10 Incredible Almost Unbelievable Facts About Nebraska

Nebraska is truly a fascinating place, and there is so much to be learned about our great state! For example, did you know any of these incredible, almost unbelievable facts about Nebraska?

In 1927, Edwin E. Perkins of Hastings invented the kid-favorite powdered drink, Kool-Aid.

Allen/Flickr

Nebraska was once called “The Great American Desert.”

Walt Hubis/Flickr

Which is ironic because Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state.

NET Nebraska/Flickr

And even the world’s largest indoor rain forest: The Lied Jungle at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.

Mia, Luca, Max and Josh A/Flickr

Nebraska’s Chimney Rock was the landmark most often mentioned in journal entries by travelers on the Oregon Trail.

Doug Kerr/Flickr

The Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings was the largest U.S. ammunition plant, providing 40% of WWII’s ammunition.

Waymarking

The world’s largest hand-planted forest is Halsey National Forest near Thedford, which covers over 90,000 acres.

Nebraska Tourism

Journey to Western Nebraska

The 9-1-1 system of emergency communication, now used across the country, was developed and first used in Lincoln.

Brian Williams/Flickr

Marlon Brando’s mother gave Henry Fonda acting lessons at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

cepatri/Flickr

In Blue Hill, no female wearing a “hat that would scare a timid person” can be seen eating onions in public - it’s the law.

matt/Flickr

Pretty surprising stuff, right? Do you know of any more fun facts about Nebraska? Share them with us!