Nebraska panhandle
United States · Americas
About Nebraska panhandle
The Nebraska Panhandle is an expanse upon the central plains of Nebraska. It features what some would call a never ending sky amid deep canyons and pine forests. It is often considered the most scenic area of Nebraska.
Nebraska panhandle travel guide
Understand
This region of Nebraska is sparsely populated. Therefore, many places you go have a down home, small town feel. Though the small town feel will be appealing to most, it also means there is a lack of diversity. Unlike the rest of Nebraska, the Panhandle mostly falls under the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7), meaning this area is 1 hour "behind" the rest of the state.
Getting there
For the most part people traveling along I-80 will see the southern part of the Panhandle. The major airport is Nebraska Western Regional Airport (BFF IATA).
Getting around
The recommended mode of transport through this area is by car. However, keep in mind that there areas of interest that can only be observed either by hiking or horseback riding. There are still some railroads that stop in this area.
See
Carhenge, in Alliance, is a really great monument and satirical version of England's Stonehenge. It is completely made of real cars. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, near Harrison, has fossils of ancient mammals, Native American history, hiking. No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron. Spade Ranch near Ellsworth at one time encompassed almost 500,000 acres (2,000 km2) and 60,000 head of cattle. The Spade is one of Nebraska's oldest and most expansive ranches. The ranch continues to operate as a traditional open grazing ranch.
Do
Stop in at any of the numerous Dude Ranches in this region and have a home cooked meal on the plains. The adventurous may want to try Kayaking on the Niobrara River. Hop over to Sidney and catch a show at the Cabaret Theatre.
Eat
Nebraska is known for its beef. While most of it is processed in Omaha, a lot of it is raised on ranches in the panhandle. This area is known for its authentic cowboy-style meals. Portions tend to be large and the food is heavy. Also Rocky Mountain Oysters are a popular and sometime humorous dish to consume in the Panhandle. They are fried bull testicles. Eating them is generally a sign of fertility and courage. Runzas, a German bread pocket full of beef and vegetables, are also popular throughout this region.
Drink & nightlife
One thing to observe while ordering a beer in Nebraska is that beer poured into a glass is usually referred to as a draw.
Go next
The Panhandle region of Nebraska is usually passed through on the way to Mount Rushmore National Memorial if you're coming from Texas or on the way to Yellowstone if you are coming from the Eastern Seaboard. To the north lie the Black Hills, Rapid City and the South Dakota Badlands. The panhandle lies on the far western edge of the Nebraska's Sand Hills.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.