Lodging and Dining

Kearney is noted for its hospitality and superior convention/tourism accommodations. Convention facilities in Kearney attract many businesses and organizations. The added service from local business owners and citizens make Kearney a perfect choice for your meeting, conference or family reunion. The Kearney Visitors Bureau is available to help coordinate specific information on meeting and lodging arrangements, entertainment attractions or shopping.

Holiday Inn is Central Nebraska’s largest and most modern convention complex. Combined lodging facilities of more than 423 guest rooms and suites are available at four hotels - Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Wingate Inn. These four hotels are all adjacent to one another and within easy walking distance to the convention center located at the Holiday Inn. The Convention Center features meeting space to accommodate up to 1,000 people with multiple seating arrangements and breakout rooms.

The Ramada Inn and Conference Center is a great place to hold your next meeting or convention. You can choose from an unlimited combination of ten different meeting rooms. Our Ballroom offers 6,525 square feet of space in which to convene. Smaller organizations may prefer the intimacy of one of their smaller conference rooms or executive suites.

Over 24,000 square feet in the Tropical Fundome is an indoor recreation area perfect for your receptions, cocktail parties, informal dinners or tradeshows. 1st Inn Gold is located on the southwest quadrant of Interstate 80 and Exit 272, making it easily accessible travelers on Interstate 80. The property has 104 guest rooms and a deluxe continental breakfast. Groups will find excellent added services such as meeting and banquet facilities.

The Buffalo County Fairgrounds offers excellent facilities with the flexibility to serve conventions and residents of Buffalo County. The Buffalo County Exposition Center, the Buffalo County Exhibit Building and the Ag Pavilion are ideal for large events with 46,000 square feet of exhibit space and seating for 5,000 people. Other features include portable stage, portable show ring, meeting rooms, outside exhibit space, concession stands, animal wash racks, public address systems, ample parking and camping.

The Kearney Events Center opened its doors in November 2000. The 5,000-seat venue is home to the USHL Tri-City Storm hockey team and the USBL West Division Basketball Team, the Nebraska Cranes. The multi-purpose facility has over 54,000 square feet of exhibit space making it a prime location for a variety of entertainment functions and meetings.

Kearney offers over 75 fine restaurants in the area from steak and seafood to Italian, Oriental and Mexican cuisine, which can be an added feature for your gathering. The Visitors Bureau also maintains a complete list of speakers and entertainers available for conferences and meetings.