6 Natural Wonders in Nebraska You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Nebraska has more hidden wonders than you might think.

Recently, I covered some of the state’s quirkier things to do, from exploring the famous Carhenge art project to attending the Kool-Aid Days festival. The short list of beloved oddities is just the tip of the iceberg.

Nebraska is home to charming small towns, a handful of top-notch state parks, and a capital city that will keep you captivated for days on end. Though the average traveler is likely just passing through Nebraska, it’s a worthwhile destination in and of itself.

But like many other ‘fly-over’ states, there’s a huge misconception about Nebraska—that it’s flat and boring, offering little for nature lovers. That’s false for a few reasons.

First, who says prairies and grasslands aren’t drool-worthy? We love the sky to observe stars at night, but tend to write off the day for some reason.

Second, if I can’t sway you to fall in love with rolling plains, then these other natural wonders in Nebraska are sure to pique your interest. Let’s take a closer look.

6 gorgeous natural wonders in Nebraska

Oglala National Grassland

I’m starting out with those grasslands that I personally love. Oglala National Grassland is one of the most intact grassland territories left in the world, stretching over 94,000 acres. It’s located in the state’s upper northwestern corner near South Dakota and Wyoming.

Here, you’ll find unspoiled views of the horizon in each direction—it almost feels like being out on open water.

As you take on hikes through the prairie, you’ll stumble upon healthy tallgrass that reaches up to your waist, along with other surprises like the badlands. (More on this below.)

Toadstool Geological Park

At sunrise in Toadstool Geologic Park, a hiker walks across badland layers of hardened volcanic ash, clay and sandstone in the Oglala National Grassland of Nebraska. (Getty)

While most of the Oglala National Grasslands is prairie, some portions are actually home to badlands. Badlands are rugged and rocky stretches of land, home to escarpments to canyons to small hills.

They’re best experienced at Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, which is home to massive, well-preserved fossils.

You can find interpretive areas and exhibits in Toadstool that offer insights into the geological formations and the fossils discovered inside the park. There are plenty of day hikes that showcase the coolest badlands views, along with basic services like picnic areas.

Niobrara National Scenic River

Swallows flying over the Niobrara River near the Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine, Nebraska. (Getty)

The Niobrara is a large, important tributary that feeds into the Missouri River—but before the two meet, you can enjoy 76 miles of pure natural splendor. Welcome to one of the ‘longest’ natural wonders in Nebraska.

The Niobrara is a naturally quiet corridor where you won’t hear nearby highways or farms, letting you truly unwind at the riverside or out on the water.

The most popular way to enjoy the river is by floating down it, either on kayaks, canoes, or inflated tubes. The Niobrara National Scenic River area is also home to over 200 waterfalls, including the Big Cedar Falls to Smith Falls. Plus, you’ll have a fantastic view of the passing Sandhills prairie region as you explore the river.

Merritt Reservoir

It’s pure summer fun at Merritt Reservoir each year. This state recreation area comes alive each summer. Most visitors are going to camp and fish as part of their summer vacations, with a heavy emphasis on fishing.

But that’s not all. Merritt Reservoir is the stomping grounds of the annual Nebraska Star Party. In 2022, Merritt Reservoir became an official International Dark Sky Park.

That makes it ideal for stargazers and hobbyist astronomers. If you want to join the Nebraska Star Party, you can rub elbows with more practiced astronomers who are willing to teach you the basics—and maybe even take a glimpse through their telescope.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Prairie schooners at Mitchell Pass as a reproduction of Oregon tail.

When it comes to famous Oregon Trail locations, Nebraska’s top site is Chimney Rock. But let’s not forget about Scotts Bluff, which served as an important marker for pioneers heading west in the days of yore. Today, you can explore 3,000 acres of grasslands and badlands surrounding the iconic bluff.

For centuries, Scotts Bluff has served as an important landmark—first for Native American tribes, then for pioneers on the Oregon Trail and, later on, the California and Mormon Trails. Fans of history can learn more about Scotts Bluff’s role as a landmark at the visitor center.

Fort Robinson

Fowler, July 31, 2012. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

This now-defunct military fort takes you straight to an unsoiled stretch of Pine Ridge forests that span 22,000 acres. Active until the end of WWII, Fort Robinson has served many unique purposes—as a research center, as a K9 dog-training center, and even to house POWs.

Today, most guests hike and bike on the trails, go fishing in the ponds and/or creeks, and even take off-roading jeep rides. If you want to learn about Fort Robinson’s history, head to the Fort Robinson History Center and the Trailside Museum. Personally, I’d probably go for a stagecoach or horseback riding excursion to get out and explore the land.

