Nebraska Tourism’s popular 2021 Nebraska Passport program is underway, with 70 stops set-up throughout the state as people get back out on the road this summer. The Nebraska Passport program encourages residents to see different parts of the state and teams with partners to provide “passport stamps” along the way. This year, the passport booklets are in demand.
“So far this year we have had almost 28,000 booklets requested on our Passport website,” Nebraska Passport program coordinator Madison Johnson said. “It’s just crazy-popular already. Last year we had record participation and we are anticipating the same this year. We’re expecting somewhere in the realm of 1,400 people to get to all 70 stops, so it’s just really popular.”
Last year, almost 1,200 people made all the stops, but Johnson said the average was 23 stops. She said it’s likely many Nebraskans are still holding off on vacations too far from home.
“I think a lot of people are not planning vacations to international destinations or far-away places, so it’s a great way to just travel in your state, get to know a little bit more about Nebraska and just really enjoy the summer as you can,” Johnson said. “Most of these places are kind of summer-focused attractions, so it’s a great way to spend some time with family too.”
On average, around 25,000 people take part in the Nebraska Passport program, which runs through September 30th. Northeast Nebraska is the focus of this year’s Nebraska Passport tour, although there are stops throughout the state.