My impressions of Nebraska (Lincoln, Grand Island: live in, vacation, trees)

[knrstz]

So I went to the black hills for vacation over 4th of July weekend. Currently I live in Wichita, KS and grew up in OKC. I've only been to Nebraska once, it was a flight into Lincoln and back out in the same day. I pretty much considered this my first trip to Nebraska. I drove up HWY 81 to I-80 west to 385 N, through Chadron. On the way back I drove hwy 83 to I-80 East. Overall, I was very impressed with Nebraska. Yes, it's extremely desolate but also very pretty. The entire time along I-80 following the Platt River provided some very pretty topography. I don't know if it's irrigation or heavy rainfall, but the entire state was exteremely green. It appears a large portion of the state is filled with rolling hills. The Neb national forrest as you approach Chadron was very pretty. Overall, I think Nebraska gets a bad rap. No it's not breath taking like parts of Colorado or Wyoming, however it appears to be much prettier than Kansas. I really liked it. I wish there were some decent cities in the Western part of the state. However, I just wanted to say that in the future if I'm driving through that part of the state, I know I won't dread it like I do I-70 west heading into Colorado.

[SCentralNEGuy]

Originally Posted by knrstz

So I went to the black hills for vacation over 4th of July weekend. Currently I live in Wichita, KS and grew up in OKC. I've only been to Nebraska once, it was a flight into Lincoln and back out in the same day. I pretty much considered this my first trip to Nebraska. I drove up HWY 81 to I-80 west to 385 N, through Chadron. On the way back I drove hwy 83 to I-80 East. Overall, I was very impressed with Nebraska. Yes, it's extremely desolate but also very pretty. The entire time along I-80 following the Platt River provided some very pretty topography. I don't know if it's irrigation or heavy rainfall, but the entire state was exteremely green. It appears a large portion of the state is filled with rolling hills. The Neb national forrest as you approach Chadron was very pretty. Overall, I think Nebraska gets a bad rap. No it's not breath taking like parts of Colorado or Wyoming, however it appears to be much prettier than Kansas. I really liked it. I wish there were some decent cities in the Western part of the state. However, I just wanted to say that in the future if I'm driving through that part of the state, I know I won't dread it like I do I-70 west heading into Colorado.

Well I will agree that I don't like what is termed the High Plains - I find them far too desolate. I like the Platte River Valley as well - love the trees along I-80 and the river between North Platte and Grand Island. I like parts of Eastern Kansas and the Smoky Hills of Northern Kansas which extend up to the Republican River Valley. I like the parts of the Sandhills but I dislike areas with no trees. Glad you enjoyed it I don't dislike Kansas except the western/High Plains part of it just like I don't enjoy that part of Nebraska. For the record I don't like Eastern Colorado much either for the same reason - between North Platte and the Mountains I just don't find as pretty.

[capitalcityguy]

hummm...my impression of Nebraska was more positive until I saw your Dept. of Tourism's video:

Cooter Ray Nebraska Promo -- WHO

Might want to hire a new PR firm.

[iamjacobm]

You guys can make all the jokes you want. It wont change what state Council Bluffs in in.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by iamjacobm

You guys can make all the jokes you want. It wont change what state Council Bluffs in in.

Hey now! I was just trying to have some fun and then you go and throw in a low blow like that. Play fair!

[Omahahonors]

My point of view is very biased so take it for what it is worth. Now that is out of the way, I think Nebraska is very beautiful with many different topographies and landscapes.