Nebraska Passport 2016: Nebraska City
Nebraska City hugs the Missouri River in southeastern Nebraska. The city of about 7,900 people has been home to a lot of history – the Lewis and Clark expedition camped here, Arbor Day got its start with J. Sterling Morton and abolitionists helped run a spot along the Underground Railroad during the slavery chapter of America.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center takes a look at the Corps of Discovery’s journey along the Missouri River as the men explored the new American frontier after the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition ran 1804-06. The center overlooks the river from a bluff on about 75 acres of land. Trails cut through the trees, with some offering a clear view of the Missouri River.
Visitors can take a look at some of the animals the Corps encountered, including bison, bears, elk and prairie dogs. The animals are part of exhibits at the center.
You can take a look at a keel boat replica just outside the entrance. The explorers used different boats during their travels, including the keel and canoes.
The interpretive center also hosts reenactors, who share their love of the time period with visitors. We watched a musket shooting demonstration, as well as a man using an old fire pit as a blacksmith.
After visiting the center, we headed off to the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum. The company manufactured windmills for agricultural use for water wells during the first half of the 20th century. The museum is the last known wooden windmill factory of its kind. The museum features sections of the assembly area where employees would complete their portion of the windmill.
The Eli brand rarely had two windmills of the same style. They differed slightly during production, as customers could request the size and the height.
Before we left town, we stopped at The Keeping Room for our third Nebraska passport 2016 stamp of the trip. The store offers a plethora of antiques and home décor. Next door is a wine shop. The store has an old wooden counter in the main room.
Visitors can check out the second level, with each room well decorated and featuring items available for purchase.
After a day of checking out Nebraska City’s Passport participants, we grabbed a bite to eat at Parker’s Smokehouse. The ribs melted off the bone on my order. Lisa and I enjoyed our visit to the restaurant.
As we wrap up our look at the Nebraska Passport 2016 spots and attractions, we’re already excited for next year’s list to come out. My goal is to get out early and often, and aim to visit all 80 locations in 2017.
If you participated in the passport program this year, we hope you had a great time. If you haven’t, check it out in 2017. We’ll see you on the roads around Nebraska.
For more information on the Nebraska passport program, please visit www.nebraskapassport.com or www.visitnebraska.com.
