Hopefully Filly can weigh in on these must-see Nebraska sites!

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

This world-class zoo is famous for its involvement with breeding endangered species from around the world.

Museum of American Speed

Great museum with an amazing collection of automotive history!

Old Market

Omaha preserves its historic place in time in this historic section of town where visitors can stroll along the cobbled streets and explore the many preserved buildings.

The Durham Museum

Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

We parked at Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and accessed the bridge from the visitor center.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Here are some top MUST-SEE sites if you visit Nevada!

Fountains of Bellagio

Lots of sights in Vegas use bright lights and neon to get your attention, but the Fountains of Bellagio uses 1,000 jets of surging water, music, and—OK, yes—some dramatic lighting, too. (This is Vegas, after all.) And that combo has made this a thrilling must-see in a town overloaded with almost too many thrilling must-sees. You can catch a show every half hour during the day or, better yet, every 15 minutes after dark, when the water is at its most stunning. The music and choreography rotates, so the show never gets old no matter how many times you’ve seen it. In a city known for VIP ropes and high table stakes, there’s something wholesome about the all-ages, every-walk-of-life crowd that comes out for this free fountain.

Red Rock Canyon Conservational Area

A whole world apart but just 17 miles away, Red Rock Canyon feels like a break from the 24/7 big-city bling of Las Vegas. Head 30 minutes west and you’ll see for yourself: Towering mountains and red rocks rise up from the desert to create a spectacle all their own. With almost 200,000 acres of desert, pine forests, waterfall-covered canyons, and sandstone cliffs, Red Rock takes at least a day to explore. Since the Nevada heat is no joke, it’s a good idea to take in the sights by car with a 13-mile driving loop.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for having distinct seasons—there’s basically just one: hot. But the Conservatory & Botanical Garden at the Bellagio is trying to change that. Just steps from the lobby of the casino-resort, this garden has brought winter, spring, summer, and fall to the desert in exhibition form, showcasing them with typical Vegas theatrics. Constructed from tens of thousands of plants and flowers, with animatronics and larger-than-life props, the space transforms as the calendar rolls on. Splashy experiential displays layer in seasonal scents, sounds, and colors. That means playful plant-made “pandas” for Lunar New Year and moss-covered cottages for fall. Even if you’re just passing through the hotel, it’s worth a stroll to stop and (literally) smell the roses.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays. The park is open all year.

Mob Museum

Rat Pack crooners, feathered showgirls, and yes, organized crime: These are the things that come to mind when you think of Vegas. The city’s got a long, complicated history with not-quite-legal activity—and now there’s a whole museum dedicated to telling those stories. And no, this place isn’t a glorification of the mafia. Instead, it’s an exploration of its fascinating decades-long tug-of-war with the law that played out in these streets. The museum’s location—a building downtown—is part of mob history, too: In the ’50s, it was home to the explosive televised hearings that shed major light on organized crime in America. In 2012, the neoclassical structure became the Mob Museum, revealing tons of cool exhibitions and artifacts about the mob throughout history. In addition to the open galleries, there are three add-ons: an underground cocktail bar, a ticketed tour of an onsite moonshine distillery, and an interactive forensics experience.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Falcon Nest, Prescott, Arizona

Constructed at the the slope of Prescott, Arizona’s Thumb Butte, the house that Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal built for his own family soars to 124 feet and views stretching over 120 miles to mountain ranges in every direction; boasting 10 stories and a comfortable 6,200 square footage, including a 2,000-square foot solarium at its middle, it has set the record for being the World’s tallest single-family home, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

“The Falcon’s Nest uses passive solar technologies and other alternative power, heating and cooling solutions to minimize its environmental impact,” the KTAR News reports. “Numerous Arizona mountains, such as Humphrey’s Peak and Four Peaks, are visible out of the home’s many windows. A hydraulic elevator takes occupants and visitors from floor to floor. “The three-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built on Thumb Butte in 1994 and sits on slightly more than an acre of land. It boasts 6,200 square feet of living space in its 10 stories.”

