The growing push towards bringing commercial casinos to this American state may change things in the future. For now, the gamblers in Nebraska can only visit one of the major casinos owned by the native Indian tribes. Here are some of the details of these casinos or you can check out Casinos Jungle for more info on Nebraska casinos.

1. Native Star Casino

Located in Winnebago, this casino is owned by the Winnebago tribe of Nebraska. It has a light atmosphere, which sets the mood for players to have loads of fun. The casino is housed in the Heritage Food and Fuel Plaza with a gaming floor spanning 600 square feet. With 84 slot machines to choose from, gaming enthusiasts would surely have a variety of options. 

The visitors who wish to play these games must be at least 19 years of age. Free and safe parking is also provided by the casino. It also runs constant promotions and hosts special events like a ladies’ day, seniors’ day, and men’s day. These are the days when points and free play can be earned.

2. Ohiya Casino & Resort

The word ‘Ohiya’ means ‘win’ in the Dakota language. Owned by the Santee Sioux tribe, this casino and resort is located in Niobrara. It has the distinction of being the first casino in the state. Players of casino games would feel excited to be on its gaming floor spread across 35,000 square feet. Occupying this vast space are 374 slot machines. 

They feature the latest games, which guarantee you hours of unlimited thrills. Visitors must be at least 21 years of age for slot games and 19 for bingo games. They can also stay overnight or longer in one of the clean, cozy, and spacious rooms of the resort. Meeting rooms and conference facilities are also available in Ohiya Casino & Resort.

3. Iron Horse Bar & Casino

In the small town of Emerson is located this inviting place where friendly get-togethers happen quite frequently. The restaurant and gaming floor of Iron Horse Bar & Casino is worth visiting. It covers a sizable area of 2,000 square feet and has 89 slot machines. These slot machines keep the players engaged with an excellent range of games and a friendly environment. 

Visitors to this gaming floor must be at least 21 years of age. To keep the fun constant, this bar and casino is kept open throughout the year. The establishment is owned by the Winnebago tribe and the casino offers a smoke-free atmosphere.

4. Lucky 77 Casino

A small casino with a gaming floor of 1,200 square feet, Lucky 77 Casino is located in Walthill. It is owned by the Omaha tribe and offers villagers and other visitors a place to have fun. There are 64 slot machines in this casino with a wide range of choices in games. 

Visitors to this casino can also benefit from the free and safe parking provided by the establishment. Players must be at least 21 years of age to play the games. There’s no restaurant at the casino or any other forms of entertainment. However, the visitors can buy sandwiches and snacks from the cafe.

The post 4 Casinos in Nebraska That Delight Gamblers appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

Between 1857 and 1862, the tribes gave up or ceded their land for sale in Nebraska. Today, about 6 Native American tribes have reservations in Nebraska. They are Omaha, Winnebago, Ponca, Iowa, Santee Sioux, and Sac and Fox. 

1. The Omaha tribe

The Omaha people moved to the areas of the upper Missouri and the Plains in the 17th century. Later, they became a federally recognized tribe. Today, they reside in the north-eastern part of the state on the Omaha Reservation. 

The Omaha people speak a Siouan language, which is quite similar to the language of the Ponca. In the late 18th century, they became the first tribe in the area to adopt an equestrian culture. They developed a vast trading network with the French Canadian and early European explorers.

2. The Winnebago tribe

Residing in the Winnebago Reservation, they are one of the two federally recognized tribes of Ho-Chunk Native Americans. This tribe is headquartered in the Winnebago village of Nebraska. 

Members of the Winnebago tribe often call themselves ‘Hochungra’, which literally translates as ‘People of the Parent Speech’. By the end of the 20th century, there were 1,151 members of the tribe living in the Winnebago Reservation.

3. The Ponca tribe

In the 16th century, the Ponca tribe migrated from the Ohio River valley to the Great Plains. They signed their first treaty with the Americans in the early 19th century. About 2 million acres of their lands were ceded to the United States according to the treaty. 

Today, they are one of the two federally recognized tribes of Ponca people. The other tribe is the Indian Poncas of Oklahoma. The Ponca tribe of Nebraska is headquartered in the Niobrara village. After the passing of the Ponca Restoration Act, the tribe can now legally conduct their business in Iowa.

