Back Issues

• State of the Art The Museum of Nebraska Art reopeans in Kearney, doubling in size to express Nebraska identity through bold architecture and immersive exhibits. by Ariella Nardizzi
• The Final Hunt At Massacre Canyon in 1873, the Pawnee Nation’s last bison hunt ended in tragedy. What endured is a legacy of resilience and remembrance. by Ron Soodalter
• The Great Nebraska Stampede This year’s Nebraska Passport includes 70 stops of fun. Explore vibrant creative districts, creameries and heritage sites. by Ariella Nardizzi

On the Cover On Aug. 5,1873, the Pawnee Nation set out on their last sacred bison hunt. What ensued was a deadly battle at present day Massacre Canyon. Story begins on page 28. photograph by Chris Helzer at Niobrara Valley Preserve

• Whooping Cranes Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg follows the whooping cranes migration, compiling the best images in his new book, Into Whooperland. story by Alan J. Bartels, photography byMichael Forsberg
• Villasur Massacre A 1720 Spanish expedition into the Nebraska Territory ends with a bloody battle at the confluence of the Platte and Loup Rivers. by Ron Soodalter
• Winter Greenhouse Surrounded by frost and snow, the Lorenzen greenhouse grows crops all year long, powered by a simple 10-inch squirrel fan. by Ariella Nardizzi
• Omaha Beef The nation’s oldest active indoor football team drives for another undefeated season in 2025 at the Slaughterhouse in Ralston. story by Tim Trudell, photography by John and Katie Myers

• Winter Reading Roundup Nebraska Life’s picks of recent books will fill your winter hours with heartwarming stories, tales of perseverance and architectural wonders. by Lisa Truesdale and Ariella Nardizzi
• Cornhusker State on Canvas Ashley Spitsnogle memorializes the Husker’s 400th sellout game at Memorial Stadium, one of many live paintings from the Elkhorn artist. by Ariella Nardizzi
• Frontier Matriarchs Many took advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862 to claim land in the Nebraska Territory, but few were owned by women who overcame societal barriers to become pioneers of the Great Plains. by Ariella Nardizzi
• Following the Eve Bowring Trail Sandhills ranch shines on with treasures and shadows of Nebraska’s pioneering first female U.S. senator. story by Matthew Spencer photographs by Chris Amundson

• The Long, Hard Winter The first blizzard hit on Dec. 13, 2022, the start of 120 consecutive days of blistering snow across the Nebraska Sandhills. story and photographs by Nicole Louden
• Small Town Vintage ReMain in Springfield brings new life to antique wares and vintage home goods, revitalizing Main Street’s corner store. story and photographs by Becky McCarville
• From Farm to Fork In Waterloo, Ellsworth Crossing celebrates Nebraska farmers by featuring over 100 different farmers, ranchers and producers. story and photographs by Tim Trudell
• Homemade Heartland Delights Explore these eight Nebraska-made products and businesses just in time for the holiday season. by Ariella Nardizzi

• Equipping the Huskers Behind-the-scenes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, equipment managers ready Husker teams for practice, game day and travel. story by Brady Oltmans / photographs by Jeremy Buss
• Outlaw Sam Bass After a successful $60,000 haul in Big Springs, Sam Bass and his crew faced off against the law, unknowingly betrayed by one of their own. by Ron J. Jackson, Jr.
• Buck’s Bar Venice’s only bar brings big crowds as new musicians and talented artists perform each weekend. story by Jackie Fox / photographs by Jeremy Buss
• Photographer Don Brockmeier For over 40 years, photographer Don Brockmeier has found serenity as he documents Frontier County wildlife and nature near his home in Eustis. story by Tom Hess / photographs by Don Brockmeier

• Sweet Prairie Hay Twenty years of raking hay stirs up memories and traditions at an Ellsworth ranch.
• story and photographs by Nicole Louden
• Here’s the Scoop From classic flavors to new creations, these Nebraska ice cream shops serve up delicious frozen treats. by Alan J. Bartels
• Dragstrip Diaries Time slows down for 4-second runs as drivers line up to race at Kearney Raceway Park. by Cheyenne Rowe
  Road Trip with Dennis From Burwell to Crawford, a Nebraska road trip brings a friend home to his favorite hunting spot. by Janice Golka
• Healing on Horseback The horses at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy in Gretna offer support, skills and training for participants with a range of abilities. by Tim Trudell

• Honoring the Fallen South Sioux City remembers the military heroes, far and close to home, who gave their lives for their country. by Tim Trudell & Tom Hess / photographs by Lori Risdal
• Living History In a summertime blast from the past, living-history events keep heritage and culture alive at these Nebraska forts, museums and farms. by Lauren Warring
• When Cows Wear Hats What started with a wreath of purple flowers and a favorite cow named Velma is now an award-winning photography collection from a photographer on a Sandhills farm. by Nicole Louden / photographic art by Audrey Powles
• Cornhusker State Games From toddlers to great-grandparents, athletes compete across Nebraska for Cornhusker gold this summer. by Cheyenne Rowe
• Nebraska Passport To celebrate its 15th year, Nebraska Passport adds fan-favorite stops with one-of-a-kind collectibles exclusive to passport travelers. by Lauren Warring
  

