Recreation and Culture

One of the great strengths of our community is the rich heritage preserved in museums, parks and historical sites. The pride of Kearney shows in the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, the only historical, educational monument that spans an interstate. The structure commemorates the trails, river and region, along with their place in American history.

Fort Kearny was an oasis during a hard journey for thousands of pioneer wagon trains. For outdoor fun and relaxation, eyewitness the story by walking through the interpretive center, the blacksmith-carpenter shop, powder magazine, and split stockade. The fort is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is 152 acres of outdoor beaches, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking and the 1.8-mile Fort Kearny Hike Bike Trail. Showers and changing rooms are available. Located just one mile east of the Historical Park, a Nebraska State Park Permit is required.

The Frank House, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, features Tiffany stained-glass windows, hand-carved oak woodwork and tiled fireplaces.

Kearney is also home to Cabela’s, an outdoorsman’s paradise. Along with outdoor equipment from the world’s foremost outfitters, you will find one of the most impressive trophy collections of deer, elk, moose, bobcats, cougars and fish west of the Smithsonian.

Visit Pioneer Village, one of Nebraska’s leading attractions. Live demonstrations and over 50,000 historic items depict America’s progress since 1830 housed in 28 buildings arranged in chronological order of their development. Buildings include a sod house, one room school, pony-express station, depot, general store and an 1884 church as well as an 1800’s steam carousel that operates in the summer months.

The first sign that spring is coming is brought by the sights and sounds of nearly half a million sandhill cranes. This is the largest gathering of sandhill cranes in the world. The cranes stop at the Platte River during their annual northern migration from their wintering areas in the southern United States and Mexico. There are also geese, ducks, bald eagles and other waterfowl to be observed in wetland areas. Audubon Nebraska’s Rowe Sanctuary is central Nebraska’s only wildlife sanctuary located on the main channel of the Platte River.

Visitors view cranes from enclosed observation blinds on guided field trips during March and early April. Owned and managed by the National Audubon Society, the original purchase of 782 acres in 1974, which was funded by Lillian Annette Rowe, included 2.5 miles of river channel, wet meadows and some agricultural fields. Additional land acquisitions have increased the current size to 1,248 acres. The new Iain Nicolson Center is the second largest straw bale constructed building in the United States. The building provides indoor classrooms, educational displays, conference rooms, a viewing area of the river and much more. With the new center, year-round education opportunities exist for local schools and the general public.

Serious nature photographers may use one of three photo blinds set up close to the major crane roost sites on the river. A Rivers and Wildlife Celebration (Spring River Conference) is held in Kearney in March. The conference provides the opportunity to learn more about the Platte River, cranes, prairies and conservation efforts.

Fossil records indicate that the cranes have been visiting the Platte River region for millions of years. For six weeks each spring, visitors have the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of 90 percent of the world’s sandhill cranes, when they stay long enough to build up the strength to continue their migration. Do you like classic cars? Then Chevyland U.S.A. is for you. The site contains one of America’s largest and best collections of vintage Chevrolets from 1914 to 1975 and also 50 collectible motorcycles.

One of the unique attractions of Kearney is a collection of cookbooks by Morris Press, one of the nation’s largest cookbook publishers (founded in 1933). Browse through thousands of cookbooks from all 50 states, regional favorites and specialty books at outlet prices. A free cookbook is given to all visitors. Located along the south side of Interstate 80 at the Kearney exit, the Kearney Event Center hosts many events. With 5,000 seats and over 54,000 square feet of exhibit space, it is the prime location for a variety of entertainment functions and meetings. The Kearney Event Center is home to the USHL Team, the Tri-City Storm and the USBL West Division Team, the Nebraska Cranes. Thousands of people have utilized the Kearney Event Center with concerts, conventions, meetings, public skating, private parties and a variety of ice and basketball activities. Annual events in the area include the Gateway Farm Expo, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic, National Antique Tractor Pull and Toy Show, Art in the Park, Crafts Under the Trees, rodeos, Buffalo County Fair, 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza, Kearney Junior Golf Classic and much more!

Museums in the Area Museum of Nebraska Art, discover the art of Nebraska! Home of the state’s official art collection of over 5,000 works, MONA tells the story of Nebraska through the art of Nebraska. See art representing the work of artist-explorers like John James Audubon and George Catlin; early Nebraskan Robert Henri; modern era artists Thomas Hart Benton and Wright Morris; and artists of today. Explore all eleven galleries and you’ll see Nebraska in a whole new way!

Visitors can also relax and stroll outside through the Cliff Hillegass Sculpture Garden, browse through the Museum Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and visit our Hitchcock Education Gallery. Housed in a 1911 Renaissance revival building, MONA is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is minutes north of the Interstate with plenty of free parking on the north side. All areas are barrier free.

Trails and Rails Museum is a museum which traces the history in the Buffalo County area. Displays include an original steam locomotive, antique tools and china, and Native American artifacts.

Fort Kearney Museum, with items from all over the world, offers an opportunity to take a trip in a glass-bottom boat on a spring-fed lake.

Kearney Area Children’s Museum is for children and parents who seek a hands-on learning experience, including science, technology, culture and the arts.