Kearney is named for Fort Kearny, built in 1848 to protect the American pioneers heading west on the Oregon Trail (the difference in spelling is due to a post office error long ago). More than 30,000 travelers passed through the fort as they headed west during an 18-month period around the Gold Rush, making the site an early crossroads and stopping point. Although many who traveled these early trails were bound for points farther west, some hardy and enterprising adventurers stayed, laying the foundation for what would become the Midwestern "work ethic." Today Kearney is a growing city, meeting challenges, changing every day, yet holding on to the best traditions and methods of the past. One of the great strengths of the community is its rich heritage, preserved in museums, parks and historical sites. The Kearney area is well known for the annual spring migration of nearly 500,000 Sandhill Cranes -- the largest gathering in the world. Visitors come from all over the world to witness the spectacular event. Best Western Kearney Nebraska.
Things to do in Kearney
Buffalo Ridge Golf Course
Buffalo Ridge is an excellent course for beginners or relaxed golf for players of all skill levels. The 5,979-yard course is level and open except for scattered pine and locust trees. The tame rough and smooth fairways are in great condition. Located at 7005 Avenue North. Call 308-236-5879 for more information.
Cabela's Showroom
The renowned Cabela's Showroom features a huge wildlife and fish display among the aisles of this retail outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. Visitors can roam the store with deer, elk, moose, bobcats, cougars, record stringers of fish and more, and find everything needed for their outdoor interests. Located on East Highway 30. Call 308-237-7999 for more information.
Chevyland U.S.A.
Chevyland U.S.A. features one of America's best collections of Chevrolets. From priceless classics to nostalgic favorites, over 110 cars--all restored or in original condition--are on display. Located at I-80 Exit 257, just 10 minutes west of Kearney. Call 308-856-4208 for more information.
Cottonmill Park
The centerpiece of Cottonmill Park is the 43-acre Cottonmill Lake, a top quality fishing lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and northern pike. In addition to fishing, popular activities at the park include boating, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, nature study and disc golf. Facilities offered at the park are rowboat, paddleboat and canoe rentals during the summer; a 2,263-foot disc golf course; a Nature Barn that allows visitors to interact with and feed the animals; sandy swimming beaches; and a variety of beautiful hiking and biking trails. Located 1½ miles west of Kearney. Call 308-237-4644 for more information.
Fort Kearney Museum
The Fort Kearney Museum features items of interest regarding Fort Kearney. Known for its Glass Bottom Boat rides, the museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and is located at 131 S. Central Avenue. Call 308-234-5200 for more information.
Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Fort Kearny was built to protect travelers on the Overland Trail and served as a stage station, Pony Express station, outfitting depot, and home to Pawnee Scouts. The historical state part was developed to provide visitors with insight into the conditions and events surrounding the settlement of the American West. The park features an interpretive center, recreated stockade and blacksmith shop and other structures. Camping is available at the nearby Fort Kearney State Recreation Area. Exit I-80 at the Kearney exit, travel 2 miles south on Highway 44, then 4 miles east on Highway 50A. Call 308-865-5305 for more information.
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers 186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and biking. In the spring, the world's largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl gathers in the central Platte River valley. The camping area is shaded by beautiful cottonwood trees, and features excellent camping facilities including showers, camping pads both with and without electricity, modern restrooms, and a dump station. Other facilities at the recreation area include a sandy swimming beach, picnic tables, grills, shelters, fishing pier (wheelchair-accessible), nature trail, and hike-bike trail. The recreation area is located ¾ mile east and 1 mile north of Fort Kearny State Historical Park. Call 308-865-5305 for more information.
George W. Frank House
On the National Register of Historic Sites, the elegant home of George Washington Frank was built in 1889 and is owned and managed by the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The 3-story mansion is constructed of Colorado sandstone and features a 5' x 10' Tiffany stained glass window, hand carved oak woodwork, and tiled fireplaces. Located on West Highway 30 on the west campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Call 308-865-8284 for more information.
