Nebraska Examiner Press Release
BY: CINDY GONZALEZ
LINCOLN — From Adeline’s Bakery just outside the tiny town of Burr to Norfolk’s whitewater rafting-enhanced riverfront, a batch of Nebraska standout attractions was spotlighted last week at an assembly of tourism fans.
The awards ceremony wrapped up the annual Nebraska Tourism Conference hosted by Visit Nebraska, which has the mission of increasing statewide tourism and economic gain.
Among those singled out for recognition was Amy Oswalt, whose Adeline’s Bakery won the Nebraska Passport Champions’ Choice Award.
Her Otoe County operation, founded in 2022, is among the 70 stops on the Nebraska Passport, a tour menu designed to help travelers discover the state’s “hidden gems.”
Named after her grandma, the bakery is located in Oswalt’s yard, just east of Burr, population 54. It’s among the assortment of Passport attractions intended to offer off-the-beaten-path adventures. Other spots across Nebraska include museums, parks, wineries, restaurants, retail stores and art venues.
So-called Passport champions who visited all the featured sites during the five-month season last year voted Adeline’s as the favorite.
Visit Nebraska, in a news release, described the bakery as Oswalt’s dream, which “produces some of the most interesting and tasty pies, cookies, rolls, cakes and pastries in the state.”
According to one Passporter’s Facebook, “Warning: you will meet an exceptionally sweet and kind morning person at Adeline’s Bakery! Almost as sweet as the cinnamon rolls. Such a fun stop!”
The award for Outstanding Tourism Attraction went to the Norfolk Riverfront, which features the North Fork Whitewater Park and newly revitalized Johnson Park in the City of Norfolk.
Tourism officials said the “transformative project” in northeast Nebraska’s Madison County is expected to draw up to 31,000 visitors annually and could generate nearly $2 million in spending, strengthening Norfolk’s position as a key tourism destination.
Among other highlights and recognitions:
Outstanding Event award for cities with populations above 10,000 went to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights Powered by LES.
Tourism officials said the holiday event attracted more than 70,000 visitors and featured 27,000-plus train rides and nearly 29,000 cups of cocoa. New additions such as a fountain light show and Cathedral light tunnel have helped boost the show into a major holiday tradition, contributing to Lincoln’s tourism economy, said a Visit Nebraska news release.
Outstanding Event award for towns with populations below 10,000 went to the Gravel National Championship organized in 2024 by the Scotts Bluff/Gering Sports Council.
More than 1,000 cyclists from 47 states came to the event, Visit Nebraska said, helping local businesses and establishing Gering as a premier gravel racing destination.
Outstanding Agritourism or Ecotourism Entity award was presented to Prairie Wind Birding Tours.
Located on a family farm with a prairie chicken lek, or short-grass meadow, the tour business hosted guests from two countries and 34 states during its second season. Award presenters said the operation’s partnership with local organizations like Rowe Sanctuary and Visit Kearney has elevated the area’s appeal as an ecotourism destination.
Henry Fonda Award went to Karla Niedan-Streeks in recognition of her lifetime of service to the state’s tourism industry.
“Karla’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have helped shape western Nebraska into the incredible tourism destination it is today,” said John Ricks, executive director of Visit Nebraska. “Her tireless efforts in promoting the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty have made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come.”
Niedan-Streeks began her career in North Platte and later served as director of the Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Visionary Award was presented to Vic Gutman, who founded the Omaha Summer Arts Festival in 1975, helped establish the Omaha Farmers Market, and played a pivotal role in events such as Omaha’s 150th birthday celebration.
Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award was presented to Visit Omaha’s “What Kind of Traveler Are You?” influencer campaign, which generated over 7 million impressions and 5 million video views, said Visit Nebraska.
Friend of Tourism Award went to Alan Bartels, who has showcased Nebraska’s culture, history, and natural wonders. The author of 100 Things to Do in the Nebraska Sandhills Before You Die, Bartels has contributed to Nebraska Life Magazine, USA Toda,y and National Geographic.