4. The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

They are one of the two tribes of Iowa people federally recognized by the United States. The other is the Iowa tribe of Oklahoma. Headquartered in White Cloud, Kansas, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is governed by a five-member council. The tribe living in Nebraska are located on the Iowa Reservation. It lies in the Richardson County in Nebraska’s south-eastern region.

5. Santee Sioux Nation

Residing in the Santee Sioux Reservation, this tribe is also known as ‘The Dakota’. The Santee Sioux Reservation was established in the 19th century. Previously, the tribe resided around Lake Superior. Their main occupation was gathering wild rice, fishing, and hunting woodland animals. One of the major reasons for their migration was the tribal wars.

6. The Nemahahaki tribe

This tribe is officially called ‘The Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska’. They are among the Native American tribes of Sac and Meskwaki (Fox) people federally recognized by the United States. In the late 19th century, about 360 members lived on the Sac and Fox Reservation. A part of this area falls in south-eastern Richardson County of Nebraska.

The post 6 Native American Tribes That Live in Nebraska appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

Most of these mouth-watering treats were either invented in this state or brought to perfection right here. Whatever your purpose of visiting Nebraska, you time spent here won’t be complete without tasting these foods. So, here we present some of the best culinary delights that Nebraska has to offer for food lovers:

1. Rocky Mountain Oysters

This dish would surely impress the adventurous foodies. It celebrates the state’s history of cattle ranching and seems more like a cost-efficient alternative to sweetbreads. The fresh and hot deep-fried nuggets are among the best delicacies of this region. 

2. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

This is a favorite of the Midwestern people and is usually served hot. Garnishing involves onions, mustard, mayo, pickles, and lettuce. If you haven’t seen this dish before, you’ll be a bit stunned to see the deep-friend pork tenderloin. 

It extends out of the bun several inches, but there’s no reason for worry. It would surely pamper your taste buds. Once you’re done eating this sandwich, you’ll know why the Nebraskan people love it so much.

3. The Reuben

Invented in Omaha by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Jewish Lithuanian-born grocer, this is truly a mouth-watering sandwich. It’s quite strange that many still think this sandwich comes from New York. It is prepared using crisply toasted rye bread, hot corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. 

These are the same ingredients that went into creating this tasty delight about 100 years ago. If you’re passing through Midtown, try this sandwich at the Blackstone Center. 

4. Raisin Pie

This pie was prepared traditionally as a gift and served after the funerals. Now you may be disheartened to hear it being called a ‘funeral pie’, but it would definitely please your senses. Another interesting aspect of this pie is that it doesn’t need a refrigerator. Perhaps, this is the reason why it was so popular among the Old Order Mennonites and the Amish.

5. Barbecued Ribs

When it comes to barbecued food, every state in the United States of America seems to have its own. You’ll certainly find some of the best barbecued ribs in Nebraska. The one being described here can be called the ‘Kansas City style’ barbecued ribs. It has a bit of an extra spice and is smoked well. 

The people of Nebraska have a special liking towards smokey ribs. Their love for this dish made them create ‘micro-smokehouses’ to prepare small batches of these ribs to perfection. You can’t really claim to be a barbecue lover until you’ve tried these smokey ribs.

6. Runza

Once you’ve tasted these sandwiches, they’ll be in your mind for the entire day. They were first invented in the mid 20th century. Runzas make for a perfect lunch that won’t spoil your hands. This type of sandwich is made using a fresh baguette. It is stuffed with ground beef and seasoned with a secret blend mixed with onions and cabbage before baking.

The post 6 Delicious Treats You Must Never Miss While in Nebraska appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

Located in the city of Omaha, the Henry Doorly Zoo is home to the country’s largest indoor rainforest. It is called the ‘Lied Lunge’ and covers a considerably large area of 1.5 acres of land. The eight-story building has excellent varieties of flora and fauna from the world’s best rainforests.

2. Place of Hollywood stars

Nebraska is among the states with least number of people. However, many Hollywood celebrities have called this state their home. Some of the biggest names include Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Nick Nolte, and Gerald Ford.

