True Nebraskan's know that there is so much more to being a Cornhusker than meets the eye. While we may not have the excitement of Broadway, the glitz of Beverly Hills, or the sandy beaches of Florida, kids that bleed red and are corn-fed know that it's not always plain around the Great Plains. While Nebraska may be a boring, fly-over state to some, here are 12 reasons why I am proud to have been born and raised in The Good Life.
1. Husker Football
No state takes college football as seriously as Nebraska. Cornhuskers could survive without Christmas or Thanksgiving, but don't even think about interfering with our sacred Game Days. We are home to some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the country who revere Herbie Husker as a demigod On any given Saturday in the Fall, Memorial Stadium is transformed into an exuberant Sea of Red of up to 92,000 fans. No matter the outcome of a game, you can still expect Husker fans to be good sports and continue to tailgate and celebrate accordingly.
2. The College World Series
Speaking of sports, Omaha has been the proud home to the greatest show on dirt since 1950. While first being located at the beloved Rosenblatt Stadium, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha has held its claim on the popular sporting event since 2011. While a popular destination for die-hard baseball fans, the CWS reaps in huge profits from visitors just coming to check out the social scene and experience the NCAA excitement
3. We Make Our Own Fun
Non-locals constantly ask us what we do for fun, and our answers might place some very puzzled looks on their faces. Sure we have movie theaters, mini-golf, bars, and restaurants just as great as any other state, but Nebraskans prefer to take the more unconventional route when it comes to fun. Which leads to popular summer activities like floating down a river with a group of friends and a couple of coolers in feeding tanks used for livestock. Or loading up your car with your closest friends and road tripping an hour or so away to a small town street dance. While it may sound crazy to non-residents, a real Nebraskan values these unique summertime activities.
4. The Henry Doorly Zoo
Going to the zoo is a pretty big deal around here. Omaha has the privilege of being home to one of the best zoos in the entire world. The Henry Doorly Zoo is constantly adding new exhibits and attractions which definitely validates visiting at least once a year. Young and old alike marvel in the exotic creatures you normally wouldn't find moseying around the corn fields.
5. We Have Some Pretty Cool Humans Too
While cows might outnumber humans three to one in our great state, Nebraska has some very successful residents. Warren Buffet, the most successful investor in the world, still takes pride in his Nebraskan roots and continues to live in the home he purchased for $31,500 in 1957. A man who could live afford to live anywhere in the world choosing to stay in Omaha is a true testament to the positive qualities of our state, as well as the humility and charitable spirits of residents. Nebraska also has a fair share of creative entrepreneurs and activists like comedian Larry the Cable Guy, U.S. President Gerald Ford, actress Hilary Swank, baseball player Alex Gordon, YouTube sensation Lucas Cruikshank, and Civil Rights Activist Malcolm X.
6. And Don't Forget About Runza
How sad is it that the majority of people who have never lived in Nebraska have never had the chance to experience the delicious combination of meat, cheese, cabbage, and onions expertly stuffed in warm bread? While people from other states ask, "What would you do for a Klondike bar?" Nebraskans know the real treat is a warm Runza on a frigid temperature Tuesday. Also, for the non-cabbage lovers, Runza has perfected the art of food pairing with the irresistible duo of chili and cinnamon rolls. And don't even get me started on their ranch dressing.
7. Omaha Steaks
When not sustaining on Runza or corn, there is no place better to order a steak. Our abundance of livestock surely come in handy when fueling Nebraska's obsession with red meat. Agriculture is the backbone to Nebraska's economy, and the notable Omaha Steaks certainly contributes to Nebraska's success.
8. The Unpredictability of the Weather
While Mother Nature's extremely fickle ways can be an inconvenience and annoyance to some, I'm a big believer that it only makes Nebraskans that much more resilient and adaptable. It is not rare to experience all four seasons in a week, or sometimes even a day. Nebraskan's realize there is only so much you can do to control and predict the future, which makes us experts at responding to change and making the most out of unpleasant situations. Also, what kind of student really complains about a couple of snow days?
9. The State Fair
Grand Island has hosted the Nebraska State Fair since 2010, and it has been a major success. Music fans, fried food connoisseurs, livestock lovers, and carnival crazies alike all flock to enjoy this eleven day long party.
10. More than a Stereotype
While most people think solely Nebraska consists of all corn and no culture, popular destinations like the Old Market in Omaha are well-known for upcoming Indie music, creative art, and fascinating historical museums. Lincoln and Omaha have also gained ground in the tech industry with an explosion of startup software companies in the heartland earning the nickname "Silicon Prairie".
11. The Picturesque Sunsets
12. Nebraska Nice
It would be very difficult to find a place with friendlier, more caring people. Until I visited the East Coast, I never understood what my friend from California meant when he claimed that only in Nebraska is it normal and expected for strangers to wave, smile, and even strike up conversations with you. Nebraskans value simplicity, good manners, and have a strong work ethic paired with even stronger convictions.
While the good life may seem backwards and boring to some, these are 12 reasons I will always be proud to be a Nebraskan. And hey, even the worst day in Nebraska is better than the best day in Iowa.
