The Cornhusker State of Nebraska!
We spent four days and three nights in Nebraska and there was a lot more to do and see than I was anticipating. First, we drove down the northwest portion of the state and spent the night in Chadron. Next day, we drove to the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. There is a small visitor center with several exhibits and a short movie. My favorite part was a depiction of the history of the United States painted onto a buffalo hide. Outside there were signs warning about rattle snakes so we stepped carefully and quickly!
Next up, just a few miles down the road, was Scotts Bluff – a very interesting natural formation. You can drive to the top on a short-paved road and have magnificent views of the surrounding area. An approaching storm chased us off quickly, but we were then able to go down and enjoy the visitor center. They have a covered wagon with interpreters to talk about the Oregon Trail.
As a surprise, not too far away, was Chimney Rock. Again, an approaching storm chased us off quickly, but not before we got to get pretty close and get some nice photos.
To finish the day, we wound up in North Platte, NE. This was the original reason for us to even be in Nebraska. Months previously, my mom and I were in a local thrift shop and I was buying a book. The lady at the register started talking about this amazing book that her book club had just finished reading and she recommended it to me. It was called – Once Upon a Town by Bob Greene.
It is the story of the residents of North Platte during World War II and the canteen they set up for passing troop trains. The canteen was staffed by volunteers and was open from 12/25/1941 to 4/1/1946. The troops were provided food, drinks, and entertainment – all of which had been donated by volunteers in the community. It is a relatively short book and it is very well written. This book would be appropriate for high school students and is a great slice of life book for the history of that time period. It was a very interesting review of what life (rural life) was like in the states during the war. It is an incredible part of our history that I don’t think many people know about and I don’t know if it could be repeated today.
At North Platte, we first went to see the Golden Spike. This is an observation tower overlooking the largest rail yard in the world! It is a must see for any train enthusiast. They run 24/7 so there is always activity. They have various displays up about various points in the history of the Pacific Union rail, including the Orphan Train and the North Platte Canteen. Both of these have PBS documentaries that would be suitable for any age, but they might not hold the interest of younger students.
That evening, we went to see the site of the North Platte Canteen. The building was torn down in the 70’s, but there is a marker and flag at the location of the original site. This is just down the road from the Golden Spike tower. After the book was released, there was an effort to revitalize downtown into what is now the Canteen District with some various shops and restaurants.
The next morning, we stayed in North Platte for a bit to see Buffalo Bill’s house, Scout’s Rest Ranch! This is an old Victorian style house with various displays about Buffalo Bill and his famous Wild West Show. There is also a barn to explore and small pond on the property.
Next, we drove down I-80 (the most heavily traveled interstate in the US) to Kearney -home of the Archway. This was a random find on my part, but such a delight to experience. It is a museum about westward expansion, starting with the pioneers on the Oregon Trail and then showing travel by trains and finally travel by car on the interstate. The most unique feature is that the museum in housed in an arch spanning I-80. At the end is a small window (with a speedometer set up) and you can watch the cars and trucks go speeding by! The museum is well done with scenes set up making it very engaging for younger children. You are provided a headset for the audio portion of the tour which you can use or not use. Each section has a number for the audio portion if you come across something particular that you want to hear.
The gift shop was very impressive with mostly local handmade items for sale. This includes quilts, woodwork, knitting, etc. We purchased a number of handmade items to support the community, as well as to have a lovely remembrance for our trip.
Out front there are several statues, one of which has two boys on a horse with arrow injuries (one arrow connects the two boys). This is a statue commemorating an Indian attack in 1864 on the Martin farm. Both boys survived and their tale is told in a short book you can find in the gift shop titled The Martin Brothers by David L. Biehl, who was the sculptor of the statue.
Our last day in Nebraska was spent at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Lied Lodge is associated with the park and was a very nice place to stay with a restaurant on site. Arbor Lodge is a historic home built in 1855, but renovated and currently styled in an early 19 th century style. The house was originally built and occupied by J. Sterling Morton who served as Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland and originated Arbor Day! There are 270 varieties of trees and shrubs on the property. Additionally, the home was occupied by Sterling’s son – Joy Morton who founded Morton Salt Company. Around the house you will find fun facts about salt everywhere. The house is a beautiful example of a fancy home for this time and even has a bowling alley!
In the gift shop, I found a book by a local author called Love at First Light. This would best be described as historic Christian fiction, but is more a book of self-discovery and growth for our main character. She evolves from a city girl dependent on the finer things of life and the comforts of city life to an independent woman in rural Nebraska. It is a great slice of life book for what living on the edge of civilization meant in the post-Civil War America of 1868. It shows the strength of a small community. This would be an appropriate book for a high school student (below I have a short parental guide). The family of Arbor Lodge is mentioned in the book making for an interesting connection to our trip since we visited the property.
Nebraska has a lot to offer and is overlooked by many being one of the least visited states in the US. There is some wonderful history and vistas in the state that make a trip down I-80 well worth the time and effort. Also, the beginning of our journey was only a few hours drive from Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park in South Dakota – another not to miss destination Parental Guide to Love at First Light: As I said earlier, this is much more of a slice of life, self-discover book than a romance. The main character is a lady of the 1860’s with the language and narrative reflective of that time and her position in society. There is no sex, smut, or spice. The Civil War is discussed with some mention of battles and post battle injury – but nothing graphic.
RATINGS:
Once Upon a Town
Love at First Light
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The most adult plot point is the fact that the main character’s brother was married, but his wife and infant child had recently died. At one point, it is revealed that the child was not his and he married his wife in part because she was already pregnant. It is implied that this pregnancy was a result of rape, likely by his wife’s father. While the wife and infant’s deaths are a major plot and growth point for the brother, the details are very briefly discussed. As a result of the brother’s grief, he turns to alcohol (sleepy drunk, never violent) and overcomes this over the course of the book.