Nebraska and Iowa

Nebraska and Iowa are 2 states we had not been to yet, so on our way to Michigan we decided to stop and visit something in each of those states.

First Nebraska. We chose Omaha because I heard that one of the best zoos in the country is located there. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha did not disappoint! We really enjoyed our visit and feel it was definitely worth a stop in Omaha to go there. My favorite part was the aquarium.

We stayed at the KOA in between Lincoln and Omaha where we had a nice site right next to the mini golf course. Chris and the kids spent a lot of time out there.

Next we went to Clear Lake, Iowa where we visited the Buddy Holly plane crash site and museum. This was so interesting! Prior to going there I knew who Buddy Holly was only because my Dad is a big fan, but I didn’t really know much about his music. We learned a lot about him and Richie Valens who was on the plane with him when it crashed.

We started at the Surf Ballroom where there is a museum honoring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper. After performing for the last time at this ballroom in February 1959, they all died in a plane crash. That was “the day the music died”.

The Surf is a historical Rock and Roll landmark. Concerts are still performed there today, but they manage to maintain the 1950s nostalgia throughout the venue.

Next we went to the site where the plane crashed on a farm. Even after all these years people still come to pay their respects and honor the legacy these talented musicians left behind.

I was so fascinated by their tragic stories and I wanted to learn more. So that night we decided to watch La Bamba (Richie Valens’ story) and then the Buddy Holly Story the next night. I realize those are made for Hollywood movies, but I found them interesting nonetheless.

We stayed at Clear Lake State Park. It was very cold while we were there so we didn’t spend much time at the lake, but it looks like it is probably a popular place to be in the summer time.

Next we moved on to Wisconsin to have some fun at the Water Park Capital of the World.