Back Issues

• Nebraska Rocks: Geological formations that defy physics, abundant blooms, fearsome ancient mammals, desperate pioneers and Indigenous peoples – the history of Western Nebraska is as dramatic as its landscape.
• A relative of Mari Sandoz, self-taught Sandhills artist Rachel Brownlee’s charcoal pencil drawings painstakingly depict the “living West” – and she says it’s not just her hands guiding the creation.
• Patricia “Big Mama” Barron served soul food and second chances at her North Omaha restaurant Big Mama’s Kitchen. Her family dishes up more of the same at a new North 30th Street location.
• Meatballs and lutefisk fly as Stromsburg and Oakland vie for the distinction of being Nebraska’s Swedish capital. Could it be there’s room for two?
• From Norfolk to Valentine, Becky McCarville takes on goathead thorns and extreme heat to conquer the 195-mile rails-to-trail bikepacking journey with her sister on the Cowboy Trail. Their Nebraska adventures are just beginning.
• From ranging bison to aeronautical history, unique and distinctly Nebraska golf courses across the state are worth the drive. Whether players are wearing golf pants or cowboy hats, they’re all chasing the hole-in-one fun of the golf life.
• Easy-to-assemble no-bake desserts add a heartwarming touch to the end of any meal while keeping the kitchen cool.

• Nature photographer Roy Swoboda shares remarkable Nebraska images from across the state and talks about how he started photography as a kid in Madison County. Story by Megan Feeney, photographs by Roy Swoboda.
• Championing gentler horse training in the Panhandle, horseman, artist and teacher Bern Miller is a modern-day Renaissance man who’s attracted a loyal following. Story and photographs by Joe Arterburn.
• Family-owned Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson grows wild and beautiful plants and provides job opportunities for people living in this Czech community. Story by Megan Feeney, photographs by Brooke Steffen-Kleinschmit.
• Lofte Theatre: The Born-in-a-Barn Players at this rural Manley destination bring the magic of theater to life and nurture community ties across geographical and generational divides. Story by Megan Feeney.
• Arbor Day, a tree-planting holiday, began in Nebraska City in 1872. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide. It started as the vision of Sterling Morton who sought to transform the mostly treeless prairies. Story by James J. Kimble.

• South Omaha Mural Project. Artists and community members work together to depict the rich history and culture of this thriving neighborhood. Story by Megan Feeney.
• Ice Photo Essay. Photographers from across Nebraska contribute their coolest shots to this photo essay that reflects on our state’s natural wonders and the lessons we can learn.
• Hartington Veterinarians. Erin and Ben Schroeder treat injured and sick animals, renovate historic buildings and star in a National Geographic Wild reality show that broadcasts the town of Hartington into homes around the world. Story by Megan Feeney, Photographs by Brooke Steffen-Kleinschimt.
• Charles Henry Morrill. Morrill Hall: University of Nebraska State Museum has many natural history wonders thanks to the man whose love for archaeology and commitment to fund digs in Nebraska kept them here. Story by Tim Trudell.
• 13 Architectural Curiosities. Nebraskans have built structures to protect and provide for their people, honor their history and elevate beauty in their communities – and they’ve used creative methods to get it done. Story by Megan Feeney.
• Winter Reading. Cozy up with new books featuring Nebraska connections, including a thriller set in the Sandhills, a collection of medical nonfiction mysteries by an Omaha doctor and new poetry from Ted Kooser and Marjorie Saiser. Story by Megan Feeney.
• Kitchens. Whether you’re on team cinnamon roll or team cornbread, chili combined with an oven-baked treat warms up winter days. By Danelle McCollum.

• Omaha Winter Getaways. Luxury hotels and a historic bed and breakfast are ready to host travelers on winter getaways to Nebraska’s ‘Big O.’ Story by Jennifer Troester.
• Kearney. Born along pioneer trails and iron rails, Kearney remains a crossroads where community-minded residents and business leaders work together. Story and photographs by Alan J. Bartels.
• Alliance Greenhouse. Inventive farmer Russ Finch harvests lemons and oranges in his greenhouse in winter. Story by Sheryl Schmeckpeper. Photographs by Alan J. Bartels.
• Bess Streeter Aldrich. Elmwood welcomed this newcomer who fell in love with the town and its people and immortalized them in her novels. Story and photographs by Alan J. Bartels.
• My 10 Favorite Nebraska Birding Spots. The late Dr. Paul Johnsgard depended on travel, luck and advice for birding opportunities at his favorite locations.
• Nebraska Kitchens. Enjoy a trio of brownies from The Chocolate Season in Lincoln.

• Halsey Trail Ride. Horse lovers gather for their annual reunion among the pines in the Nebraska National Forest. Story and photos by Alan J. Bartels.
• Offut Lab. Modern day heroes work to identify Americans lost during war. Story by Sarah Woodman Kansteiner.
• DeGroot’s Orchard. Drivers detour for roadside produce from Madison’s five-generation DeGroot family. Story by Nina Buck.
• Fort Calhoun Meat Market. Artisan butcher uses traditional techniques to “cure” homesickness near Omaha. Story by Jackie Fox. Photos by Kenzie Hunter Hokanson.
• Erik Johnson. Lincoln resident explores Nebraska with camera in hand seeking out stunning images on the edge of day and night. Story by Alan J. Bartels. Photos by Erik Johnson.
• Straight Arrow Bison Ranch. Bison return to their historic range in Custer County. Story and photos by Alan J. Bartels.
• Wahoo’s Famous Sons. Saunders County is blessed with more than its fair share of notable Nebraskans. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• Nebraska Kitchens. A bushel of apple recipes sweeten autumn in Nebraska. Recipes by the DeGroot family. Photos by Chris Amundson.

