Named for Fort Kearney, Kearney (pop. 29,000) was considered a site for both the Nebraska state capitol and capital of the country due to its central location. Kearney is a stopping point along the migratory bird flyways.
Fort Kearny was founded in 1848. It was the first military post built to protect the Oregon Trail. The grounds include a stockade and a blacksmith shop.
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is dedicated to the journey of the pioneers westward along the Great Platte River Road. Visitors can join a wagon train, experience a prairie crossing, a buffalo stampede and a stopover at a frontier fort.
Address: Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, 3060 East 1st Street, Kearney, NE 68847, United States
Phone: 1 (308) 237-1000, Fax: 1 (308) 338-0411
Hours:
March 1 to May 27: 9am-4pm
May 28 to September 6: 9am-6pm
September 7 to October 31: 9am-4pm
November 1 to February 28: 10am-3pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service, Wheelchair loan or rental
At the Kearney Area Children's Museum children and parents experience hands-on science, technology, culture, and arts exhibits. Displays include a television station, a grocery store, a medical center, a train room, and an old soda fountain.
Address: Kearney Area Children's Museum, 2005 1st Ave, Kearney, NE 68847-5412, United States
Phone: 1 (308) 698-2228, Fax: 1 (308) 698-2229
The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney features works from the the first Nebraskans and contemporary artists. The permanent collection has over 5,000 works. An outdoor sculpture garden is on the grounds.
Address: Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847-4501, United States
Phone: 1 (308) 865-8559, Fax: 1 (308) 865-8104
The Trails and Rails Museum is housed in an 1898 Union Pacific depot in Kearney. The depot has a waiting room, depot agent's office, a freight room and a baggage room with exhibits. Other buildings on the grounds include an 1898 Baptist Mission Church, the county's first frame schoolhouse and the 1884 Loup River Freighters Hotel.
Hours:
May 30 to September 6: 10am-6pm; Sun:1pm-5pm
September 7 to May 29: 1pm-5pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
Tips: Tuesdays are free from September to May only.
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