If you’re looking for things to do in Kearney, Nebraska, you’ve come to the right place. This town has plenty of places to visit, from a beautiful park to a museum dedicated to firefighters. Of course, you can also get out on the road and take a scenic drive along the Great Platte River Road.
If you’re visiting Kearney, Nebraska, you will be thrilled by the numerous things to do. The city is located in the beautiful Platte River Valley and has a lot to offer. For example, you can enjoy a variety of parks, including a golf course, sports fields, picnic shelters, and swimming pools.
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, also known as “The Archway,” is a historical site in Kearney, Nebraska. It is an interactive monument that tells stories of American pioneers who crossed through Nebraska on their way west.
This monument resembles a covered bridge and is eight stories high. Located along the Interstate 80 highway, this site offers visitors an interactive experience about the history of the United States.
The Archway features several exhibits that offer a detailed look at the history of the American West. These include displays on the Pony Express, the Oregon Trail, the Transcontinental Railroad, and more.
The exhibits at the Archway are based on re-creations of historical events. They use multimedia displays and full-size figures cast from life to portray pioneers, travelers, and other historical figures.
Yanney Park
Yanney Park is one of Kearney’s most popular parks. Its attractions include a splash pad, an inline hockey rink, and a labyrinth. There are also multiple swimming pools, a marina, and an 80-foot tower.
The Tower at Yanney Park is the perfect place to enjoy views of the city while learning about its history. Visitors can learn about the westward expansion of pioneers and the role of the Great Platte River Road in that process. You’ll also find several interactive exhibits that showcase pioneer challenges and the part of Native Americans.
The park is also honored to be the site of the city’s newest senior citizen activity center. The center offers a variety of activities and features a new pavilion and water feature. The city has also partnered with the local hockey team to provide programming.
The city of Kearney has embarked on a multi-million dollar project to create a new public park. A new pavilion, a pond, and a parking lot are all in the works, and the foundation has begun its groundwork for a 12-acre botanical garden.
Classic Car Collection
The Classic Car Collection in Kearney, Nebraska, is a museum that features more than 200 vintage cars. In addition, the museum has an extensive collection of memorabilia. It’s a fun and entertaining place to take the family for a day out.
The car showroom is located in a 50,000-square-foot building attached to the Cabela’s store in Kearney. The exhibits display cars from the early 1900s to the modern era. You’ll find vehicles from popular brands like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford and rarer cars such as a 1930 Dual Cowl Phaeton.
In addition to the cars, you’ll also see a replica of a 1950s gas station. There’s also a snack machine, a soda machine, and restrooms. Plus, the collection has an iPad showing pictures of the vehicles.
This car museum’s display includes a 1930 MG Boattail Roadster, which is an excellent historical look at the origins of the sports car. Other examples include a 1930 GTO and a DeLorean.
While visiting the Muscle Car Museum, you’ll have the chance to drive an early Pontiac GTO and several other rare models from the Mopar line. Also, you’ll find a large selection of high-end cars, including the Porsche, Lancia, and Ferarri. Among the rare autos are the 1930 MG Boattail Roadster, the Rolls-Royce Wraith limousine, and a Shelby Mustang GT 350.
Kearney Raceway Park
Located near the heart of Nebraska, the Kearney Raceway Park is one of the country’s most prominent drag race tracks, boasting many classes ranging from karts, and go-karts, to stock car racing to the tune of a whopping ten races a day.
The track is a magnet for thrillseekers of all ages. If you are in the mood for a night on the town, the track is a perfect place to wind down after a long day at the office. Despite the track being located in the boonies, there is no shortage of quality local eateries to please the palate in Kearney.
Nebraska Firefighters Museum
Located in Kearney, Nebraska, the Nebraska Firefighters Museum is a worthy addition to the city’s list of things to do. The museum is accessible to the public and is also an excellent way to learn about fire prevention and the importance of a fire extinguisher. In addition, it features various displays, including firefighter figurines, vintage fire engines, emergency vehicles, and an impressively large conference room.
One of the more essential components of the new museum is the exhibit on the history of the Nebraska Fire Department. This includes a 150-year-old volunteer fire department and a full-scale replica of the state’s first fire truck. Also on display are several fire-related artifacts and memorabilia, including the state’s most extensive collection of firefighting paraphernalia.
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