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Local and state maps, attractions, restaurants and
parks are included in the vast array of information available in the Visitors
Center. The Kearney Visitors Center is open extended hours March
1-April 15 annually for the spring migration of
Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl.
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.
Visit Pioneer
Village for a unique experience. The village is one of Nebraska's leading
attractions, featuring 50,000 historical items which follow America's progress
since 1830. You'll find 350 antique automobiles and trucks, 100 vintage
tractors, steam- powered carousels, historic flying machines and much more!
The G.W. Frank
House, on the National Register of Historic Sites, features Tiffany
stained-glass windows, hand-carved oak woodwork and tiled fireplaces.
Fort Kearny was
an oasis during a hard journey for thousands of pioneer wagon trains. For
outdoor fun and relaxation, be an eyewitness to the story by walking through the
interpretive center, the blacksmith-carpenter shop, powder magazine, and split
stockade. 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. Open 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Kearney is also
home to Cabela's, an outdoorsman's paradise. Along with outdoor equipment form
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.
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.
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