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LINCOLN – The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation kicked off the 2024 WanderNebraska Travel Adventure Program on Memorial Day weekend with many updates for its third year.
This year’s program features 195 sites – including the Lied Randolph Public Library – across the state of Nebraska, including 33 new locations, and will run through Nov. 30.
WanderNebraska was created to promote the work of local museums, historical societies and libraries and increase awareness of what is found at the local sites along Nebraska’s backroads and in communities that are often overlooked by the typical tourist.
“We are thrilled to kick off the third year of this pro gram,” said Leslie Fattig, the foundation’s executive director. “The fact that we have 195 organizations participating in the program shows a high level of excitement. These organizations are committed to preserving their local history and their place in the development of Nebraska. We are proud to support their work.”
Visitors may order their WanderNebraska booklet through the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation (NSHSF) website at NSHSF.org.
Booklets contain information about each site, and include a map showing the seven different regions across the state, which can be used to help visitors plan their trip.
The northeast region of Nebraska is referred to in WanderNebraska program materials as a diverse area known for its scenic beauty, including the lush forests and rolling hills of the Missouri River valley, as well as numerous state parks and recreational areas WanderNebraska calls this region the “Lewis and Clark Trailhead.”
This nickname celebrates the region’s important role in the historic expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
The region is home to numerous sites along the trail, including the Missouri River, which was a vital waterway for the explorers.
The “Trailhead” aspect of the nickname also highlights the region’s status as the starting point for many outdoor adventures, including hiking and fishing in the Niobrara River valley and hunting in the region’s expansive public lands.
Northeast Nebraska attractions that are on the WanderNebraska list of places to stop and visit this year include the Bloomfield Public Library, the Creighton Historical Center, the Hartington Public Library, the Lied Lincoln Township Library in Wausa, the Lied Randolph Public Library in Randolph, the Niobrara Museum, the Osmond Public Library and the Verdigre Public Library.
The WanderNebraska website, wandernebraska.com, is available for those who prefer to use their electronic devices.
Each listing includes the site’s name and summary, hours of operation, contact information, a Google map for directions, upcoming events and a list of nearby WanderNebraska sites.
Prizes have been brought back for the 2024 program year. They include magnets, keychains, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, books and more. Prize levels are awarded by the number of stops visited. The top five visitors will receive a special gift basket from NSHSF.
Participants register their site visits by using the booklet or scanning a QR code located at each historical location.