6 Extra-Cozy Bed And Breakfasts in New York State

Lodging doesn’t get more comfortable than a bed and breakfast.

B&Bs combine the focus of a boutique hotel with the charm of a hyper-small stay.

Many bed and breakfasts are located inside decades-old mansions and manors, adding a dash of historic appeal. It’s not uncommon to find bed and breakfasts that also host small events that allow guests to gather and mingle, like tea time. Then there’s the home-stay-like feel that fosters an added sense of intimacy.

In many small but impactful ways, bed and breakfasts stand out in a world of generalized hospitality. Even if you only have a day or two, you can unwind and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Americans are pretty spoiled when it comes to the range of B&Bs at our disposal. But if you’re on the hunt for a quaint getaway with an experienced, top-tier bed and breakfast, I suggest heading to New England.

This region is chock-full of detail-oriented bed and breakfasts that will bring out your inner Lorelai Gilmore. Ready to kick up your feet at one of New England’s cutest, coolest locations?

These are the very best bed and breakfasts in New York State.

Bed and breakfasts in New York State

Lux pick: Moonshadow B&B
Budget-friendly: Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast
Nature-focused: Green Acres Retreat
Tons of character: Log Country Inn Bed and Breakfast of Ithaca
Boutique charm: Canandaigua Guesthouse
Modern twist: Stratton Creek Inn

Top 6 picks: Bed and breakfasts in New York State

Moonshadow B&B, Hammondsport

Let’s kick off the list with a five-star bed and breakfast in New York State: Moonshadow. The elevated bed and breakfast offers a perfectly balanced interior, which nails its homely B&B design by including a few modern accents. The kitchen and porch are particularly cozy, fit for slow mornings and, later on, soaking up sunsets.

According to reviews, the morning breakfasts are particularly drool-worthy, along with the lakeside views. You can see the lake from many parts of the property, including the adorable fire pit.

Los Gatos, Penn Yan

Budget-conscious travelers won’t find a better bed and breakfast than Los Gatos. Despite the reasonable prices, this is a well-oiled B&B machine with friendly, warm hosts and a cozy setup. Both the décor and the grounds are suitably charming, giving you the perfect place to unwind outside of the city.

The cherry on top? Penn Yan is close to many of New York State’s most popular wineries and breweries. There’s also a gorgeous lake where you can take a hike and enjoy the water.

Green Acres Retreat, Hancock

Cute, clean, and newly renovated, Green Acres Retreat will take you off the beaten path and straight into a charming woodland. There are outdoor areas that let you soak up the views, including a large fire pit and plenty of benches. Indoors, you’ll be able to fully unwind with new mattresses and fast Wi-Fi.

Though it’s not a traditional bed and breakfast, the common areas are a great place to unwind with fellow guests. And staff are always on-call to help you out, whether you want a special treat for a romantic escape or a little help with the electric fireplace.

Log Country Inn Bed and Breakfast of Ithaca, Spencer

Like the name suggests, the Log Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is a large, rustic structure with a log façade and interior.

Anyone who likes natural wood features will be blown away by the rooms, which include exposed log ceilings and even nooks for the beds. With stone-lined tubs large enough to fit two, this has to be one of the best places to hole up for winter with a lover.

Though I’m not usually a fan of log cabins and wood features, this might actually be my favorite pick on this list. The wood accents are beautifully done, and the design is cozy. Yet there are modern surprises throughout, from the sauna to the yoga room to the exotic tilework in the bathrooms.

Canandaigua Guesthouse, Canandaigua

Looking for a little boutique angle in your next bed and breakfast in New York State? Head to Canandaigua Guesthouse, a unique property set in a historic home that has a brand new design.

From bright wallpaper accents to its fully renovated bathrooms to its stone fireplaces, it has all the familiar elements of a cozy inn—just with a modern twist.

If you’re a little on the fence about the old-school design of many bed and breakfasts, head to Canandaigua Guesthouse. Like Green Acres Retreat, the newly updated rooms and amenities add a fresh feel to the atmosphere.

Stratton Creek Inn, Stratton

If you barely want a bed and breakfast, go for the Stratton Creek Inn. Its clean and modern design isn’t reminiscent of a traditional bed and breakfast—it almost feels like a hotel you’d find in the center of a large city’s up-and-coming neighborhood. Still, its stately wooden floors and furniture add a dash of homely charm.

Cinco de Mayo—What is the Holiday and Which Cities Celebrate In Style?

For anyone unfamiliar with Mexican holidays, Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with the Day of the Dead.

The 5^th of May is celebrated in honor of an important military victory in Puebla, Mexico, in 1862.

