The Next Chapter Books - Omaha                                    2025 

We really like bookstores.  I'm always happy when I get to explore another one on the Passport.  The Next Chapter Books is really easy to find and park.  There is actually free parking east of the bookstore if you can find a place.  Since it's a bookstore, people tend to stay a while.

Family owned and in business for many years.  When you come in to browse, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the complete selection of categories.  Children and adult, fiction and non-fiction.  While we were here a local book club came in.  They were on a tour of a bunch of locally owned bookstores in the metro area.

There's a nice fireplace with comfortable chairs and couches around for a relaxed visit as you peruse the various book selections.

If you look closely at this photo, you'll see quite a few different topics.  It's a really nice store I'm sure you'll enjoy spending time in.

The Capitol District - Omaha                                              2025 

  

The Capitol District is an area with a lot of different shops and restaurants.  Physical stamps were obtained at The Brunch Box.  When you enter The Brunch Box, just try to NOT want a cinnamon roll.  These are nice and soft and a bit dry but I wouldn't recommend eating them.  They are pretty comfy to sit on, though.  

 Step up to the counter and order something and you might be served by.........

 Bela 

I can't believe it, another robot on the Passport. I've never seen even one before and we've had the pleasure of meeting two this year.

 This one thinks it's a cat AND it talks to you.  It will even answer questions.  Fun place to visit.  If you find yourself downtown in Omaha, maybe attending something at Steelhouse Omaha across the street, you really should to come over to the Brunch Box and meet Bela.

Dip Cravers - Bellevue                                                            2025 

Apparently, this is a pretty popular place.  While we were there, numerous customers came and went.  People were also sitting inside.  

This is really a nice little shop.  Take time to introduce yourself to the owner, Sarah, because her mission in life is to make people feel better about themselves, spiritually and mentally.

 

There are a variety of things for consumption of display here and, of course, ice cream.  Turns out Dip Cravers get their ice cream from the same place as What's the Scoop in Seward.  We can attest that the ice cream is very good.

The Roost Bed & Breakfast - Ashland                            2025 

  

Unfortunately, The Roost was closed.  We arrived here at a posted time to be open.  They may have been assisting a guest.

Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame      2025 

 This place is amazing!  I didn't know what this building was and I drove somewhat close to it hundreds of times when I've gone to Lincoln.  Every high school in Nebraska is represented in some way for an athlete that hailed from that school, even schools that have since closed.

Every year new people are added and placed on this wall.  When you enter, these plaques are the first display you will see.

 

Unfortunately, Clarkson, where Vicki and I went to high school, didn't have any Hall of Fame athletes.  But as you can see here, Clarkson is still represented and historically described.  Who knows, maybe someday someone will standout and get into the Hall of Fame.

 

 Cindy graduated from Snyder and they didn't have anyone either who managed to get inducted.  (Snap fingers here)

 

 

Every single high school sport is represented here.  Even though our schools didn't have any award winners, it was still fun looking around.  Naturally, we did know some individuals from neighboring schools.

 

 

If you're from Nebraska or went to school here or met people from here, you will certainly enjoy wandering around.  Chances are high you'll run across a name that's familiar.  There is a lot here so plan on spending a fair bit of time.

Historic Oshkosh Water Tower - Oshkosh                    2025 

  

Not many of these old water towers left.  I wonder how much longer it will be serviceable.  I wish we could have seen it lite up, especially on a Saturday night.

Dobby's Frontier Town - Alliance                                    2025 

  

Fascinating town with numerous buildings depicting various professions.  Each one contains many items actually from this era.  

Even though we've been through many old and restored frontier towns over the years, we always find something in them that's new to us.  Such as this coffin with a window.  Look at the intricate carving in the wood.

My sister Vicki was finally put in jail!  I've been waiting for over 60 years for this.  Alas, she was just taunting me, look at that smile.

It's always fascinating how printing presses used to work.  I went to school in Clarkson and the Colfax County Press office had one.  I don't know if it's still there but it was when I was last there around 20 years ago.  Complete with thousands of lead type.  They showed me how images were created and the lead molds were made.

Interesting town.  Free-will donations for admission.  Very well laid out.  Certainly worth the time to wander around.

 

CocoShack - Chadron                                                             2025 

 

We've probably driven by this store 50 times over the years.  It used to be a liquor store and now it's "The Cool Stuff Store".  Depending on the time of year, you might find an Amish tent near by selling their farm produce.

When you go in for a stamp, make sure to engage Lee Ann in conversation.  She is certainly someone you don't expect to find in Chadron, NE.  Her expertise comes from the Interior Design profession and the store is full of "Cool Stuff" that can help you get that 'just right' accent on a wall or shelf.

 

 

 Plus there are some consumables such as jellies, sauces and more.

 

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument - Harrison    2025 

I like coming here.  The fossils are really well preserved and seeing the fossilized corkscrews gives you a real sense of wonderment and bewilderment.  

If you have time, hike to the two hills you see in the distance.  That's where many of the fossils were found.   On your way there, you'll cross the Niobrara River.  It's only about 4 feet wide and is so peaceful.  Yet, in about a 150 miles, it becomes big and world famous.

This place probably owes it's existence to James Cook.  Without his interest and realization that these fossils were important, who know what would have happened.  Fossils can be found all over if you just look.  

Along with fossils, Cook also maintained a personal friendship with Red Cloud and other Lakota and Cheyenne Indians.  They gifted him with many of their personal and valuable items.  Some of those are on display here in a special climate controlled room.

Of course, what most people come here to see are the fossils.

 

There are lots of other displays related to the natural history of the area, in the visitor center.  Plus a video and like all videos in the National Park Service Visitor Centers, its very good.  Hopefully, the weather cooperates for you during your outdoor explorations.

 

The Happy Dackle Market - Mitchell                              2025  

 

We took our time getting here but just couldn't get here late enough for them to open.  Because we had a lot of miles to go on our last day before heading back to Seward, we had to just stamp our phones and move on.

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area - Minatare        2025 

Yet another place we would have never gone except for the Passport.  It's a really beautiful lake near Scottsbluff.  It's also well hidden.  Even when you go over the last hill before entering the park, you can't see any of the lake because of the trees.  It was much bigger than I expected.  Since its well off any main road, it is quite secluded.  The park headquarters has plenty of things to help make your stay more fun and if you're fishing, more productive.

At the end of the peninsula is a lighthouse.  Not really.  I don't know if there ever was anything up there that emitted light but there isn't any evidence of it today.  If you stop here and climb the tower, you'll be rewarded with a great view of the lake.  

 

The stairs are very narrow and the walls are very thick.  I doubt there was ever a storm on earth that could have defeated this tower.  There is also a campground along the road leading to the lighthouse.  There were lots of tents and campers set up there.  Very nice place with lots of trees and shade.