Landforms of Illinois Natural Landforms in Kansas Landforms of Nebraska

by Colette Stichler All many people know of Nebraska is cornfields. While the state is made of thousands of acres of just that, it also has river valleys, bluffs, buttes, open prairie, grasslands and rock formations that have been landmarks since the days of the pioneers. Much of the land that people recognize as quintessential "Nebraska" -- flat, vast cornfields -- lies along the state-long Interstate 80. But once travelers get off that highway, they'll find a surprising Nebraska. One way to see more of the state is to travel one of Nebraska's nine scenic byways, many of which run through more diverse landscapes and past famous landmarks.

Rock Formations

Southwest Nebraska has lots of stunning rock formations that have been around, literally, since the days of the covered wagon. The most famous may be Chimney Rock, which stood as a beacon for westward wagons and pioneers. Today, an interpretive center near the rock tells visitors the history of the landmark. Jail Rock and Courthouse Rock were also pioneer monuments and, though less famous than Chimney Rock, they're equally important in terms of history. The town of Bridgeport, Nebraska, near the rocks, says on its website that many pioneers were so enthralled by the sight of the two rocks that they went miles out of their way to take in the natural behemoths. Today, all three rocks are within driving distance of one another.

The Sandhills

The Sandhills are certainly made of sand, but they're covered with acres upon acres of tall, waving grass, making them a sight to behold from a two-lane highway. The Sandhills cover the Ogallala Aquifer, a giant underground source of water that covers 80 percent of Nebraska. The Sandhills themselves cover the central part of Nebraska, and stretch to just north of Interstate 80 on the south and from there to the northernmost border of the state. The eastern boundary is around Grand Island and stretches north from there and on the south ends just before the Nebraska panhandle.

Wildcat Hills

North of North Platte, Nebraska, the Wildcat Hills are a singular landscape in the state. Buttes, grass prairie and woodlands are all part of the more than 1,000 acres of rugged terrain. The region overlooks the North Platte River valley and the Scotts Bluff National Monument. More than four miles of trails weave through the park, which are best used during the daylight hours. A campsite is available for travelers who want to stay in the area overnight.

Ancient river rock deposits carried to the area 60 million years ago formed the rugged landscape, and a nature center in the area tells more about how the landscape was formed. An observation deck offers panoramic views of the region.

River Valleys

The Platte River and Niobrara River offer two different options for outdoor adventure. The Platte is a shallow, muddy river and in central Nebraskais home of a popular experience in the spring when the Sandhill crane migration takes place. Tourists can watch thousands of birds land on the water at sunset or take off each dawn from the river valley near Kearney. The Niobrara River is one of the state's most popular spots for summertime outdoorspeople interested in canoeing, kayaking and tubing. It also offers scenery and lots of camping areas.

Colette Stichler is a writer and public relations professional living in eastern Nebraska. She enjoys covering arts and culture, fashion and travel.
[null, {"document_url": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/landforms-nebraska-1220.html", "unformatted_src": "images/left_arrow.png", "src": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/images/left_arrow.png", "formatted_filename": "left arrow"}, null, {"document_url": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/landforms-nebraska-1220.html", "unformatted_src": "https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/100x100/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/251/32/78391257_XS.jpg", "src": "https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/100x100/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/251/32/78391257_XS.jpg", "formatted_filename": "XS"}, {"document_url": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/landforms-nebraska-1220.html", "unformatted_src": "images/right_arrow.png", "src": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/images/right_arrow.png", "formatted_filename": "right arrow"}, null, {"document_url": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/landforms-nebraska-1220.html", "unformatted_src": "https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/100x100/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/121/111/dv030504_XS.jpg", "src": "https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/100x100/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/121/111/dv030504_XS.jpg", "formatted_filename": "dv XS"}, null, {"document_url": "https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/landforms-nebraska-1220.html", "unformatted_src": "https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/560x560/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/153/138/dv030470.jpg", "src": "https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/560x560/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/153/138/dv030470.jpg", "formatted_filename": "dv", "alt_text": "The famous Chimney Rock."}, null]