Nebraska , Great Plains state of the central United States. It is bordered by Iowa and Missouri, across the Missouri R. (E), Kansas (S), Colorado (SW), Wyoming (NW), and South Dakota (N). Agriculture is Nebraska's dominant occupational pursuit. The state's chief farm products are cattle, corn, hogs, soybeans, and wheat. Nebraska ranked second among the states in cattle production in 1997. Wheat farming flourishes on the southwest plateaus, while irrigation along the Platte and its tributaries has increased the sugar-beet crop. The Univ. of Nebraska maintains agricultural experiment stations throughout the state. A program of soil conservation includes a shelter belt running across the state to check the effect of wind erosion, and dryland-farming techniques have been encouraged. Forest conservation is stressed, and the state (the birthplace of Arbor Day) has been very active in planting forests. Steamboating on the Missouri River, initiated in 1819, brought business to the river ports of Omaha and Brownville. The natural highway formed by the Platte valley was used extensively by pioneers going west over the Oregon Trail and also the California Trail and the Mormon Trail. Nebraska settlers made money supplying the wagon trains with fresh mounts and pack animals as well as food. Nebraska became a territory after passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854. The territory, which initially extended from lat. 40°N to the Canadian border, was firmly Northern and Republican in sympathy during the Civil War. In 1863 the territory was reduced to its present-day size by the creation of the territories of Dakota and Colorado. Congress passed an enabling act for statehood in 1864, but the original provision in the state constitution limiting the franchise to whites delayed statehood until 1867.

Nebraska has an economy based on agriculture, raising livestock and is a leading grain producer of corn, wheat, and sorghum. Nebraska is one of the top three cattle-producing states in the country, and is among the largest meat-packing centers in the nation. Nebraska has two large nuclear power facilities that provide about 35% of the electricity for the state. Housing and apartment rentals are affordable in Nebraska.

One of the most stunning State capitals in the USA, known as the Tower on the Plains is in Lincoln. Nebraska has hot summers and harsh winters and a relatively dry climate. There are many options from which to choose when selecting Nebraska apartments to rent. Girls and Boys Town which is the famous homeless boys community is located near Omaha.

One of the most popular destinations is The Henry Doorly Zoo which contains the largest indoor tropical rainforest in the world and an aquarium. Historic sites, agate fossil beds, and museums are among the principal attractions. Sportsmen are attracted to the hundreds of fresh lakes. Hunting is another popular outdoor sport. If it is the excitement of a city or the peace of the country Nebraska offers a variety of apartments to rent.

Among the most notable institutions of higher education are the University of Nebraska with campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney, Peru State College, Creighton University, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Hastings College. The University of Nebraska is noted for excellent football teams, and the state is called the Cornhusker State in recognition of the football team. The University maintains agricultural experiment stations throughout the state. College towns provide affordable apartment rentals.