“The tallest residential house in North America isn’t in some big, metropolitan center. Rather, it is found at the base of Thumb Butte in Prescott, Arizona. If the looming, 6,000-foot tall volcanic plug isn’t weird enough for you, then maybe the Falcon Nest will be,” the Arizona Oddities reports.

“Towering above the Prescott National Forest at 124 feet, the Falcon Nest is a postmodern conglomeration of rectangular geometry, floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of northern Arizona. Boasting 10 stories and a comfortable 6,200 square footage, this is far from average — especially in Prescott. Its name pays homage to the Peregrine falcons that nest on the slopes of Thumb Butte.

“Some of its notable features include a 2,000-square foot solarium at its middle, extending out above the tops of juniper and Ponderosa pine trees below. The solarium, completely enclosed in glass panels, contains two bedrooms, two baths, the kitchen, a living room and, of course, breathtaking views. From its windows on a clear day one could easily point out the San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams mountain, and the surrounding Sierra Prieta mountain range. Furthermore, the Falcon Nest boasts some green features like passive heating and cooling capabilities, solar technology and a hydraulic elevator that provides transport from the ground level to the sixth. What it lacks in carbon footprint, it makes up for in innovation.

“Constructed at the the slope of Prescott, Arizona’s Thumb Butte, the house that Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal built for his own family soars to 124 feet and views stretching over 120 miles to mountain ranges in every direction. Also one of the most futuristic homes in the world, Pal built Falcon Crest in 1994 to be energy efficient while still maximizing views with glass walls and ceilings.

“Encompassing 10 floors at different levels and angles above a small 24’ by 24’ footprint, most of the living space is found in the home’s four wings that flare out near the upper level creating a residence of 6,200 square feet with three bedrooms, four full baths, 2,000-square-foot solarium, open kitchen and great room,” the Daily Advertiser reports.

“Having won multiple awards for his specialization in designing energy-efficient homes, the Pal residence has won four residential architecture world records including top honors for its unconventional heating and cooling systems that utilize passive solar for winter heat and micro climate and convective cooling in the summer.”

SOURCE: WORLDRECORDACADEMY.ORG

Trip Advisor recommends these following site when you visit West Virginia!

Gravity New River Zip Lines

West Virginia is famous for its outdoor activities and this zipline adventure in Fayetteville is no exception. Join a small group and gear up for an adrenaline-pumping experience across the ridgeline of a mountain bowl. Soar above the New River Gorge on a series of ziplines at heights of up to 200 feet.

Harpers Ferry

Winding through trails, town, and time, this self-guided audio tour explores the powerful stories and landscapes of Harpers Ferry. Over the course of 3 miles, you’ll journey from quiet riverbanks to dramatic ridgelines, past weathered ruins and historic landmarks that shaped the course of American history. This is no ordinary walk—it’s a deep dive into a place where freedom was fought for, ideas were tested, and the nation’s future often hung in the balance. From John Brown’s bold raid to the legacy of Storer College, each stop brings to life a new chapter of ambition, conflict, and change.

New River Gorge National Park

Discover the heart of Appalachia with this self-guided tour of the stunning New River Gorge National Park! Check out the world-famous, record-smashing New River Gorge Bridge. Learn about the West Virginia mine wars. And get to know a few of the park’s most iconic critters, from the hellbender to the black bear! Each stop provides gorgeous views, unforgettable experiences, and narratives that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

More European castle than American hospital, this former insane asylum offers historic and paranormal tours six days a week from April through October. Full Museum & Patient Art Gallery entry is included with your tour purchase. This Gothic National Historic Landmark holds 130 years of American history’s dark side.

West Virginia Penitentiary

Built in 1866 and in operation until 1995, this prison offers 90-minute guided tours of the facility from April 1, through November 30. Day tours, Paranormal tours, October’s haunted house, Event Center, are just a few of the events that take place at the facility on an annual basis.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Here are Trip Advisor’s top picks of places to visit in Kansas!

