From May 1 to September 30, participants can visit 70 unique stops grouped into 10 quirky themed categories like “Lactose Tolerant” (cheese and dairy), “Her Way” (women-owned businesses), “America’s Artland” (arts scene and creative districts) and “Lasso Lane” (cowboy culture). The 2025 tours include everything from historic landmarks to offbeat museums, state parks, pizza pubs and bookstores. 

Highlights include a slate of female-led businesses, local eateries and a fresh focus on Nebraska’s growing Creative Districts, from Kearney’s expanded Museum of Nebraska Art to McCook’s Embers Bakery and Ogallala’s Eccentric Lamb Fiber Arts. 

Other categories include “Activate Yourself” (active activities), “Coloriffic” (color-inspired spots), “Culture Cluster” (heritage sites), “Eat, Shop, Repeat” (local restaurants and shops) and “Growth Spurt” (agriculture). 

In 2024, nearly 50,000 people requested a booklet and 1,085 explored all 70 stops. Together, participants racked up more than 145,000 check-ins statewide. The secret to the program’s success? It changes every year. 

Atkinson resident Deb Ecklund is inspired by the passport stops every year. She visited every destination on her passport from 2014 to 2024 and this year, she plans to cap her adventures at a cool 50. 

“We still visit many of our favorite past stops that were on the passport in 2015, like Red Door Coffee in West Point,” Ecklund said. “If it weren’t for the passport program, I’d probably just drive right by.” 

Ecklund says that, like her, the dedicated passport travelers “take this thing seriously.” She travels with intention, calls businesses ahead of time and plans her road trip meticulously. 

In past years, she has adventured solo, with her husband or with friends. From 2011 to 2014, she visited stops with her granddaughter. “It was a special memory to travel together and show her places around Nebraska that she’d never visit,” Ecklund said. 

No two passports are the same. One year, travelers are knocking down pins at Burgie’s Bowling in Chappell and hopping on bikes from Beatrice’s Big Blue Bike Company. The next, they’re treasure hunting at the Happy Dackle Market in Mitchell or flipping through novels at The Cenacle Bookstore and Cafe in Auburn – one of many indie booksellers on this year’s “Tale Trail.” 

Travelers can download the Passport app or request a physical booklet to track their visits. With each adventure, collect a digital or physical stamp for a chance to win prizes. Hit 10 stops and earn $5 in Nebraska Lottery coupons and a commemorative magnet, 25 stops for a Visit Nebraska calendar and 50 stops for a canvas tote. Visit all to win a Passport champion package: T-shirt, tote bag, seed packet and lottery vouchers. 

The Nebraska Passport isn’t just about getting somewhere – it’s about wandering well. For those ready to explore, visit nebraskapassport.com to request a booklet or download the app. Then, start the engines and get ready to explore your own state with fresh eyes.