1. The Only Thing Going On During Huskers Game Day Is The Huskers Game

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are a huge deal. You’ll hear cries of, “Go Big Red!” any day of the week, but on game day Memorial Stadium becomes as populated as most Nebraska cities.

2. Nebraskans Like Their Beer As Red As Their Sports

Beer in Nebraska comes in the same color as Nebraska’s favorite team. Red Beer is made by combining beer and tomato juice or V8. It’s supposedly the perfect hangover cure, though doctors might tell you to skip the beer part.

3. Don’t Make That Face—Chili And Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfect Together

This Nebraskan combination might turn some out-of-towners’ stomachs, but don’t knock it until you try it. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Chili is too hot? Just have some cinnamon roll. They compliment each other perfectly.

4. You Can Put Dorothy Lynch Dressing On Literally Everything

Salads… too obvious. Casseroles, shrimp, French fries… now we’re getting somewhere. This distinct orange dressing is a staple condiment for Nebraskans.

5. Nebraskans Would Absolutely Never Miss Chase County Fair

With live music, carnival rides, cute kids showing off their animals, and lots of delicious fried foods, the Chase County Fair is the highlight of summer.

6. Runzas Are To Sandwiches As Calzones Are To Pizza

Runza’s signature pocket sandwiches are one thing Nebraskans can’t live without. This fast food joint is a local favorite and a must try if you’re in from out of town.

7. Corn Is More Than Mere Food—It’s Headgear

You’ve seen the famous cheese-wedge shaped hats, but did you know Nebraska has their own version? Corn hats. Just when you thought food shaped hats couldn’t get any more ridiculous.

8. Everyone Has A Warren Buffett Sighting Story

One of America’s wealthiest men, Warren Buffett, has a home in Omaha, but just about everyone in the state claims to have seen the “Wizard of Omaha.”

9. Nebraskans Are All Really Tired Of Those Larry The Cable Guy Jokes

Daniel Lawrence Whitney, a.k.a. Larry the Cable Guy was born in Nebraska. That doesn’t mean everyone from Nebraska wants to hear out-of-towners constantly quoting his jokes back to them.

10. Omaha’s Zoo Deserves All The Props It Gets

Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country. For anyone who’s been there before, that big round dome strikes joy into the hearts of both adults and children as they approach.

11. Even Big City Nebraskans Greet You Like You’re In A Small Town

Whether you’re in Omaha or rural Nebraska, residents will greet you the same way—with a big smile, and all the time in the world. It’s not too hard to get to know people.

12. Lazlo’s Is The Best Place For A Fancy Night Out

One of Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill’s house-brewed ales and a sirloin grilled over a hickory fire is basically the most perfect dinner ever.

13. Traffic Jams Are Caused By Wild Turkey And Elk

Why did the wild turkey cross the road? To cause a major traffic jam in Nebraska. They’re used to all the honking, so you probably won’t be able to scare them off. Elk, on the other hand, are a bit more intimidating. You probably won’t even try honking with elk in your way.

14. The Next Town Is An Hour Away, So Fill Up Your Gas Tank Now

Nebraska is spread out. Very spread out. More than one out-of-towner has been caught on the side of the road with an empty tank.

15. There Are More Cows Than People, But Also More Steaks

Of course, there’s the famous Omaha steak, but most Nebraskans also have a great relationship with their local butcher. Whichever way you go, you’ll never want for a good steak in Nebraska.

16. Nebraskans Know Their Late Night Television History

Every Nebraskan’s favorite “Tonight Show” host is Johnny Carson. Carson attended the University of Nebraska, so chalk it up to state pride.

17. But That’s Not The Only History Nebraskans Know

Nebraska was home to more than just television stars. Malcolm X was born in Omaha, and a historical marker remains at the sight of his childhood home.

18. If You Come To Nebraska, You Better Drink The Kool-Aid

The popular sugary colorful beverage originated in Nebraska and was invented by Edwin Perkins. So you can thank Nebraska for all those hopped up blue-mouthed kids at your daughter’s last sleepover party.

19. Lake McConaughy Is One Of The Most Beautiful Places On Earth

Lake McConaughy is an absolutely breathtaking way to spend the day and enjoy Nebraska’s natural beauty.

20. The Weather Can Be Erratic—And That’s Putting It Mildly

Get ready to wear a coat and flip-flops in the span of a single day. Nebraska weather is totally unpredictable and very extreme.

21. The Only Hot Dogs Worth Eating Are Fairbury Hot Dogs

Fairbury Hotdogs originated in Nebraska, and remain the perfect staple food for any game day. They also bring back waves of nostalgia for any adult Nebraskan.

22. Everyone Nebraskan Knows Someone Who Works At A Call Center

Maybe it’s their friendly voices, or the number of businesses centered in Omaha, but call center jobs are super common in Nebraska. Next time you’re back in your home state and you have a problem with your computer, remember all those friendly Nebraskan faces and be nice to the person on the other end of the line.

23. Combining Pizza And Hamburger Just Makes Sense

What could be better than two amazing fast foods combined into one even more amazing food. Valentino’s Pizza serves a hamburger pizza that any out-of-towner absolutely must try.

24. Nebraskans—And Not Just Nebraskan Grandmas—Love Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda was born in and grew up in Nebraska, so don’t be surprised to see his movies stocked in every video store around.

25. Every Nebraskan Has A Joke About Lexington

Poor Lexington. The rest of Nebraska can be kind of a bully to this tiny town. It’s a middle point between Denver and Omaha, but most Nebraska natives will tell you not to stop there.

26. There’s Nothing Like Watching The Sun Set Over The Prairie

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in the Sandhills region of Nebraska is the perfect place to take in the landscape Nebraska is known for. All the better if the sun is setting.

27. The Haymarket District In Lincoln Is Where All The Cool Kids Shop And Eat

The Haymarket District is full of great food, shopping, and breweries. If you’re looking for something hip outside Omaha, this is the place to go.

28. The Secret To The Good Life Is A Strong Community

Nebraska’s state slogan, “The Good Life,” rings true, and it’s built on the strong sense of community Nebraskans have. They’re willing to help a neighbor out of a jam, and they always make time to go to their kid’s game. Did we miss anything? Tell us what you have to explain to out-of-towners about Nebraska in the comments below!