Safari Zoological Park

We had the BEST day at the Safari Park in Caney! The owners and workers are all so knowledgeable, very engaging and supe friendly. The grounds were so nice, the animals so healthy and you can tell extremely well taken care of. This was not just a walk through, but a guided tour where so many aspects of each animal was explained and they answered all the questions we had about them.It was so neat to see them being fed up close and see all the different animal personalities. 🙂 Its evident that owners and workers are so passionate about the animals, giving them the very best care. This place was such a gem, we had so much fun, and plan to go back!! From Stephanie and family from Independence ks. (Bessie) ️

Boot Hill Museum

The exciting and unique story of early Dodge City is told daily along Front Street at Boot Hill Museum. The museum chronicles the establishment of a rough and rowdy cattle town known as Dodge City. The museum is located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery and highlights the glory days as Queen of the Cowtowns with creative, lively, interactive displays and activities the entire family will enjoy. Boot Hill Museum is open all year long where you can belly up to the bar for a cold sarsaparilla, enjoy some of grandma’s homemade fudge in the General Store or take home a lasting memento of your old west experience from the Boot Hill gift shop. During the summer months, children’s activities, gunfight reenactments, country-style dinners and the Long Branch Variety Show provides entertainment like none other!

Strataca

Travel 650 feet underground into an active salt mine! Experience a cool and soothing subterranean world formed by salt deposits in the Permian Sea long ago. See the raw mine as it was left more than 50 years ago on the Salt Mine Express train ride and catch a guided tour on a tram to the Dark Ride. You won’t want to miss a special gallery filled with authentic movie costumes and memorabilia. And don’t miss the SALT SAFARI add on tour. A one hour guided adventure tour that goes BEYOND STRATACA. See salt formations not available to the general public until now! Limited capacity — only 12 visitors at a time depart 3-4 times a day.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

I discovered Tanganyika Wildlife Park on social media. Seeing the pictures and videos of people having these once-in-a-lifetime encounters with animals blew me away! I was so excited to meet otters and penguins and sloths (and Mars, the pgymy hippo, of course). I signed up for the Ultimate Weekend and it was ultimate plus plus! I was traveling solo, and the staff took such good care of me. From the check-in counter to the VIP Room where you meet up for your animal encounters, everyone was friendly and personable and oh-so-knowledgeable about the animals. You could really tell that they loved them, too. A special shoutout to Lexie for introducing me BY NAME to pretty much every animal in the park. The animal reserve itself is beautiful and very well maintained, but the people make it come alive. Plus, I got to swim with penguins and hang out with sloths and feed a baby kangaroo — it was a bucket list trip.

The Keeper of the Plains

The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita on May 18, 1974.Since the sculpture’s installation to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the local American Indian tribes. in 1974. A complete renovation of the sculpture and installation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza now brings people out each evening to see the Keeper and the “Ring of Fire.” The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains statue is now 30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal, surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Trip Advisor recommends these sites to visit if you’re planning on going to Oregon.

Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

Less than a 2-hour drive from Portland, the Oregon Coast is celebrated for its natural beauty. This tour gives you the chance to experience some of the best of what the coast has to offer, without having to do any driving. You’ll visit the coastal town of Cannon Beach, spend time among the trees of Ecola State Park, and learn about local wildlife from your naturalist guide.

Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour

Head out to the Columbia River Gorge for half a day of visiting cascading waterfalls and scenic overlooks with this tour from Portland. You’ll visit Multnomah Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, as well as lesser-known falls throughout the region. You’ll also have the chance to take mini-hikes in the area to get better views of waterfalls and the surrounding scenery.

Hopscotch Portland Immersive Art Experience

According to PBS, Hopscotch is a “must-do bucket list item in Portland.” Admission to this award-winning art gallery provides you with a unique experience to connect with local, national, and international artists and their work. Hopscotch allows artists to showcase their works in sustainable and creative ways, encourages them to be inspired by new mediums, and empowers them to reach new audiences. A delicious food and bar program and curated artist-driven gift shop round out your visit for an experience you don’t want to miss!

Portland Japanese Garden

Considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty in all four seasons. In Spring of 2017, the Garden opened its new Cultural Village, complete with new garden spaces, classrooms, exhibition and gallery space, and the Umami Cafe.

