National Lands: Nebraska

English: Covered Wagon On Oregon Trail In Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located in the northwest corner of Nebraska. It is north of Scottsbluff and not near any interstate. Visitors can explore the area and see the fossils and hike the trails. The Scotts Bluff National Monument is also in this area. It is located just outside the city and north of Interstate 80. The bluff is 800 feet tall and served as a landmark for travelers on the California, Mormon and Oregon Trails. Visitors can hike or drive to the top of the bluff. Close to the South Dakota border in the middle of the state is the Niobrara National Scenic River which has over 200 waterfalls. Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are available as well as hiking. A Class II rapid is available in the spring. The Missouri National Recreation River forms the eastern border of the state. Fishing, boating and hiking are available. The center is in Yankton and the closest interstate is Interstate 29 which is to the east. The Homestead National Monument of America honors the Homestead Act of 1862. Hiking trails and exhibits are available. The park is in the southeast corner of the state south of Interstate 80 near the Kansas border.

Many trails are in the Nebraska area. Covering ten states in the California National Historic Trail. In Nebraska the trail basically follows the Platte River with Interstate 80 to the south. Running through eleven states is the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, which follows the Missouri River in this state with Interstate 29 to the east of the river. In five states is the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail which also follows the Plate River. The Oregon National Historic Trail runs through seven States following the Platte River for most of its journey. The Pony Express National Historic Trail commemorates the method of mail delivery over eight states from Missouri to California. The trail follows the same path as the Oregon Trail.