We saw a lot of Nebraska on our Covid roadtrip. When we left Kansas City, we drove to Omaha.
Omaha, NE
Look for the Bob (the bridge that spans the Missouri River). It was unfortunately not walkable when I visited because it was under construction. The Old Market area is also a really cute bohemian area with fun restaurants and shops.
We drove back through Nebraska after leaving South Dakota, headed to Colorado. Nebraska is FLAT except for random monuments like Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff. In the Old West days, they served as landmarks for travelers and are really quite spectacular. We also had dinner at a place called Rositas near Scotts Bluff. It was one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been.
The wide open space is great for growing corn, making Nebraska The Cornhusker State!
Iowa is just over the river from Omaha, so we knew we had to visit. It is known as The Hawkeye State, a tribute to Black Hawk who was famous in the area for participating in the Black Hawk War of 1832. The state was likely named after the Iowa or Ayuway tribe.
Council Bluffs, IA
We made a quick stop in Iowa to the Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail. The jail rotated until it started sticking and became a fire hazard. On the top floor of the jail was space for juveniles, but these weren’t delinquents. They were orphans. Can you imagine that today?
Iowa is The Hawkeye State, named for a Native American leader and warrior.