Pittock Mansion

Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

If you’re planning a trip to Minnesota, Land of a Thousand Lakes, Trip Advisor says these places are among the MUST SEE places in Minnesota!

Mall of America

Don’t miss out on the Mall of America, which welcomes more than 40 million travelers annually from around the world. Shop at over 500 stores before refueling at any of the 50 restaurants. That’s not all; the kids will love the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Wear good shoes as the mall is massive, with plenty of digital maps for ease of navigation.

North Shore Scenic Drive

Driving through Haleʻiwa, Waimea, and Sunset Beach on the North Shore is one of the most scenic and enjoyable experiences on Oʻahu. The contrast between the relaxed surf towns, massive winter waves, and stunning coastlines creates an unforgettable day. Perfect for photos, beach walks, and soaking in authentic island energy.

Minnehaha State Park

One of the city’s oldest and most popular parks.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

This North Shore park is home to a spectacular four-level waterfall, scenic overlooks and is ideal for trout fishing.

Minneapolis Sculpture Park

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is closed for renovation, and will reopen in June 2017. One of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. A partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is a top destination for tourists to enjoy art like the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry in an outdoor park setting.

Ariel Lift Bridge

Originally constructed in 1905 as an aerial lift, this unusual elevator bridge is 386 feet long and spans the canal entrance to Duluth Harbor.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

Quisley’s Castle is an unusual home in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. 

From the Quisley’s Castle website:

My great grandmother’s maiden name was Elise Fioravanti (1910-1984). She was part Italian. She came to the Ozarks when she was nine. She loved the outdoors and began to collect rocks as she walked along a creek bed to school. When she was 18, during the depression, she married my great grandfather, Albert Quigley (1905-1972). He was the type of fellow who brought her rock collection with them to the site of his farm and lumber mill. They lived in a lumber shack and had five children. My great grandfather promised her a house with the lumber cut off their own property.

They argued about it for several months. As soon as Albert headed for work at the lumber mill one June morning in 1943, Elise Quigley gathered their children around her and ordered “we’re going to tear down the house.” And demolish the family’s three room house they did. “when Bud came home that night, “Mrs. Quigley related, “he was living in a chicken house, where we’d moved all of our stuff.”

Mrs. Quigley had already designed her dream home. She wanted two things: Plenty of room for the robust family and a “home where I felt I was living in the world instead of in a box. I designed it in my mind, but I couldn’t tell anybody what I wanted, so I sat down with scissors, paste, cardboard and match sticks and made a model.”

The biggest obstacle was that the design which called for 28 huge windows. Mr. Quigley wanted to wait to build the house because glass was unavailable during the war, but now construction began immediately. Built entirely of lumber off their land and with their own labor, only $2000 in cash was spent on supplies and glass, which didn’t become available for three years. The family survived the winters by tacking up material over the holes in layers.

To bring nature indoors, four feet of earth was left bare between the edges of the living space and the walls. Into the soil, which borders the rooms on the inside, Mrs. Quigley planted flowering, tropical plants that grow up to the second story ceiling. The two remaining original plants are over 70 years old now.

Stones that Mrs. Quigley began collecting as a girl assumed an important part of the house. Working tenderly for three years, Mrs. Quigley covered the outside walls with a collection of fossils, crystals, arrowheads and stones selected from the creek beds for their beauty. A perennial garden surrounds the house.

The inside of the house is a collection of family antiques and mementoes that express Mrs. Quigley’s love of nature. Especially spectacular is the “Butterfly Wall” that is beyond imagination.

This was her home and passion for another 50 years as she continued to collect and surround herself with the nature she loved. My great grandparents were very compatible; he took her everywhere she wanted to collect, as she couldn’t drive. He continued to make a living with the farm and lumber mill until he passed away in 1972, at the age of 66. Elise Quigley died at the age of 74 in 1984

The Quigley home, without intention, became a favorite stopping place for people traveling through the Ozarks. Now after seventy years, the Quigley’s great granddaughter still welcomes guests into the family home.

