For those traveling through Nebraska, a unique roadside attraction to explore is the collection of vintage billboard museums that chronicle the state's rich advertising history. These museums showcase the artistic, cultural, and historical significance of billboards, which were once a ubiquitous presence along America's highways. One such museum, the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln, features an exhibit on vintage roller skating billboards that not only highlight the sport's marketing efforts but also serve as a testament to the role of outdoor advertising in shaping American popular culture.

Another notable example is the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln, which boasts an impressive collection of vintage billboards that once dotted the state's landscape. The museum's exhibit, titled "Selling Nebraska," showcases billboards from the early 20th century, including ads for local businesses, tourist attractions, and state resorts. By analyzing these exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the advertising strategies employed by companies to entice travelers to stop, stay, and explore Nebraska's offerings.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, home to the world's largest indoor rainforest, also features an exhibit on vintage billboards related to Nebraska's conservation and tourism efforts. One notable exhibit is a recreation of a vintage billboard promoting Nebraska's famous Chimney Rock landmark, which highlights the importance of this natural wonder in the state's early tourist industry. Additionally, the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln features a billboard exhibit that focuses on the intersection of art and advertising, showcasing the work of mid-century designers who created billboards for local Nebraska companies.

One of the largest vintage billboard collections in the United States is the Hildreth Vintage Billboard Museum, located in Minden, Nebraska. Established by private collector Don Hildreth, this vast collection features over 150 restored billboards, many of which originated from Nebraska's highways. Visitors to the museum can explore an extensive array of exhibits that examine the social and cultural context in which these billboards were created, including their role in shaping local perceptions and influencing consumer behavior.

Despite their ubiquitous presence along America's highways, vintage billboards have often been neglected as an art form, subjected to the wear and tear of weather and human indifference. However, through the efforts of dedicated collectors and curators, these artifacts are now recognized for their cultural significance, featuring iconic imagery that often encapsulated quintessential American ideals and experiences.

Some of the most striking exhibits found in these museums showcase the evolving design and marketing strategies employed by outdoor advertisers. For example, many vintage billboards now reflect the nostalgia of bygone eras, featuring classic typography, illustrations, and advertisements for long-forgotten products. In contrast, modern billboards have become increasingly digitalized and ephemeral, changing the way we perceive and engage with outdoor advertising.

In summary, for those exploring Nebraska's rich roadside attractions, vintage billboard museums serve as an undervalued yet valuable historical resource that can offer visitors insights into American cultural history. These exhibits showcase the state's role in shaping America's advertising landscape while educating the public about the many triumphs, setbacks, and eventual triumphs of the nation's earliest outdoor advertisers.

Moreover, Nebraska's status as an important transport hub means its roadside culture played an integral role in the nation's history. En Route, today is just as valid to explore this museums roadside history aspects.