Explore Nebraska with this colorful and useful guide from the travel experts at Nebraska Life. Includes Nebraska’s historic sites, state parks, scenic byways and helpful information about our community attractions, dining, lodging and events.

• Norfolk’s Rocketeer. Shoe salesman Orville Carlisle kicked childhood fun up a notch with his inventive model rockets.
• Detasseling. Lessons learned in the corn last generations for Nebraska’s hardworking youngsters.
• Cherry County Refuges. Wildlife havens are welcome to people who seek refuges in the Sandhills.
• John G. Neihardt. Named Nebraska’s poet laureate a century ago, John G. Neihardt’s poetry remains impactful and relevant.

• Burwell Rodeo. The year 2021 marks 100 years of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo. The celebration continues in Burwell.
• ‘Berry’ Good Recipes. Pucker up for four berry recipes. Yum!
• Old West Balloon Fest. If Western Nebraska is Flyover Country, then there is no other place these balloon pilots and aviation fans would rather be.

• Chimney Rock. Father and child memories pass to a new generation at Nebraska landmark. Story and photos by Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston.
• County Courthouses. Architecture, history and the culture of Nebraska’s people are preserved at the seat of county government. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• Omaha Mounted Police. Equines and their two-legged partners patrol Omaha streets while trotting into the hearts of residents. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• Lincoln Foraging. Wild edibles found and harvested in Near South Neighborhood. Story and photos by Sarah Woodman Kansteiner.
• Found Underground. Fossil attractions rise to the surface and allow visitors to step into Nebraska’s ancient past. Story by Tom Hess.
• 100 Years at Chadron State Park. Nebraska’s first state park doesn’t look a day over 99. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• Bob Gibson. Omaha pitcher created homerun memories on and off the field. Story by Varro “Jack” Clarke.
• Nebraska Kitchens. This trio of tasty potato salad recipes proves there is more than one way to skin a tater.

• Photographer Rick Rasmussen. The spring migration through the Platte River Valley is sandhill crane crunch time for Grand Island photographer Rick Rasmussen. Story by Alan J. Bartels. Photographs by Rick Rasmussen.
• Astronaut Clayton Anderson. Giving up was never an option for Ashland’s space traveler. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• Spring Photo Essay. Our state’s most talented photographers zoom in on flowers, baby animals and greening spring landscapes across Nebraska.
• St. Cecilia Cathedral. Omaha’s faithful gaze up at twin limestone towers pointing to the havens as this architectural wonder looks out over the Big O. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• Nebraska Kitchens. The Cornhusker State’s classic Reuben sandwich inspires “Reubenized” recipes in time for St. Patty’s Day.

• Greatest Huskers of All Time. Experts agree: deciding the best Nebraska Cornhusker football players of all time is a coin toss. Suit up for our fantasy team roster and then tell us your favorite Cornhusker football heroes. Story by Alan J. Bartels.
• North Platte Canteen. Hometown Nebraska hospitality rode the rails from North Platte to the foreign fields of World War II. The 10-minute train stops stayed with visiting military men and women the rest of their lives. Story by Sheryl Schmeckpeper.
• Barns of Nebraska. Photographers capture rural landmarks through lofty images of days gone by.
• Middle Loup River Tanking. Winter adventures heat up downstream of Mullen during the heart of a Nebraska winter. Story and photographs by Alan J. Bartels.
• Nebraska Kitchens. Shared family recipes add a pinch of warmth to family gatherings.

• Moonrise. The rising moon and setting sun paint Hitchcock County with autumnal hues after Thanksgiving dinner. Story by Nancy Marquette Hashman. Photographs by John Neukirch.
• Warm Up to Winter. Nebraska’s most talented photographers color Nebraska Life calendars with years’ worth of winter beauty.
• Antioch: Potash Boomtown. Ancient ruins provide a glimpse into a town and industry that blossomed almost overnight during World War I. Fading memories remain a century later within the Sandhills families who live there. Story by Sheryl Schmeckpeper. Photographs by Alan J. Bartels and Joshua Hardin.
• Flavors of Court Street. Bakers, brewers and restaurateurs serve flavorful quality of life where Court Street runs through Beatrice. Story and photographs by Alan J. Bartels.
• International Quilt Museum. Just in time for winter, quilts from around the world join Nebraska’s handcrafted heritage in a one-of-a-kind museum in Lincoln. Story by Nina Buck.
• Cookie Day. Family traditions rise by the baker’s dozen when the holiday season brings loved ones together in Dakota City. Story by Jennifer Troester.

• Junk Jaunt. Relic hunters, hagglers, wheelers, dealers and colorful collectors hit the road in search of rusty gold during Central Nebraska’s 500-mile-long garage sale. One man’s junk is another’s treasure when Nebraskans clean out their attics, closets and barns. Story by Jennifer Troester. Photographs by Darin Epperly.
• Omaha Fall Foliage. With more than 4 million trees, Nebraska’s largest city lights up with a colorful seasonal kaleidoscope when autumn arrives in Omaha. Story by Alan J. Bartels. Photographs by AJ Dahm.
• Merrick Strip. Nebraska’s frontier past and a healthy dose of political wrangling combine for a cartographic oddity leaving Merrick County with an eternal thumbs up. Story by James J. Kimble. Photographs by Alan J. Bartels.
• Tumbleweeds Stand Tall. Adaptable weeds with a knack for survival roll across Nebraska like our state’s hardy pioneers. Story by Nancy Marquette Hashman.
• State Symbols. Raise a glass of Kool-Aid as we celebrate meadowlarks, mammoths, cottonwoods and the other icons that define our state. Learn how to suggest your own state symbols, too. Story by Alan J. Bartels.