• Calving Season The author, new to farm life, couldn’t grasp what had just emerged after a calf was born. The sight froze her, until her husband yelled for help. Essay and photographs by Nicole Louden
• OMAHA STRONGMEN Chapter 1: The Cowboy Mayor Twenty-year Omaha Mayor “Texas Jim” Dahlman earned his reputation for fearlessness, and the respect of a crime boss, by hunting lost cattle in a Sandhills blizzard. By Ron L. Jackson, Jr.
• Chapter 2: The Old Gray Wolf Crime boss Tom Dennison ruled for decades through terror and cunning, and James Dahlman was his hand-picked mayor. By Ron Soodalter
• River Dance Sandhill cranes make a balletic show while pair bonding, entwining their long necks and calling to one another. By Tom Hess
  

• Harvest of Ideas Center-pivot sprinklers, Square Turn tractors, Vice-Grips, even flat iron steak – Nebraskans grow agriculture worldwide by solving problems at home. by Alan J. Bartels
• From Ranch to Mansions When his parents’ Alliance ranch began to fail, Dan Nelson turned to a new line of work – wallpaper designs – and new heights: Paris apartments, Christian Dior stores and celebrity homes. by Tim Trudell
• Ice Eagles Once a rare sight, America’s bird, the bald eagle, proved tenacious, and with a little help, is on the rise in Nebraska. by Tom Hess
• Forging a Faith Faith is forged in the fires of tribulation, something pioneers with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints knew when they founded Winter Quarters, the first city in Nebraska, and for many, their final resting place. by Matt Masich
• Winter Reading Roundup Nebraska Life’s pick of recent books will fill your winter hours with tales of survival, flights of fantasy and overcoming adversity. by Lisa Truesdale and Tom Hess

On the Cover After almost disappearing decades ago, eagles soar across Nebraska in far greater numbers to the delight of the state’s photographers. photography by Don Brockmeier

• Scented Stocking Stuffers Santa sweetens Nebraska homes for the holidays with help from Cornhusker families who create lavender, wood and “bay rum” scents in candles, soaps, aftershave and bath bombs. by Cheyenne Rowe
• Looking Close at Cather Red Cloud celebrates the 150th birthday of its Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Willa Cather, who is remembered in the same class as other American literary greats for her novels that memorialize Great Plains pioneers. essay by Ashley Olson
• Block 16 Restaurant Paul and Jess Urban created what a national food critic called the “best burger in America,” a review that helped put their downtown Omaha restaurant on the nation’s culinary map. by Tom Hess
• Nebraska’s Peaks Nebraska’s summits are not mountains, but peaks – jewels nestled throughout the state. For those with curiosity and adventure in their hearts, there is a range of beauty to be found in our vast landscape.story by Matthew Spencer photographs by Steve and Bobbi Olson
  

On the Cover Nebraska’s famed author, Willa Cather, didn’t always smile for the camera, but on this occasion, it was her 63rd birthday, Dec. 7, 1936. photography credit: National Willa Cather Center

• County Capitals, Part Two A true testament to the grit and determination of the pioneer spirit, many of Nebraska’s county courthouses stand today to tell the stories and pride of the past. Take a photographic tour across the state in the second installment of Nebraska Life’s County Capitals series. by Alan J. Bartels
• Haunted Hollow Indian Cave State Park is the perfect place for some spooky seasonal exploring. In this reprint from our archives, hike and bike 22 miles of scenic trails, right alongside a certified ghost town, St. Deroin, with a past as haunting as it is interesting. Did hot-tempered Joseph Deroin deserve to die over a $6 hog? by Alan J. Bartels
• Sidney’s Unbeatable Spirit The town of Sidney has a storied history filled with dramatic changes, Wild West adventures and a people fighting to preserve the past, while reaching toward the future. Dive deep and venture to Sidney, saying “hello” to local establishments and unique people on the way. by Megan Feeney
• Humboldt’s Cancer Memorial Garden One family’s loss inspired a garden of hope, reflection and peace. Take a stroll along the cancer-ribbon shaped pathway, enjoy art installations through every turn and stop to smell the roses. by Lauryn Higgins
  

• Woody’s Airboat Tours Nothing says “Nebraska” quite like spending summer weekends airboating on the Platte River. One Fremont duo has turned their way of life into work, but relishes the river life more than the money. Experience the laidback lifestyle and dive in. by Cheyenne Rowe
• Healing Lavender A family-run lavender farm in western Nebraska has promoted healing for owner Stephanie Anderson by giving her an outlet to grow a new passion project into a thriving business. Stop in and smell the lavender in this sweet-smelling tale. by Megan Feeney
• Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway Pack up your road-trip essentials and take this 231- mile drive along Nebraska’s Highway 12 from Willis to Valentine. While there might not be any old-time outlaws in these parts, we reckon the history in Ponca, a good burger in Butte, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall at Smith Falls State Park and the scenic Missouri and Niobrara rivers might have stories to tell. by Cheyenne Rowe
• Glacier Creek Prairie Native prairie grasses, wildflowers and the accompanying zen they create are present in this 525-acre space in northwest Omaha. A pair of prairie pros are trying their best to get it back to what it once was, and to let it be a space for people to enjoy. story and photographs by Becky McCarville
• Summer Sunsets This time of year is one of the best for staying awake and experiencing the magic of Nebraska sunsets. Sit back, relax and check out this photographic collection of summer sunsets submitted by subscribers all over the state. by Cheyenne Rowe

On the Cover An abandoned home near Denton slowly falls to ruin on the prairie. photograph by Eric Johnson