Nebraska - The Cornhusker State

Nebraska

Nebraska

Nebraska, located in the heart of the Great Plains, is a state shaped by wide-open prairies, agricultural heritage, and frontier history. Once home to several Native American tribes such as the Omaha, Ponca, and Pawnee, Nebraska became a vital hub for westward expansion in the 19th century. The Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails all passed through its rolling plains, bringing thousands of settlers across the Platte River.

Admitted to the Union in 1867 as the 37th state, Nebraska has long been associated with farming and ranching. Its rich soil and central location make it one of the nation’s top producers of corn, beef, and soybeans. But Nebraska isn’t just fields and fences—it’s also home to vibrant cities like Omaha, where business and culture thrive, and Lincoln, the capital, known for its university and civic pride.

Visitors can explore Chimney Rock, a key landmark for pioneers, or experience the annual sandhill crane migration, one of North America’s greatest wildlife spectacles. With a mix of rural charm, historical significance, and natural beauty, Nebraska offers a unique view of the American Midwest—where the past meets the present under endless skies.

Nebraska Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Statehood March 1, 1867 (37th state)
  • Nebraska has more miles of river than any other U.S. state.
  • It’s home to Chimney Rock, a famous landmark for westward pioneers.
  • The only unicameral (single-house) state legislature in the U.S. is in Nebraska.
  • Omaha was once known as the “Gateway to the West.”
  • Arbor Day, the tree-planting holiday, was founded in Nebraska City in 1872.
  • Nebraska’s name comes from the Otoe word “Nebrathka,” meaning “flat water.”
  • It has more underground water reserves than any other state, thanks to the Ogallala Aquifer.
  • Buffalo Bill Cody held his first Wild West Show in North Platte, Nebraska.
  • It is one of the few states that does not observe daylight saving time in all areas.
  • The University of Nebraska’s football team is called the Cornhuskers and has a massive fan base.
  • The Kool-Aid drink mix was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927.
  • The Strategic Air Command, once in charge of U.S. nuclear bombers, was headquartered near Omaha.
Capital Lincoln
Largest City Omaha
Nickname The Cornhusker State
State Motto Equality before the law
Population Approximately 1.9 million (2024 est.)
Area 77,348 sq mi
Region Midwest
Abbreviation NE
State Flower Goldenrod
Geography Flat plains, sandhills, river valleys, and rolling hills; part of the Great Plains
Major Industries Agriculture (corn, soybeans, beef), manufacturing, transportation, insurance
Bordering States South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming

Our Content
Nebraska Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Nebraska Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Nebraska maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Nebraska map.

Oklahoma History

History of Nebraska

Nebraska became a U.S. territory in 1854 as part of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed settlers to decide on the issue of slavery, leading to national debate. It entered the Union as the 37th state on March 1, 1867, shortly after the Civil War ended.
Buffalo Bill

Famous People from Nebraska

Nebraska is the birthplace of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who was born in Omaha. Another famous Nebraskan is Buffalo Bill Cody, a legendary showman and scout known for his Wild West shows that captivated audiences around the world.
Comprehension

Nebraska Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Nebraska Symbols

Fun Nebraska Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Nebraska-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Nebraska' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Nebraska and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Nebraska, or Not Nebraska, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.