In the Lord of the Rings books, Middle Earth is described as a sort of verdant paradise, where everything (with a few notable exceptions, of course) is lush and green and peaceful. When the movies came out, they did a great job of visually recreating those places we readers had so vividly imagined.
It may seem like a stretch to say that any place in Nebraska could match the rolling emerald hills of the Shire or the intense forests and sweeping plains found elsewhere in Middle Earth (or New Zealand, where the movies were filmed). But Olson Nature Preserve in Boone County – near Albion – offers a Nebraska version of Middle Earth.
Located approximately eight miles north of Albion, Olson Nature Preserve manages to encompass several different ecosystems in 112 acres.
By LoperGrad (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
This is truly a magical place, and it’s not hard to imagine little hobbits roaming these fields while on an adventure.
By LoperGrad (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By LoperGrad (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Doesn’t this tunnel of trees look just like parts of the forests that Frodo and friends had to traverse on their route?
By LoperGrad (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
The nature preserve is nestled up against Beaver Creek and sits on the easternmost edge of the sandhills. The unique environmental and topographical conditions make this a perfect place for an outdoor classroom. Local students come here to learn about the diverse natural elements represented here.
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
The absolutely majestic views are reminiscent of the sweeping vistas of the Shire…and we could definitely see taking an epic trek across the plains and dunes, headed toward adventure.
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
Luckily, we can simply enjoy Olson Nature Preserve without the pressure of having to save the world like Frodo. This place definitely belongs in a storybook.
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
There are so many spectacular places in Nebraska that I wonder if it’s possible to enjoy them all in one lifetime. Olson Nature Preserve should be on your must-visit list, whether or not you’ve already been there.
By LoperGrad (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Facebook/Prairie Plains Resource Institute
If you’d like to see even more natural marvels in Nebraska, check out this list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