3. The Chef Boyardee statue

While getting around in the state, you may find a six-foot-tall statue with a familiar face. Well, he was a famous chef known as ‘Chef Boyardee’. His friendly face graces the Spagetti-Os cans. This statue is located in the Omaha city, which was previously home to ConAgra Foods, Inc. Chef Boyardee was one of its brands.

4. Where Runza began

Nebraska is the birthplace of a popular fast food chain called ‘Runza’. The state’s population loves the hot, stuffed pastries that are dished out by the Runza outlets. There are a total of 82 Runza restaurants in Nebraska located across the state. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll come across someone who has never tried these pastries. 

5. Where Warren Buffet lives

Omaha is home to Warren Buffet’s home. He is also known as the ‘Wizard of Omaha’ or the ‘Oracle of Omaha’. Warren Buffet needs no introduction, as he is one of the world’s most renowned billionaires. This wizard of Omaha still lives in this city in a very humble manner.

6. Arbor Day began here

Nebraska is the place where ‘Arbor Day’ first started. Julius Sterling Morton proposed the holiday in 1872 to plant trees on the 10th of April that year. He also suggested awarding prizes to individuals and counties planting the most number of trees on that day. 

On the first Arbor Day, nearly a million trees were planted in the state. Later, in 1885, Arbor Day became a legal holiday in the state of Nebraska. The date was moved to April 22, which is the birthday of Julius Sterling Morton.

7. The mysterious lighthouse

You’ll be surprised to see a lighthouse while exploring Ashland. Considering the fact that Nebraska is nowhere close to an ocean, you’ll wonder why the lighthouse was built. It was constructed more than 75 years back and is still located near a vast lake.

8. Birthplace of Kool-Aid

You might’ve heard about a juice drink called Kool-Aid. This drink was immensely popular and was invented in Nebraska. In 1927, Edwin Perkins transformed his soft drink syrup ‘Fruit Smack’ into the ever-popular Kool-Aid powder. It made the shipping process easier for the product and became one of the biggest reasons for its popularity.

9. The Carhenge

You’ll be surprised and amused when you come across ‘The Carhenge’ while touring the state. It is a replica of the historic English Stonehenge. This popular attraction is located north of the city of Alliance and is made up of 38 old cars. These cars are arranged in the same manner as the original Stonehenge.

10. A massive football stadium

The Nebraska Cornhusker’s football stadium has the capacity to hold over 90,000 people. This stadium is located in the city of Lincoln. On the day of a football game, this stadium becomes the 3rd most populated place in Nebraska.

The post 10 Interesting Facts About Nebraska You Must Know appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

However, there are many activities in the city that’ll not cost you a cent! So, instead of watching television in your room, go out and indulge in some exciting activities. Whether it’s hearing some free music or learning the city’s history, you can truly enjoy many things for free.

1. Spend some time in nature

The concrete jungle of the city might feel suffocating at times. It would be a lot better to unwind amid pleasant natural surroundings of one of the city’s parks. They also give you the opportunity to escape the city’s hustle-bustle and enjoy the sounds of birds. Although these parks are mostly located at the city’s central parts, you’ll feel as if you’re somewhere far away. 

One of these green areas is the Pioneers Park Nature Center. It is spread over a vast area of 668 acres. There are prairies, gardens, wooded trails, and exhibits to be explored in it. Some of the other green areas include Lincoln Wilderness Conservancy and Holmes Park & Lake.

2. Have fun at The Railyard

One of Nebraska’s popular entertainment district, The Railyard has an array of restaurants, shops, and apartments. Its main courtyard becomes a public open space in the warmer months. This gives residents as well as visitors the chance to spread out a picnic and take in the sights. 

On some occasions, you may also be able to watch sporting events and films on a massive screen. It’s called the ‘Union Bank Cube’ and has been built into a building nearby. During winters, this place gets transformed into an outdoor skating rink. You’ll only have to pay for renting the skates and not for using the rink.

3. Visit the Nebraska State Capitol

The Nebraska State Capitol has a unique architecture. It is home to the only one-house non-partisan legislature in the United States. Most of the capitol buildings have a grand dome, but this building has a 400-foot tower instead. 

