities including a player autograph session and a stunning fireworks show. The remainder of the event brings over 20,000 electric fans from around the country to witness the national phenomenon. The College World Series is something you won’t want to miss.
Besides offering fun events and beautiful sights, the best part of Nebraska is the people that inhabit it. I have travelled to seventeen states and eleven countries throughout my lifetime, and I have yet to visit a friendlier place than Nebraska. Don’t be scared to ask for directions or recommendations for a restaurant, people here will go out of their way to make sure you’re enjoying your stay. Are you considering taking a placement in Nebraska yet?
Tess Dugan is an Intern for Aureus Medical Group. She works with both the Physicians and Advanced Practice Divisions. She has greatly enjoyed and benefited from working with these dynamic teams.
She is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in business administration and a minor in psychology. At UNK, Tess is involved in the Honors Program, Honors Student Activities Board, Honors Student Mentoring Program, and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Tess was bit by the travel bug while studying abroad. She daydreams about all of the remarkable places she will visit in the future. As the self-proclaimed #1 fan of The Daily Show, Tess is struggling with the news of Jon Stewart’s departure.
She has a passion for learning. Evolving from having no understanding of a subject to being educated is an unparalleled feeling for her. She is a visionary and hopes to make a positive impact on the world.