With the United States celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s a good time to also explore the history of Nebraska.
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Soldiers drilling at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. The U.S. military post was important to the early fur trade, river traffic and relations between traders and Native American tribes.
Reenactor Shane Johnson of Columbus, Neb., relaxes on the front porch of the commanding officer’s quarters at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. It served as an infantry outpost during the Plains Indian Wars.
The house at the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park was called "The Mansion on the Prairie" by locals.
Reenactors pose in the old blacksmith shop at Fort Kearny. It once served as a home station for Pony Express riders and Pawnee Scouts, operating until 1871.
The visitors center at Ash Hollow State Historical Park. People can also get a good look at Ash Hollow Cave, where early peoples camped for several thousand years.
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City welcomes tree lovers and other visitors throughout the year.
The Hubbard Rhino Barn at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. This park was once the site of an ancient watering hole, where innumerable animals were entombed in volcanic ash.
The reconstructed East Ranch at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park in Jefferson County was a stop on the Oregon Trail and a Pony Express Station in the mid-1800s.
Bowring Ranch State Historical Park in Cherry County. The ranch home displays fine antique china, crystal and silver, along with memorabilia from the Bowrings’ days in public service.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of May 2026
A storm that caused a tornado warning is seen south of Dodge Street as severe weather hit Omaha, on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Greg Abel, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, poses for photos with shareholders during the 2026 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Shopping Day at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Omaha Skutt's Pierce Havens (1) fails to stop Omaha Roncalli's Will Preston (16) from attempting a shot on goal during the first half of a high school boys soccer district final match in Omaha, on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Fans celebrate in the foreground as Nebraska's Will Jesske (13) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam during the third inning of a college baseball game against Iowa at Haymarket Park, in Lincoln on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Nebraska's Dylan Carey (15) autographs a baseball for a young fan after the Huskers defeated Iowa, 15-11, at Haymarket Park, in Lincoln on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Georgetown's AJ Solomon (42) throws to first base after tagging out Creighton's Nick Venteicher (12) at second base during the seventh inning of a college baseball game at Charles Schwab Field, in Omaha on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Nebraska's Tucker Timmerman (32) pitches during the ninth inning of a college baseball game against Iowa at Haymarket Park, in Lincoln on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Nebraska players react as they are announced as the four seed during the NCAA softball tournament selection show at Bowlin Stadium, in Lincoln on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Omaha firefighters battle a semi trailer that caught fire near 78th and I Streets in Omaha, on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Omaha firefighters battle a semi trailer that caught fire near 78th and I Streets in Omaha, on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Omaha firefighters battle a semi trailer that caught fire near 78th and I Streets in Omaha, on Monday, May 11, 2026.
A Douglas County sheriff's deputy is seen near 1915 Washington St.. after a shooting that left a man dead and a Douglas County sheriff's deputy injured in Omaha, on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Numerous law enforcement officers are near 1915 Washington St.. after a shooting that left a man dead and a Douglas County sheriff's deputy injured in Omaha, on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Numerous law enforcement officers are in front of 1915 Washington St.. after a shooting that left a man dead and a Douglas County sheriff's deputy injured in Omaha, on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Millard West’s Hudson Brubaker runs in the 4x100 meter in the Metro Conference track finals at Omaha Burke in Omaha, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Elkhorn South’s Ava Hamilton holds her dog, Nova, in between events at the Metro Conference track finals at Omaha Burke in Omaha, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Dewayne Wabasha, left, and Terri Grant speak about Ashleigh Wabasha, who was murdered in 2022 during an Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples Awareness event at the Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Omaha firefighters battle a fire at a duplex at 4717 S 19 St. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Omaha firefighters battle a fire at a duplex at 4717 S 19 St. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Jason Brilz
Omaha Skutt players mob Omaha Skutt’s Charlie Diederich (14) after he had a walk-off two-run single during a Nebraska Class B quarterfinal boys state baseball tournament game, at Werner Park in Papillion, on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Zaire Mitchell, 7, enjoys the splash pad at Gallagher Park 2936 N 52nd St. in Omaha, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Oregon's Ryan Cooney (12) fields a ground ball hit by Nebraska's Joshua Overbeek (4) during a Big Ten Baseball tournament semifinal game at Charles Schwab Field in in Omaha, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Oregon's Ryan Cooney (12) fields a ground ball hit by Nebraska's Joshua Overbeek (4) during a Big Ten Baseball tournament semifinal game at Charles Schwab Field in in Omaha, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Nebraska's Mac Moyer (17) can’t catch this double off the bat of Oregon's Ryan Cooney (12) during the first inning of a Big Ten Baseball tournament semifinal game at Charles Schwab Field in in Omaha, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