Here’s the short version for anyone who doesn’t like history: France’s Napoleon sought to conquer Mexico during his reign in the mid-1800s. He sent over armies, which were steadily making their way to Mexico City and other strongholds. Mexico fought back and managed a striking victory in Puebla in 1862, which sent shockwaves across the region and rallied the call for resistance.

At the time, the border between the US and Mexico was still particularly porous, meaning many of those original Cinco de Mayo festivities took place in California, New Mexico, and Arizona.

In fact, the very first Cinco de Mayo celebrations were held in Columbia, California.

Over the decades, Cinco de Mayo has remained an important holiday in the US. (It’s also celebrated in Puebla, Mexico, as a military commemoration.)

It brings people together to eat, drink, and be merry—maybe, at some point, someone brings up the Battle of Puebla. But probably not.

I think of Cinco de Mayo as a celebration and acknowledgement of the Mexican-American experience. It gives Americans the chance to learn more about Mexican heritage and highlights just how long our cultures have been intertwined… just in a casual way that involves community, great food, and cold drinks.

If you want to learn more about the holiday, I recommend reading through this surprisingly on-point article from the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, onto the fun stuff—like which US cities have the best Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Cities with great Cinco de Mayo celebrations

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis’s Cherokee Street is one of its liveliest downtown centers. Each year, the street comes alive with live performances, including music and lucha libre events, along with tons of Mexican vendors. There’s also a family-friendly area where kids can play games and enjoy treats. Oh, and there’s also a mechanical bull.

Arlington, Texas

Saint Louis’s Cinco de Mayo celebration on Cherokee Street is family-friendly, but Arlington’s Cinco de Mayo fete is a little more involved. Dozens of popular restaurants, bars, and clubs create special Cinco de Mayo menus and programs, from DJ sets to Mexican vendors. It’s a little heavier on the drinking, so make sure you plan your celebrations with transportation in mind.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

You can choose from a few high-profile block parties and special menus to celebrate Mexico’s defeat of Napoleon’s army. Best of all, most are within walking distance, letting you enjoy a Cinco de Mayo block party-crawl. The most famous spots that host DJ sets and mariachi performances are Rocco’s Tacos and El Camino.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Similar to Arlington, you can choose from a few different Cinco de Mayo programs in the city. In fact, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options you have. One location, El Chingon, is hosting a four-day romp, if that paints a picture of how DFW likes to celebrate the Puebla victory.

San Diego, California

Located right on the border, San Diego comes alive for its 5th of May celebrations and festivals. You can expect a tight focus on Mexican arts and heritage thanks to its massive Mexican and Mexican-American populations. From folkloric dancing to mariachi to the world’s most delectable Cali-Baja tacos, there’s something for everyone.

5 Cultural Landmarks in Mexico City That Many People Miss

When Americans go to Mexico, it’s easy for us to end up on a well-trodden tourist path.

That’s a common case in countries that rely at least partly on tourism. They have infrastructure in place that makes it easy for travelers to get around, get a bite to eat, book a hotel, and more.

Inevitably, many people end up on this conveyor-belt-style itinerary, even when we try to put together a unique set of experiences.

The bigger the city, the more common it is to stick to the ‘path’, so to speak.

That’s the case for many Americans heading to Ciudad de Mexico, the second largest city in the Americas based on population. Home to almost 22 million people, it’s a massive and complex network of neighborhoods, landmarks, parks, museums, and more.

Even travelers who plan to spend a week in Mexico City might barely scratch the surface.

And even those who go back twice or more might still be missing out on the city’s coolest cultural landmarks.

Think you know Mexico City? See if you’ve stopped at these cultural landmarks. If not, it might be time to schedule a visit during your next trip to Mexico City.

Below, I’ve listed out my top five favorite cultural landmarks in Mexico City in Spanish. In parentheses, you have the English version.

5 wonderful cultural landmarks in Mexico City

Kiosco Morisco (Morisco Kiosk)

The Kiosco Morisco is a pavilion located in Alameda Park in the Santa Maria la Ribera neighborhood. The park is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike—you may have even passed this gorgeous kiosk before.

It was built in 1884 in the neo-Mudejar Spanish style, which borrows from the Moorish architecture. The design of the kiosk is heavy on geometric details, creating a feast for the eyes.

Uniquely, it’s constructed entirely of wrought iron and panels, meaning it can be disassembled and reassembled. In fact, it was shipped off to Saint Louis, Missouri to appear at the Saint Louis Exposition in 1902 before heading back south to Mexico City.

Huerto Roma Verde (Rome Verde Garden)

Though the name says garden, this massive and gorgeous community center is so much more. The gardens are the focal point of this communal research space, which brings locals in to learn about bio-social spaces and how to foster them.

