Photo courtesy Velkommen Danish Windmill.

Attractions

MUSEUM OF RELIGIOUS ARTS
A truly unique experience awaits any travelers who make their way to the Museum of Religious Arts, located between Missouri Valley and Logan, Iowa, on Highway 30. This 20,000+ square foot building houses the world famous "King of Kings" display of wax fi gures depicting the last days of Jesus Christ on earth. In addition, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts from ancient scrolls to century-old stained glass windows from Italy. Finally, world-renowned artist, Akiane, has a wonderful display and video at the museum. This child prodigy has been featured on many TV shows and she is known world-wide. Visitors will love the display and have the opportunity to purchase prints of her work in the gift shop. Please visit http://www.mrarts.org, call 712-644-3888 for more information. Logan, Iowa

ASHFALL FOSSIL BEDS
This one-of-a-kind attraction is one of the most unique travel destinations in the Missouri River Valley area. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park features amazingly well-preserved skeletons of prehistoric rhinos, three-toed horses, camels and other animals who died at the site some 10 million years ago. The animals were buried by volcanic ash around the edges of a watering hole in what is now northeast Nebraska. Scientific studies on the remains began in the 1970s and visitors can actually watch the ongoing excavation take place today. For more information, visit http://www.ashfall.unl.edu or call the park at 402-893-2000. Royal, Nebraska

NEIHARDT CENTER
Author John G. Neihardt lived in Bancroft from 1900 to 1920. It is where he wrote his epic poem, "The Cycle of the West." Today, Bancroft is the home of the Neihardt Center, which hosts its annual John G. Neihardt Spring Conference - a scholarly examination of his subjects and themes. For more information on the Neihardt Center, please call 402-648-3388, http://www. neihardtcenter.org. Bancroft, Nebraska

VELKOMMEN DANISH WINDMILL
Elk Horn's Danish Windmill is the only authentic working Danish Windmill in America. Since 1976, visitors have trav- eled to Elk Horn for this historic attraction. However, those who travel to Elk Horn today will be interested to visit the new Viking Hjem project, which will soon be alive with activity and will be an interactive experience for all involved. For complete information about the Hjem project, visit http://www.danishwindmill.com or call 712-764-7472. Elk Horn, Iowa

MISSOURI RIVER BASIN LEWIS &CLARK INTERPRETIVE TRAIL &VISITOR CENTER
Recently opened in 2004, the center celebrates all the flora and fauna discovered during Lewis & Clark's epic journey more than 200 years ago. In addition, visitors will love the trails that surround the center and provide terrific views of the Missouri River below. Within the center's walls are many exhibits and murals focusing on the famous travelers. http://www.mrb-lewisandclarkcenter.org. Nebraska City, Nebraska

LOESS HILLS VISITORS CENTER
Provides information on the rare natural landscape of the Loess Hills. Motorcoach tours offer views of the unique fl ora atop rugged, windblown hills. The gift shop also features many handcrafted items for purchase. http://www.loesshillstours.com, 800-886-5441. Moorhead, Iowa

FREMONT DINNER TRAIN
Enjoy fine dining while traveling through 18 miles of the scenic Elkhorn River Valley. Mystery trains, dinner theater, wine tasting, and season shows are available. Call 800-942-7245 or visit http://www.dinnertrain.net for reservations. Fremont, Nebraska

WORLD'S LARGEST PORCH SWING
Literally, the world's largest porch swing. The swing holds up to 18 adults or 24 children. Hebron, Nebraska

EUGENE T.MAHONEY STATE PARK
Located along river bluffs, the park offers everything from horseback rides and camping to nature trails, miniature golf and a water park. Ashland, Nebraska

FONTENELLE NATURE CENTER
Enjoy 1,400 acres of woods, wetlands and waterways along 19 miles of walking trails, including two all-access boardwalks. Bellevue, Nebraska

DESOTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Includes 200,000 cargo artifacts from the 1865-era steamboat Bertrand. Fishing and nature walks are also available. 5 miles east of Blair, Nebraska

FORT ATKINSON STATE HISTORICAL PARK
First U.S. fort west of the Missouri River. Periodic living history demonstrations. Fort Calhoun, Nebraska

HOLY FAMILY SHRINE
Glass chapel and underground visitor center presenting a living story of perseverance and faith. Gretna, Nebraska

HISTORIC HAYMARKET DISTRICT
Galleries, restaurants, unique shops and antiques in turn-of-the- century buildings. Lincoln, Nebraska

HENRY DOORLY ZOO
World's largest indoor desert, rainforest and nocturnal exhibit. Also includes Scott Aquarium, Orangutan Forest, Gorilla Valley, Cat Complex, Bear Canyon, and more. Omaha, Nebraska

LAURITZEN GARDENS
100-acre botanical garden featuring 13 outdoor garden areas, indoor fl oral displays, unique gift shop and cafˇ. Omaha, Nebraska

OLD MARKET
Turn-of-the-century marketplace, brick streets and buildings feature a variety of quaint restaurants and shops. Omaha, Nebraska

TRINITY HEIGHTS
Featuring a thirty-foot stainless steel statue of the Immaculate Hart of Mary, Queen of Peace, and a 33-foot-tall statue of the Scared Heart of Jesus. Sioux City, Iowa

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER
Located on the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, this park and wildlife preserve offers scenic views of over 1,000 acres of Loess Hills bluffs and native prairie. Honey Creek, Iowa