If you’re planning a trip to California, here are some “must-see” paces!

Alcatraz Island was once the most secure federal prison in the U.S., and held notorious inmates like Al Capone. After being decommissioned in 1963, the prison is now a museum, welcoming millions of curious travelers every year. Catch the ferry on Pier 33 to Alcatraz and explore the island at your own pace as you soak up the views of San Francisco and the bay. You can take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about the intriguing anecdotes about the facility’s fascinating history.

The San Diego Zoo pioneered cageless exhibits and offers travelers a fun and informative experience. Featuring over 4000 animals, the park gives you a peek into the wildlife of several ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests. Ride the tour bus, which crosses three quarters of the zoo’s area, and learn more about the animals from the guide as you view them in their natural habitats. You can also hop on the Skyfari gondola lift to see the entire park from above.

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Explore Universal Studios backlot on the legendary Studio Tour. Then face the action head on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies.

A public observatory in Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory has been featured in many movies, from ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ to ‘La La Land’. Nestled on Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory boasts some of the best views of the city—the best time to visit is at sunset. Inside, the observatory offers quite the experience as well—it has a planetarium, various exhibits, free-to-use telescopes, and more. The best part? Admission is free and it’s easily accessible with plenty of parking.

At La Jolla Cove surrounded by sandstone cliffs on the San Diego coast, the water is calm enough for travelers to enjoy diving and snorkeling. Walk along the rocky shore to spot large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and looking after their pups, and have a picnic while soaking up the views of the ocean from the cliffs at sunset. If you visit at low tide, you’ll get to swim in the crystal clear tidal pools as well. You can also visit Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave which is accessible via a tunnel.

Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

If you’re planning a trip to Wisconsin, here’s some “don’t miss” attractions according to Trip Advisor!

Taliesin Preservation – Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center

Taliesin, the home, studio and estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin near Spring Green. It is the name of Wright’s house as well as the 800-acre estate that includes buildings from all decades of Wright’s career. Its many wings and terraces reach out around the ridge of the hill, embracing the site and standing as “brow.” Taliesin was the residence of Wright and the valley was his inspiration and life-long laboratory for architectural designs and innovation. Taliesin represents the most complete embodiment of Wright’s philosophy of Organic Architecture. The Taliesin residence is the heart of a series of buildings that Wright designed for himself and his family members on the estate.

Noah’s Ark Water Park

Located on 70 sprawling acres in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World, Noah’s Ark is recognized as both the Largest Water Park in America, and one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin Dells with kids. Noah’s Ark isn’t just big on thrills, we’re also committed to providing the safest, cleanest, and most unforgettable waterpark experience for the entire family. In fact, we’ve received the Top Award for Aquatic Safety every year since 1995!

House on the Rock

Located in the beautiful hills of Wisconsin, the House On The Rock is not just a house. It is a magical and whimsical location filled with artistic displays and fascinating oddities. The attraction is famous for its architecture that juts out over the amazing landscape, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The House On The Rock was created by Alex Jordan Jr. in 1945, and it has evolved over the years into a massive complex featuring unique galleries and imaginative creations.

Pabst Mansion

Featuring 37 rooms, 12 baths and 14 fireplaces, sea captain and beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst’s beautiful home was built in the Flemish Renaissance style on Milwaukee’s historic Grand Avenue. During docent-led tours visitors will see the first through third floors and learn about the Pabst Mansion and family. New tours are offered including a fine arts tour, happy hour tour, family-friendly tour and mimosa tour.

Witches Gulch

Step into Witches Gulch, a slot canyon that will capture your imagination and leave you in awe. This secluded treasure offers an exclusive glimpse into the raw power and delicate artistry of nature. Over thousands of years, the forces of wind and water have sculpted this breathtaking passage from the bed of an ancient lake, creating a natural wonder that feels almost otherworldly. As you venture into Witches Gulch, you’ll be greeted by towering sandstone cliffs draped in lush moss. The trail leads you through a narrow, winding passageway with stunning views at every turn. This short, captivating hike immerses you in serene beauty, making it a memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts and curious explorers alike.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM