Between 1857 and 1862, the tribes gave up or ceded their land for sale in Nebraska. Today, about 6 Native American tribes have reservations in Nebraska. They are Omaha, Winnebago, Ponca, Iowa, Santee Sioux, and Sac and Fox. 

1. The Omaha tribe

The Omaha people moved to the areas of the upper Missouri and the Plains in the 17th century. Later, they became a federally recognized tribe. Today, they reside in the north-eastern part of the state on the Omaha Reservation. 

The Omaha people speak a Siouan language, which is quite similar to the language of the Ponca. In the late 18th century, they became the first tribe in the area to adopt an equestrian culture. They developed a vast trading network with the French Canadian and early European explorers.

2. The Winnebago tribe

Residing in the Winnebago Reservation, they are one of the two federally recognized tribes of Ho-Chunk Native Americans. This tribe is headquartered in the Winnebago village of Nebraska. 

Members of the Winnebago tribe often call themselves ‘Hochungra’, which literally translates as ‘People of the Parent Speech’. By the end of the 20th century, there were 1,151 members of the tribe living in the Winnebago Reservation.

3. The Ponca tribe

In the 16th century, the Ponca tribe migrated from the Ohio River valley to the Great Plains. They signed their first treaty with the Americans in the early 19th century. About 2 million acres of their lands were ceded to the United States according to the treaty. 

Today, they are one of the two federally recognized tribes of Ponca people. The other tribe is the Indian Poncas of Oklahoma. The Ponca tribe of Nebraska is headquartered in the Niobrara village. After the passing of the Ponca Restoration Act, the tribe can now legally conduct their business in Iowa.

4. The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

They are one of the two tribes of Iowa people federally recognized by the United States. The other is the Iowa tribe of Oklahoma. Headquartered in White Cloud, Kansas, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is governed by a five-member council. The tribe living in Nebraska are located on the Iowa Reservation. It lies in the Richardson County in Nebraska’s south-eastern region.

5. Santee Sioux Nation

Residing in the Santee Sioux Reservation, this tribe is also known as ‘The Dakota’. The Santee Sioux Reservation was established in the 19th century. Previously, the tribe resided around Lake Superior. Their main occupation was gathering wild rice, fishing, and hunting woodland animals. One of the major reasons for their migration was the tribal wars.

6. The Nemahahaki tribe

This tribe is officially called ‘The Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska’. They are among the Native American tribes of Sac and Meskwaki (Fox) people federally recognized by the United States. In the late 19th century, about 360 members lived on the Sac and Fox Reservation. A part of this area falls in south-eastern Richardson County of Nebraska.

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Located in the city of Omaha, the Henry Doorly Zoo is home to the country’s largest indoor rainforest. It is called the ‘Lied Lunge’ and covers a considerably large area of 1.5 acres of land. The eight-story building has excellent varieties of flora and fauna from the world’s best rainforests.

2. Place of Hollywood stars

Nebraska is among the states with least number of people. However, many Hollywood celebrities have called this state their home. Some of the biggest names include Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Nick Nolte, and Gerald Ford.

3. The Chef Boyardee statue

While getting around in the state, you may find a six-foot-tall statue with a familiar face. Well, he was a famous chef known as ‘Chef Boyardee’. His friendly face graces the Spagetti-Os cans. This statue is located in the Omaha city, which was previously home to ConAgra Foods, Inc. Chef Boyardee was one of its brands.

4. Where Runza began

Nebraska is the birthplace of a popular fast food chain called ‘Runza’. The state’s population loves the hot, stuffed pastries that are dished out by the Runza outlets. There are a total of 82 Runza restaurants in Nebraska located across the state. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll come across someone who has never tried these pastries. 

5. Where Warren Buffet lives

Omaha is home to Warren Buffet’s home. He is also known as the ‘Wizard of Omaha’ or the ‘Oracle of Omaha’. Warren Buffet needs no introduction, as he is one of the world’s most renowned billionaires. This wizard of Omaha still lives in this city in a very humble manner.

6. Arbor Day began here

Nebraska is the place where ‘Arbor Day’ first started. Julius Sterling Morton proposed the holiday in 1872 to plant trees on the 10th of April that year. He also suggested awarding prizes to individuals and counties planting the most number of trees on that day. 

On the first Arbor Day, nearly a million trees were planted in the state. Later, in 1885, Arbor Day became a legal holiday in the state of Nebraska. The date was moved to April 22, which is the birthday of Julius Sterling Morton.

7. The mysterious lighthouse

You’ll be surprised to see a lighthouse while exploring Ashland. Considering the fact that Nebraska is nowhere close to an ocean, you’ll wonder why the lighthouse was built. It was constructed more than 75 years back and is still located near a vast lake.

8. Birthplace of Kool-Aid

You might’ve heard about a juice drink called Kool-Aid. This drink was immensely popular and was invented in Nebraska. In 1927, Edwin Perkins transformed his soft drink syrup ‘Fruit Smack’ into the ever-popular Kool-Aid powder. It made the shipping process easier for the product and became one of the biggest reasons for its popularity.

9. The Carhenge

You’ll be surprised and amused when you come across ‘The Carhenge’ while touring the state. It is a replica of the historic English Stonehenge. This popular attraction is located north of the city of Alliance and is made up of 38 old cars. These cars are arranged in the same manner as the original Stonehenge.

10. A massive football stadium

The Nebraska Cornhusker’s football stadium has the capacity to hold over 90,000 people. This stadium is located in the city of Lincoln. On the day of a football game, this stadium becomes the 3rd most populated place in Nebraska.

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