Midway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Nebraska is a land of transition. Climate, soils, vegetation, and landforms all change considerably across the state. Nebraska’s vast plains extend from the prairies in the east and rise up to meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the west. Omaha, the State's largest city and only riverfront community, sits on the west bank of the Missouri River. Less than 60 miles southwest of Omaha is the state's capital, Lincoln. Nebraska’s recreational assets are numerous and consist of reservoirs, lakes, and rivers, including the Republican River and the Platte River system. The Platte River has also indirectly given the state its name, because Nebrathka, meaning flat water, was the Oto name for the Platte River. The Platte River has also indirectly given the state its name, because Nebrathka, meaning flat water, was the Oto name for the Platte River. All parts of the state offer hunting and fishing as well as opportunities to observe wildlife. While some of the state’s most impressive scenery is in the Nebraska and Samuel R. McKelvie national forests.