This tower also has an observation deck that gives you some splendid views of the city. You can visit this building to learn some history, browse some stellar artworks, and get to its observation deck. After the tour of the building, you can relax in one of the courtyards of the capitol.

4. Explore a farmers’ market

You visit a farmers’ market usually to buy fresh vegetables, pastries, and knick-knacks. However, these markets are also excellent places to just take a walk around and savor the sights. You can either choose to buy some goodies or you can just have some pleasant conversations with the vendors. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to listen to a live musician. One of the popular farmer’s markets in the city is the one across the street in the Haymarket. It is open from May to October on Saturday mornings. Other favourites are the Fallbrook Farmers’ Market and the Old Cheney road Farmers’ Market.

The post 4 Fun Things to Do in Lincoln for Free appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

They used scientific farming to make the land profitable for ranching and farming. Highly efficient irrigation systems were also built in this process. Today, many tourists visit this state to indulge in some exciting outdoor activities. Here are some of them:

1. Camping at Bessey Recreation Complex

Located in central part of the state, Bessey Recreation Complex is an ideal place to enjoy camping. It has sites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Visitors to this place can stay amid pleasant natural surroundings and try some waterfront activities. 

The Middle Loup River is shallow and flows steadily, offering the right conditions for canoeing and tubing. Families can find some great opportunities for fishing in a seven-acre pond, which is a part of this complex. The campground also has a group picnic area and campfire rings for its visitors.

2. Witnessing the Sandhill Crane Migration

Photography enthusiasts visiting the state in March or April must not miss the annual Sandhill Crane migration. In these months, about 500,000 Sandhill Cranes arrive for resting along the Platte River. After having some rest, they continue their journey towards the north. This spectacular natural phenomenon offers a chance for photographers to click some excellent snaps of these birds. 

People from different parts of the world arrive in great numbers every year to witness this fabulous event. Those who are not photographers can simply wait in the blinds and watch thousands of Sandhill Cranes arrive at this spot. Interested individuals must book their spot through an online reservation system, which is made available for this event.

3. Indulging in Recreational activities at Methodist Cove Park

Water sports enthusiasts, naturalists, and bird-watchers can visit the Methodist Cove Park for some thrilling activities. This park is located on the Harlan County Lake’s western side. Harlan County Lake is Nebraska’s second largest lake and covers an area of 13,000 acres. It is immensely popular for fishing and boating. There are some fascinating trails nearby for those who wish to go hiking. 

Methodist Cove Park also offers 133 campsites, which include individual and group sites. The amenities offered at the site include a playground, dump station, and boat ramp. On the east end of Harlan County Lake, there are two full service marinas as well.

4. Exploring the Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a historic landmark, which towers nearly 800 feet above the North Plate River plain. It provides some majestic views of the surrounding areas. Visitors can take a walk around and explore the visitor center. They can also take a good look at the Oregon Trail’s ruts. 

Bringing a good camera or smartphone is highly recommended for taking some great snaps. Visitors can get to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument by taking several small hikes. They can also take a quick trip to the Chimney.

The post 4 Exciting Outdoor Activities to Try While in Nebraska appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

Often, there are many things you can do in a bar besides drinking. These are the things that makes your visit to the bar truly exciting. So, let’s have a look at some of the interesting things that can be done while you’re in a bar:

Do some people watching

When you’re the only one who is sober in a room full of drunkards, watching people can be amusing. You may have to face certain awkward situations like spilling of drinks on your shoes. Sometimes you may have to handle a bit of an unwanted flirting. They key is to keep your calm and just observe the people around. People watching is always an inexpensive form of entertainment in a bar.

Watch a game live on the screen

You might not like certain sports, but wouldn’t really mind watching its playoffs live on television. If you’re in a sports bar during such an exciting game, just forget everything and watch it being telecast live. You’ll certainly find it thrilling to watch it amid a crowd of rabid fans. Of course, you can also enjoy your favorite drink while watching the big game. If the team of the home town is winning, then you’ll be in for a great party!

