Waverly

Schoolchildren enjoy a fieldtrip to the University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Herbie Husker may have shed a few pounds and updated his wardrobe since his 1974 debut, but we think he’s looking great for his age.

AJ Dahm

food and trendy bars. The architecture is distinct and beautiful. Start at Seventh and P streets for self-guided tours through downtown. (402) 4357496

Memorial Stadium is the center of the college football world for Nebraska Cornhusker fans. A common refrain from Husker Nation is that Memorial Stadium itself, with a capacity of nearly 90,000 fans, becomes “Nebraska’s Third Largest City” on game day. The experience is electric, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Stop by for tours of the hallowed halls and Astroturf. 1 Memorial Stadium Dr. (402) 472-4224

The Lied Center for Performing Arts provides a 2,000-seat venue for dance troupes, musicians, comedians and theatrical productions. 301 N. 12th St. (402) 472-4700

Comedian Johnny Carson donated generously to the University of Nebraska. Generations later, students learn the ins and outs of performing at UNL’s Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. The school’s Nebraska Repertory Theatre features live productions. See schedule at nebraskarep.org. 12th and R streets. (402) 472-2567 More than 350 animals live at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Some are endangered species seen nowhere else in Nebraska. The zoo’s ZO&O Railroad has been cherished by residents and visitors for more than 50 years. The new electric locomotive named “Jim” ensures trainloads of fun family memories for years to come. 1222 S. 27th St. (402) 475-6741

More than 23,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and educational fun await young learners at the Lincoln Children’s Museum. The museum’s Prairie Dog Tunnels are favorites for active subterranean fun. Toddlers challenge their brains while having fun in the Grow Zone. 1420 P St. (402) 477-4000

Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens bloom with more than 30,000 plants along its walking trail and gardens. Grab a friend and brown bag a shady spot for a memorable picnic lunch. 27th Street and Capital Parkway. (402) 441-8267

Pinnacle Bank Arena has capacity for more than 15,000 enthusiastic sports or live entertainment fans. 400 Pinnacle Bank Dr. (402) 904-4444

Pioneers Park Nature Center has elk, bison and deer herds outdoors, and turtles and frogs indoors. Eight miles of hiking trails wind through more than 600 acres of prairie, wetlands and woodlands near downtown Lincoln. 3201 S. Coddington Ave. (402) 441-7847

More than 220 bird species have been identified at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center south of Lincoln near the town of Denton. Hiking trails, birdsong, scenic views, rippling prairie grasses and a straw bale visitor center inspire visitors to conserve what remains of the prairie. Oregon Trail wagon ruts from the mid-1800s remind Americans how far we has come on this fertile, life-giving land. 11700 SW 100th St., Denton. (402) 797-2301

Camp Creek Threshers hosts one of the biggest threshing bees in the U.S. Their 75-acre showgrounds are located east of Waverly, about 20 minutes’ drive from Lincoln.

On the grounds are a cute little one-room school house, country church, general store, drug store, summer kitchen, craft barn, depot, horse barn, saddle shop, gas station, post office, blacksmith shop, print shop, food pavilion, and ice cream shop. They also host fun runs, flea markets and a Halloween event. 17200 Bluff Road, Waverly. (402) 786-3003