Kearney is a small community where you'll find a variety of activities—from outdoor adventures to local art. The city is also smack dab in the middle of the country, as it's exactly 1,833 miles from both San Francisco and Boston.
The Protective Spirit of Fort Kearny
If you've ever wondered how the United States’ military kept a watchful eye on the pioneers who ventured west, >Fort Kearny State Historical Park explains it. Head back in time to learn about the region’s historical past while exploring the remains of the fort, which was uncovered by archaeologists, preserved and is now open to the public. As you wander around, imagine stagecoaches clattering about and Pony Express riders galloping through. Check out the exhibits in the interpretive center and the carpenter/blacksmith shop, and call the gang over to look at the rebuilt stockades.
Take to the Trails
Hungry for lunch? Fire up the grill in any of the picnic areas at Fort Kearny Recreation Area, just minutes from the historical park. You can also roam about the recreation area’s 186 acres of nature trails that wind about between the eight sandpit lakes or opt for aquatic relaxation at the swimming beach. If your family wants to canoe, kayak or fish, this is the place to do it. Also, don’t forget to take time to admire the beautiful mature cottonwood trees that stand guard over the camping area. An added bonus is the wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.
The Capital of Crane Watching
The City of Kearney touts itself as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World, and you can hardly argue against the claim. Some 80 percent of the entire world's population of sandhill cranes appear on Nebraska's Platte River from late February to early April. Make plans to whisk the family out to the hike/bike trail that crosses the Platte River on an old railroad bridge in the recreation area to witness it. Be sure to get there by sunrise or sundown in early spring to watch in wonder as the multitudes of cranes appear. Missed the migration season? You'll see bald eagles, geese, ducks and American woodcock.
The Pioneer’s Path to the West
You simply can't miss the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. Located above Interstate 80, you’ll experience the Westward Expansion path of the pioneers headed to California through stories told by those who braved it. The multimedia show presented inside is an engrossing experience, as you don headphones and proceed along the path of history. Travel with the pioneers as they recount the trip from Fort Kearny along the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. Share the excitement with a Pony Express rider as he races across the nation to deliver mail. Afterwards, you’ll have a new appreciation for planes, trains and automobiles.
A Visual History of Nebraska
At the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA), you’ll experience a visual perspective of Nebraska’s history. There’s no better place to spend an afternoon if you’re curious about the region’s importance in Westward Expansion. Take in the cultural relevance of the permanent collection, comprised of more than 5,000 artworks, along with varied exhibitions. It's the only museum in the country dedicated to telling the state’s more than 200-year history through art and artifacts. The building itself—a 1911 Neoclassical gem—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Classic Cars Galore
Your automobile dreams will come true at the Classic Car Collection in Kearny. Do you long to see a 1932 Austin American Coupe? A 1903 Inman Runabout? Perhaps an 1877 Selden Replica? If so, make sure add this museum to your itinerary. Even the most staid collectors will be eager to see the more than 160 vintage automobiles from the early 1900s to the present, plus a few gems from the late 1800s. Expect perfectly restored antique vehicles mixed with engaging displays. The museum is dedicated to the evolution of the automobiles and its important role in our history. For nostalgia seekers, you'll delight in the re-creation of a 1950s gas station and vintage drive-in movie theater.
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