Sounds heady, right? It’s a lot simpler than it sounds. Bio-social topics revolve around linking human wellbeing to biological and ecological wellbeing. For example, one of the main missions of Huerto Roma Verde is to educate people on how to create urban gardens, aka urban permaculture.

Whether you want to explore the tropical gardens to actually join a community event, Huerto Roma Verde is a cultural project that will stay with you for a long time.

Cineteca Nacional (National Cinema)

Cineteca Nacional is Mexico’s largest institution designed to preserve, catalogue, and exhibit the country’s greatest films and filmmakers.

From an architectural standpoint, the cineteca is a modern structure with plenty of open-air space. You can explore its exhibits and even attend an awards ceremony, if you have a particular project on your radar.

But I’d recommend heading to the Cinteca Nacional to catch a movie in the open air. The institution hosts cheap movie nights that showcase lesser-known films, giving you the perfect chance to watch a movie on the lawn while learning more about Mexican filmmaking.

Museo Memoria y Tolerancia (Museum of Memory and Tolerance)

If you’re not a fan of dark tourism, you might not be interested in the Museum of Memory and Tolerance. Founded in 2010, the goal of the museum is to link themes of tolerance and human rights across a broad range of human conflicts.

Using the voices of survivors and victims, the museum seeks to create dialogues from some of humanity’s darkest hours. I doubt anyone wants to feel sad on their vacation to Mexico City, but the concept is too cool to pass up.

The museum is divided into two sections: memory, which covers various historical plights, and tolerance, which focuses on the power of dialogue and diversity. That’s a pretty grand scope in terms of mission that I haven’t heard of elsewhere.

Pequeño Séul (Little Seoul)

If you’ve graced Mexico City before, I’m sure you’ve heard about Pequeno Seul, which is Mexico City’s Korean neighborhood. Located in the Zona Rosa area, it’s home to thousands of Koreans who are making their home in the city.

From restaurants to skincare spas to bars, you can find a highly unique spin on Korean favorites—Mexico City style, nonetheless.

Need an eSIM for Your Next Remote Adventure? Pick Airalo

Last July, I shouted out one of my favorite Instagram travel accounts, @Omar.Nok.

The account follows Omar Nok, a young Egyptian man with very unique travel dreams. Last year, he was on a mission to make it from Egypt to Japan without flying, making the entire journey on foot or via ground transportation.

He didn’t make hotel reservations. He didn’t reserve bus or train tickets ahead of time. He just walked eastward with a pleasant demeanor, relying on acquaintances that he met along the way to help him find lodging, meals, and a way to book the next leg of his journey.

As a traveler who has a background in cultural studies, I love this type of ‘analog’ travel journey.

His journey from one tip of Asia to the next harkened back to the era of the Silk Road. It touched my heart to see Omar’s trials and tribulations, to hear his reflections and hopes and dreams.

It also meant a lot to see a content creator who wasn’t bound to an aesthetic or long series of sponsorships. (No hate, we all need to make a living!) Instead, Omar was just a friendly guy with a passion for exploration and slow travel.

When Omar made it to Japan, I assumed the journey was over. He’d picked up a massive following along the way, which earned him spotlights in NPR and other big-name publications.

And it was—at least, for the moment.

Then Omar decided to do something even more unexpected: crossing India without flying.

Oh, and he finally got a sponsor.

It’s Airalo, the first eSIM brand I shouted out in another article last year. I’ve been using Airalo for a while, so seeing Omar talk about Airalo on his latest adventure was a crossover I wasn’t ready for.

Consider this your reintroduction to both.

Omar is using Airalo while remote in India

On Episode 3 of Omar’s journey across India, he stops on the way through Mysore, up north to Hampi. After getting bullied by the monkeys at a Hampi temple (classic) and taking a sleeper bus that he says is almost like a hostel, Omar arrives at his destination in a rural village.

That’s when he shouts out Airalo (technically, Airalo Arabia). Apparently, this isn’t the first time Omar has relied on the global eSIM provider for his travels.

And as someone who has spent time far off the beaten path in India and other parts of Asia, I’m impressed that Airalo’s coverage extends to such remote places.

It’s a big, fat stamp of approval, if I’ve ever seen it.

What this means: Airalo should be on your radar if you’re traveling remote

My coverage of Airalo focused on my own experience using it to get cell service, mostly in Europe. The app is a breeze to use, making it ideal for first-time eSIM users.

You can easily shop around for a data plan that meets your needs based on the country—and the cherry on top is that the plans from Airalo are affordable.