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is an award-winning attraction that pays tribute to the pioneers that passed through the area on their way west, and celebrates their perseverance and ingenuity that helped shape America. The authentically dressed staff welcomes visitors with a "howdy" as they enter to experience and learn about the journeys of pioneering American heroes through a variety of lively exhibits and an audio/visual show. Guests can also enjoy an iron-skillet meal at the Chuckwagon Restaurant, and shop patriotic, western and Archway gifts at the gift shop. Located at I-80 Exit 272. Call 308-237-1000 for more information.
Kearney Country Club
This course has water hazards coming into play on two holes. The terrain is hilly, so you can expect many uneven lies, and the greens are extremely undulating, so three putting is a fairly common occurrence. The layout concludes with a 175-yard, par 3, requiring a short tee shot to a large-sized green. Leo Johnson added the back nine and redesigned the existing holes in 1972. The course is located at Tower Hill Road. Call 308-234-3151 for more information.
Kearney Drive-In Theatre
The Kearney Drive-In is one of 3 drive-in movie theaters still operating in the state. Shows are offered during summer evenings. The theater is located at 28th Street & Avenue North. Call 308-237-2783 for more information.
Kearney Raceway Park
Auto racing enthusiasts can enjoy motor sports at the Kearney Raceway Park from April through October. The park is located 2 miles north of I-80 Exit 279 on SR 10, then 2 miles west on Highway 30. Call 308-380-8819 for more information.
Links at Craneview
The Links at Craneview is a new 9-hole, prairie-links style course highlighted by aspects of the natural Great Plains landscape. With another nine holes coming soon, The Links at Craneview has the potential to become one of the finest public-access courses in central Nebraska. Located at 547 S Road. Call 308-234-9337 for more information.
Meadowlark Hills Golf Course
Meadowlark Hills is a municipal golf course with a championship 18-hole layout. Water comes into play on 4 holes, and sand bunkers are strategically placed throughout the course. A large driving range, putting green, pro shop and full service clubhouse are also available. Located at 3300 30th Avenue. Call 308-233-3265 for more information.
Museum of Nebraska Art
The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) houses the state's official art collection, and showcases the art of Nebraska and Nebraska artists. The collection, displayed in eleven galleries, consists of over 5,000 works by artists of regional, national and international importance. Among the artists included are George Catlin, Robert Henri, J. Laurie Wallace, Grant Reynard, John Falter, John James Audubon, and more. MONA makes its home in an elegant 1911 Renaissance building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in downtown Kearney at 2401 Central Avenue. Call 308-865-8559 for more information.
Pioneer Village
Pioneer Village, just 15 minutes south of Kearney in Minden, is one of Nebraska's leading attractions. Live demonstrations and more than 50,000 historical items portray America's progress since 1830. Included in the exhibits are antique automobiles and trucks, vintage tractors, steam-powered carousels, antique flying machines and more. Call 308-832-2750 for more information.
Prairie Hills Golf Course
The motto of the Prairie Hills Golf Course is "Come play at your own pace, take your time... the way the game was meant to be played!" The golf facility features an 18-hole links style course, a pro shop, concessions, and banquet rooms. Located at 21400 Clubhouse Drive. Call 308-388-5115 for more information.
Sandhill Crane Spring Migration
Each spring visitors from around the world come to the Kearney area to witness the incredible migration of over 500,000 Sandhill and Whooping Cranes. Guided and self-guided tours of crane viewing areas are available. Check with the Kearney Visitors Bureau for suggested viewing locations and times. Call 308-237-3101 for more information.
Trails & Rails Museum
The Trails & Rails Museum traces the history of transportation through Buffalo County on a site where the Mormon Trail once passed. In addition to the Union Pacific steam engine and archives of the area, displays include an 1898 depot, 1898 church, 1880's Freighters Hotel, shown in the picture, and 1871 school house. Located at 710 W. 11th Street. Call 308-234-3041 for more information.