Try a bar game

If you’re in a bar that has some fantastic games for its patrons, you can try playing one. Some of the bars have games like pool, shuffleboard, and bingo in them for visitors. You can play a round or two to keep yourself in good spirits. Having your favorite drink before or after the play would add to the excitement. If you’ve been practicing the game for long, you can choose to play a full game. 

Watch a live show

When you’re only paying for the drinks, watching a band perform live for free would be certainly awesome. It can also be a memorable experience for you. Some of the bars host regular live shows. Mostly these live events have some talented musicians perform for the visitors assembled in front of them. It makes the entire atmosphere truly entertaining. 

Make new friends

Visiting one the bars would give you a chance to make new friends if you’re a traveler. Often, you’ll have to make a move and strike a conversation with one of them. While chatting, you can also get to know more about life in that particular town or city. It would be a good opportunity to know about the local culture as well. Such friendships prove to be valuable in the future if you plan to go back to the place.

Relish the delicacies

If the menu of the bar has some delicious treats, you can have a big feast. You can let go of all your thoughts about extra calories for that day. The only disclaimer is to know when to stop. Overeating is certainly not recommended, no matter how delectable the dishes are. Don’t do something that you’ll regret after waking up in the morning.

The post 6 Interesting Things to Do in a Bar Besides Drinking appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

In 2016, Lincoln was ranked 3rd in Lonely Planet’s list of best destinations to see in the United States. Owing to its importance as the capital city, you’ll find museums and several other attractions in Lincoln. Here are some of the major attractions you must visit while getting around in the Nebraskan capital: 

1. Nebraska State Capitol

The Nebraska State Capitol is certainly a must-see for its amazing limestone exterior. It depicts 3,000 years of democracy through ornate marble columns, carvings, murals, and mosaic floors. It took three attempts to construct this building so that it could last for a very long time. 

When compared to the other state capitols, it doesn’t feature the traditional dome. Instead, it has a 400-foot tower with offices in it. Construction of this tower began in 1922 with a cost of $10 million and took 10 years to complete. On the top of this building is a 19-foot-tall figure made of bronze called ‘The Sower’.

2. Historic Haymarket District

When you’re in the Historic Haymarket District, you’ll get the chance to witness some historical structures. Among them are the beautifully renovated and restored brick warehouses from the late 19th century. You’ll also get to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the brick streets. 

Some of the other things you’ll come across are a unique clock and a large water tower. This place in Lincoln has a lively vibe to it, as the students often visit its many buildings. The most notable building in this area is the Lincoln station, which was once a railway depot. Now, it houses a restaurant and a visitor center.

3. Sunken Gardens

Founded in 1930, this park is a point of Lincoln’s civic pride and houses three main gardens. One is the Healing Garden, which has plants that bloom white. Another one is the Annual Garden, which has over 30,000 plants. They are used every year to create new themes and designs. 

The third one is called Perennial Garden. As these gardens cover only an area of less than two acres, they can be explored rather quickly. The Sunken Gardens had underwent renovations in 2004 and would be truly pleasing to your senses. It won’t be surprising if you end up spending more time in these gardens.

4. University of Nebraska State Museum

If you’re a fan of paleontology, a visit to this fascinating museum is highly recommended. The University of Nebraska State Museum is yet another must-see attraction in Lincoln. It houses the largest articulated mammoth in the world along with an exhibit of fossilized elephants. 

Owing to this exhibit, this museum is often referred to as the ‘Elephant Hall’. You’ll have a wonderful experience in Mueller Planetarium, which is also a part of this museum. During your visit to this museum, you’ll also find other excellent collections associated with the natural history of Nebraska.

The post Top 4 Attractions in Lincoln – the must sees! appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

What exactly is binge drinking

Drinking more than the recommended quantities of alcohol in a short span of time can be termed ‘binge drinking’. In other words, it is drinking for the purpose of getting drunk. Every individual’s body processes alcohol differently. 

It is, therefore, difficult to say how many units count as binge drinking in one session. Some specifically define binge drinking as more than 8 units in one session for men. For women, it is more than 6 units in one session. Between 2 to 3 glasses of wine measuring 175 ml is equivalent to 6 units.

