As most of you know, I am not from Nebraska. I hail from a small town in Colorado, but in August of last year, I moved to Nebraska to attend Hastings College. Big change, right? I mean, I’m not more than seven hours away from home, but the difference between Colorado and Nebraska continues to astound me. Most people turn their nose up at the idea of living in Nebraska, but even though I’m from what is considered one of the most beautiful states in America, I’ve fallen in love with Nebraska. It’s its own kind of beautiful. Here are a few reasons why I, personally, love Nebraska.

1. The endless horizon

You don’t realize how big the sky is until you go to Nebraska. Sure, the state might be flat, but being able to look left and right and have nothing interrupt the sky is incredible. Nebraska also has the best sunsets, ones that stretch to the ends of the earth and back. And once it is dark, the entire sky is illuminated with stars you’d never be able to see if you weren’t somewhere flat. If I could only see one more thing before I die, it would be the Nebraskan nighttime sky.

2. The Platte River

We also have the Platte River in Colorado, but it is much different waters once it reaches Nebraska. In Conifer, the Platte is quick. The waters tumble down mountainsides and are made up of white-water rapids and deep drop-offs. The Platte in Nebraska is wide and sleepy. It just flows along in no particular rush, enjoying the touch of droopy sunflowers and the hot sun. You can’t get in the Platte in Conifer, but the Platte in Nebraska is perfect for exploring; pants rolled up around the knees and shoes off.

3. Constant road trips

In my opinion, there is nothing better than a road trip. Luckily, it requires a road trip to get from any town to another in Nebraska. Most of Colorado now has been urbanized. Even small towns have stoplights and paved roads, but the space in between towns in Nebraska are made up of dirt roads and yield signs (unless you’re on I-80 of course, but even then, it’s nothing compared to I-25). I love driving from town to town in Nebraska, it gives me the little taste of freedom I need to keep going.

4. Nebraskans are some of the nicest people

Everyone in Colorado minds their own business, but Nebraskans are another story. It still takes me by surprise when strangers stop me to ask how I am when I am walking down the street. Colorado taught me to advert my eyes from strangers, but everyone knows everyone in Nebraska… or so it seems. People are genuine, kind, and caring. That’s something you won’t find anywhere else.

5. The cranes

Especially where I am living in Hastings, Nebraska, the sand hill crane migration is the most exciting time of the year. I remember seeing them for the first time last year, driving from Hastings to Grand Island, they littered every cornfield between. It’s a baffling sight, and it doesn’t make sense to see such majestic birds dancing for each other on empty land. I get even more excited about Crane season than I do Christmas, and I love Christmas.

6. Long, summer nights

Although I’m not in Nebraska from June through July, I do get a good taste of those summer nights in August and early September. Once the sun goes down in Colorado, the jackets go on. Nights are chilly no matter the season in Conifer, but summer nights in Nebraska are still sweltering. Sure, the humidity might be tough, but the nights are worth it. I’ve found this is the best time to go on adventures, cruising around cornfields or watching trains go by under bridges. Spontaneity and adventure are alive in long, summer nights in Nebraska.