Museums/Galleries

Fort Kearney Museum & Glass Bottom Boat Rides
131 S. Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
308-234-5200
 
World-Wide Collecting has produced this unique and unusual visit with the past.  There is sure to be something of interest for every member of the family.  See the Egyptian mummies, Dinosaur fragment discovered in the Gobi Desert, the first license plate ever issued in Nebraska and the list continues to include over 10,000 items from the past.  

Open Memorial Day - Labor Day
Thursday - Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Great Platte River Road Archway 3060 East 1st Street Kearney, NE 68847 877-511-ARCH/308-237-1000 www.archway.org The Great Platte River Road Archway represents the gateway to the west to the 12,000 plus people that pass under the structure daily. The structure is two-stories of fascinating interactive exhibitory that traces the history of the Great Platte River Road from Oregon Trail days to the fiber optic future world of tomorrow. Trail Blaze Maze  Come experience the NEW “TrailBlaze Maze” attraction, the only maze located between Chicago and Denver along Interstate 80. Run through a wild and crazy labyrinth of twists and turns as you race against the clock for fun and prizes. This fort-like maze spans 4,800-square-feet and includes four checkpoints that allow you to stamp your “passport.”

 

Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) 2401 Central Avenue Kearney, NE 68847 308-865-8559 MONA Website See Nebraska through 175 years of great art from the 19th century to the contemporary scene. Visit our MONA Shop stocked with unique gift ideas, spend some time in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden or call ahead for a Docent lead group tour. Located in downtown Kearney in a 1911 Renaissance revival building.  MONA is the home of the official art collection of the State of Nebraska. No matter how often you visit, you always discover something special.  No admission charge and plenty of free parking. Tuesday thru Saturday, 11-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed major holidays.

Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center 2434 East 1st Street Kearney, NE 68847 308-293-3859 NebraskaFirefightersMuseum  The Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center is designed to provide a place to safeguard and preserve Nebraska's heritage and to educate individuals about fire prevention. Located on the Great Platte River Road Archway Campus.  The museum provides adequate parking for groups of all size. A large conference room and party room are available for a variety of gatherings. For more information, please contact Lindsay Schluntz, Executive Coordinator of Museum Activities.

The Frank House Museum 2010 University Drive University of Nebraska at Kearney (2010 West 24th Street on Highway 30) 68849 308-865-8284 www.frankhouse.org    The Frank House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1889 as George Washington Frank's third mansion. Designed by his son George Frank, Jr., it is made of red Colorado sandstone based on the H.H. Richardson Romanesque shingle style. Its focal point is an authentic five by ten-foot stained glass window by Tiffany. The mansion was wired for electricity during construction and included three bathrooms, steam heat, servants' quarters and ten fireplaces. Six fireplaces remain. Restoration of the house has been an on-going project since it was deeded to the University of Nebraska in 1972. The mansion is open to the public as a historic house museum and its rooms are used for exhibits, receptions and meetings.    Monday - Friday, 2-5 PM and Saturday 12noon - 5PM.  Closed University holidays and all student breaks.    Donations are appreciated.  Call to schedule tour groups of 8 or more and special events. Check website for museum programs.

Trails & Rails Museum 710 W. 11th Street Kearney, NE 68845 308-234-3041 Trails & Rails Website Trace 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 and church, 1880's Freighters Hotel and an 1871 school house. Open: Hours are Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Labor Day thru Memorial Day, Monday thru Friday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Chevyland USA - Elm Creek, NE
Elm Creek, Nebraska
Exit I-80 at exit 257
308-856-4208

America's best collection of Chevrolets is located at the Elm Creek interchange on I-80, just 10 minutes west of Kearney. Over 110 cars--all restored or in original condition--are on display. From priceless classics to nostalgic favorites.  By appointment only.

Minden Opera House P.O. Box 1 322 East Fifth Street Minden, NE 68959-0001 308-382-0588 www.mindenoperahouse.com Located 22 miles south of Kearney. Constructed in 1891, this historical tribute to area arts and culture was completely renovated in 1999-2000 to serve as an attractive community center for theatrical productions, conferences, weddings, and much more.

Pioneer Village 138 East Highway 6 Minden, NE 68959 800-445-4447 www.pioneervillage.org Located 22 miles south of Kearney. You'll find one of Nebraska's leading attractions just 15 minutes south of Kearney. Live demonstrations and more than 50,000 historic items displayed to show America's progress since 1830. It is efficiently arranged for you to see it all by walking less than a mile. Stay at the modern 90 room Pioneer Motel, room rate includes one pass to Pioneer Village.  Enjoy fine food at good old fashioned prices at the Pioneer Restaurant.  The Pioneer Village Campground has 135 spaces, most are shaded.  Call for current rates.   The Village Hours of operation: We are open every day of the year, including all major Holidays, except Christmas Day.  Winter hours: 9am- 4:30pm (7 days/week). Summer hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).