But, to be fair, I haven’t used Airalo in a truly remote location before. And while India is home to some of the world’s most populous cities, it’s also home to more countryside than the average American realizes.

If Omar is reliably using Airalo’s eSIM in a village around Hampi, I’m convinced the eSIM should be on your radar for remote, wilderness adventures.

As always, research your destination and try to find a forum where you can learn from other travelers who have taken on a similar adventure. They might have specific advice related to service plans that worked for them. But if you need an eSIM with extended capabilities, keep Airalo on your radar.

5 Bike Lane Rules That You Need to Know in Europe

If you haven’t been fussed at by a German for stepping into the bike lane, have you really experienced the country?

Just kidding—I’m projecting.

Just because I’ve been scolded in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf for not minding the bike lane, it doesn’t mean you’re just as hopelessly blind to the subtlety of cycling traffic. (I blame my Midwestern background; as of 2025, bike lanes are still a pipe dream in most big cities in the middle of the country.)

Even when I was in New York City, the bike lane was a free-for-all—sort of like a no-holds-barred Autobahn for people riding bicycles, skateboards, electric scooters, and electric bikes.

And while bike trails aren’t hard to find around the United States, from Florida to the Allegheny Mountains, these are largely rural.

When it comes to urban bike lane rules, many Americans like me have needed a little introduction. Plus, a few reminders on how to recognize a bike lane and stay out of it.

Where are you likely to run into lots of bike lanes?

Europe is home to the world’s most active urban bike lanes. That’s thanks to the condensed nature of the continent’s largest cities.

Having evolved and expanded during the Middle Ages, many European cities have small, winding downtown areas that are easier to navigate on foot or by bicycle instead of with a car.

In other words, bike lanes are the most viable way to get around. They’re also viewed as a sustainable and affordable alternative to a gas car or even an electric car.

If you’re heading to these European cities, expect to navigate bike lanes often: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Strasbourg, Oslo, Helsinki, and beyond.

Usually, the further north you go in Europe, the more likely you are to find high-quality bike lanes that are used by thousands each day.

Why do people get so pissed off about stepping into the bike lane?

The first time I was reprimanded for stepping into the bike lane, it was a minor infraction. I’d barely stepped a toe over the line and thought… this person must not have any real problems.

That was ten years ago. Now that I’m all grown up (and then some), I can appreciate why stepping over the bike lane line is rage-inducing.

First, it’s dangerous. Bike lanes are high-traffic zones and, during rush hour, can be very congested. One little mishap can cause a multi-bike pile-up, and these can cause broken limbs, fractures, and other serious injuries.

Second, it’s infuriating. We’ve all experienced road rage—it’s not specific to cars. Road rage is just a revolving door of hatred for whoever happens to be in your way, regardless of the mode of transportation.

In other words, getting mad because someone almost made you crash isn’t exclusive to cyclists.

5 bike lane rules to know

Rule #1: Bike lanes have different usages

Some bike lanes are just for cyclists—these are usually where you’ll get a special ‘shout out’ if you’re in the way, as they tend to have a lot of fast-moving traffic.

But other bike lanes are also multi-use, including for pedestrians and families. So, if you’re confused about whether a bike lane is open to you as a pedestrian, look for a sign—you might have the right of way.

Rule #2: Look for lights

While we usually associate cycling as a daytime activity in the US, let’s not forget: it’s more widely used as transportation in many European cities. And almost all require cyclists who ride at night to have flashing lights that you can clearly see.

So, even if you assume bike lanes have quieted down for the night, keep a lookout for flashing lights.

Rule #3: When near bike lanes, keep your ears open

That brings me to my next point: most European countries mandate that cyclists have a bell or other audible warning device.

I know this advice probably seems painfully obvious, but tourists tend to be the most distracted people in a given city—it’s easy to stop paying attention. If you’ve had a run-in with a bike lane already, try to train your ears to listen for those familiar warning bells.

Rule #4: E-bikes aren’t always allowed

Look back at rule #1 if you plan on grabbing your own bicycle on vacation. If you’re comfortable cycling, don’t be afraid to enjoy life in the fast (bike) lane—but be cautious if you’re going to rent an electric bike or E bike.

Some cities don’t allow them in the bike lane or might prohibit them in more congested parts of the city.

Rule #5: The rules change

Every country in Europe has a different set of laws surrounding cycling. In Spain, for example, its compulsory to wear a helmet. If you’re going to set off in the sunset on a bicycle, make sure you ask the rental company about the rules of the road.

In some countries, you might even notice that different cities have different ordinances on bike lane rules—similar to how every US state has a different take on whether drivers can turn right on a red light.