Benefits of responsible drinking

You can significantly improve your health and well-being by cutting back on alcohol. As a result, certain health benefits begin to manifest in you:

1. Weight control

Alcohol is prepared by fermenting and distilling sugar and starch. This process results in high quantities of calories in it. The amount of calories in alcohol is roughly 7 per gram. Such calories have no nutritional value. While some alcoholic drinks do have minerals and vitamins, they are not in high quantities. When you consume alcohol, lesser amount of fat is burnt in your body as energy. 

As alcohol cannot be stored in a human body, it is processed as soon as possible. This disrupts the other processes, such as burning of fat and absorption of nutrients. So, if you want to manage your weight, it is essential to substitute alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones.

2. Good mental health

While you may feel that alcohol is relieving your stress, it only works for a brief period of time. Alcohol is known as a depressant. It slows down the processes of the central nervous system and the brain. In the long term, it can give rise to feelings of depression and anxiety. So, it is absolutely necessary to cut back on your alcohol intake.

3. Better sleep

There’s this common perception that alcohol helps you fall asleep. In reality, even a few drinks can make you feel extremely tired, leading to a disruption in sleep cycle. When you fall asleep after drinking, deep sleep happens quicker than usual. However, you end up spending less time in deep sleep later in the night. 

More time would be spent in Rapid Eye Movement (REM). This is a much less restful stage of sleep. As a result, it is likely that you’ll wake up feeling tired. Having alcohol-free nights would help you sleep better. You’ll also wake up feeling fresh in the morning.

4. Improved physical health

Irresponsible drinking increases the risk of developing some serious health conditions. They include liver disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Reducing your quantities of alcohol intake would help you lower the risk of alcohol-related health hazards.

The post Drink Responsibly for Better Health appeared first on knickerbockers.net.

One can always find some fabulous spots in this American city to grab a drink or two. This is one of the most fantastic ways to enjoy nightlife during your time spent in Lincoln. When it comes to drinks, the state has a lot to offer in cocktails. Let’s take a look at some of the best options:

1. The Whiskey Sour

This drink is made with whiskey and carbonated grapefruit soda. Sometimes a sour mix is used instead of carbonated grapefruit soda, but it still packs a punch. Savoring this drink in a dim-lit room of this bar would be a quite an experience. The staff of Barrymore’s would be happy to offer you the best drink of your choice as well.

2. The Long Island Iced Tea

Doc’s Place has excellent varieties of cocktails in its list, which gives you a reason to visit this bar. Many ingredients goes into this drink, so you must be prepared to have a filling treat. It is prepared by using a blend of vodka, triple sec, tequila, light rum and gin. 

You’ll be surprised that there’s no tea in this drink. This cocktail feels a lot more balanced than any of the bottled varieties. Among them are some of the best Long Islands offered as a part of their finest selections.

3. The White Russian

Yet another cool cocktail from Doc’s Palace, The White Russian is made using cream and Kahlua vodka. It is served chilled in a glass and has a pleasing creamy texture. Apparently, it is not a favorite among the patrons. This may surprise you, considering the fact that the drink was featured in the movie ‘The Big Lebowski’. 

It is essential that you don’t end up getting drunk. To avoid getting into such situations, you can have non-alcoholic drinks in between. You can also eat a hearty meal in advance. If by any chance you get drunk, get a ride arranged to your place of stay.

4. The Classic Martini

Martini is the only drink, which was named after the glass used to serve it. A glass of martini mixed with vermouth is the most basic form of the drink. Then comes the addition of gin or vodka as is the tradition. Some don’t like gin, while others appreciate it and might’ve even consumed several varieties of it. 

The Classic Martini is the signature drink of Starlite Lounge, which makes it worth trying. They know how to present it in the most attractive way. You’ll get this drink chilled with a few olives for added excitement.

5. Gin and Tonic

This cocktail is another great offering of Starlite Lounge. It is created by mixing gin and tonic water and the lime wedge is used for garnishing. If you’ve liked the lime flavour, you can also try a cocktail with natural lime flavours at Starlite.

The post 5 Amazing Cocktails You Can Enjoy in Lincoln appeared first on knickerbockers.net.