Nebraska is located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha. Nebraska probably gets its name from the archaic Otoe words Ñí Brásge, or the Omaha Ní Btháska, meaning "flat water," after the Platte River that flows through the state. American Indian tribes in Nebraska have included the Iowas, Omahas, Missourias, Poncas, Pawnees, Otoes, and various branches of the Sioux. Once considered part of the Great American Desert (actually highly biodiverse and beautiful prairie land), it is now a leading farming and ranching state, boasting some of the finest beef to be found in the Western Hemisphere.

Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton. The National Arbor Day Foundation has its headquarters near his home in Nebraska City. Nebraska Huskers football influences many of Nebraska's residents. During home football games, Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, with a capacity of 85,500, becomes larger than Nebraska's 3rd largest city. The Omaha Zoo is one of the best in the country, and features the nation’s largest indoor rainforest, among many other exciting attractions. Downtown Omaha is an exceptionally good location for conferences, with affordable prices, a wide selection of fine dining, the world-class Joslyn Art Museum (with an exquisite collection housed in an equally exquisite building), great shopping, top-notch performing arts centers, and a beautiful river walk.

So don’t make the mistake of underestimating this fascinating and very beautiful place. Nebraska is filled with great opportunities, culture and entertainment, and plenty of truly friendly people.