School Groups

Between 1843 and 1869 nearly 500,000 pioneers packed up their belongings and crossed the Nebraska prairie on the Oregon, Mormon and California trails. Trails experiences come to life as you travel through the Archway show. Learn about the Great Platte River Road, the route followed by the overland trails, the first transcontinental railroad and the first transcontinental interstate. From a buffalo stampede to a Lincoln Highway drive-in movie and more, experience the route that opened the West.

NEW IN 2010!

THE PAWNEE/ARIKARA EARTH LODGE

The educational mission of the Archway continues to grow with the addition of the Pawnee/Arikara earth lodge.  The culture of the Pawnee and other Great Plains tribe, and their contributions to our history, are celebrated through programs presented at the Great Platte River Road Archway.

2010-2011 SCHOOL PRICES

Archway Tour only - $3.00 per person (1 hour)
Tour + Two Historical Re-enactments - $4.00 per person (1 1/2 hours)

Educational Programs - See linked flyers for length, standards addressed, and pricing
TrailBlaze Maze - $2.00 per person (15 minutes)

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2010-2011 SCHOOL PROGRAMS

These programs address Nebraska Social Studies/History, Science, Reading and Writing Content Standards. See examples under each program description.

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PROGRAMS OFFERED DURING SPECIFIC TIMES OF THE YEAR

HARVESTING THE PLAINS

    October - November program          

                                                                                                                 Program Flyer

NEW IN 2010 - The most exciting new program we've had to offer!  The Harvesting the Plains program is the result of seven years of working with the Pawnee Nation!  This incredible program includes the Pawnee/Arikara earth lodge and crops grown for the Pawnee. Join us as we reap the harvest of rare Pawnee crops, and learn about the harvest on the plains in the mid 1800's. See flyer for standards addressed.

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150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PONY EXPRESS!

    September - October program

                                                                                                                                       Program Flyer

Special programming will continue during the fall of 2010 to celebrate this important anniversary.  Our newly finished "sod house on the prairie" location is the site for this wonderful program. Also, be sure to visit Fort Kearny,  an actual Pony Express stop on the Oregon Trail! See flyer for standards addressed.

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SANDHILL CRANE PROGRAM

    March 11 - April 3, 2011

                                                                                                                                      Program Flyer

Tour the Archway, watch a film about sandhill cranes, and go out into the country with one of our trained guides to learn about the incredible sandhill cranes!

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PROGRAMS OFFERED DURING ANY MONTH OF THE YEAR

HISTORIC REENACTMENT TOUR ( click here for a description of re-enactments)

Tour the Archway and experience two living history reenactments presented by Archway actors and actresses. These first-hand accounts detail the extreme challenges of the era of the trails, and pay tribute to the strength of the human spirit. Listen to the heart-wrenching story of Eliza Donner, the challenges of the Pony Express riders, tales from an early Irish immigrant, stories from Ft. Kearny commanding officer Frank North, the fascinating tale of the coming of the railroad, and more.
Social Studies/History 4.6 Science 8.7
Reading/Writing 4.4.1, 8.1.6

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FROM TRAILS TO RAILS (click here for program flyer)

AN ARCHWAY CLASSIC, AND FAVORITE TRAIL PROGRAM FOR MANY SCHOOLS

EASILY ACCOMODATES 10 TO 150 STUDENTS

                                         PUT STUDENTS IN THE SHOES OF THE PIONEERS

Prepare to leave Independence, MO in 1858, your jumping off point for the Oregon Trail. Buy all of the supplies that you will need to travel the Great Platte River Road. Will you have enough money? Will you buy the right supplies?
Social Studies/History 4.9, 4.10, 8.1.6
Reading/Writing 4.1.1, Mathematics 4.2.1

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"THESE ARE MY STORIES " Kutatiraa 'iitusta (click here for program flyer)

Beginning September, 2010, this two-hour Language Arts program will focus on Native American legends.  This program can also be brought to your classroom at a lower cost if you are within 100 miles of the Archway.

TRAILBLAZER!   (click here for program flyer)

TrailBlaze Maze

The 500,000 pioneers who followed the overland routes through Nebraska blazed new trails. Learn about the difficulties and dangers that they faced. Learn about the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails as well as the Pony Express and stagecoach routes and hear true stories from the trails. Discover why all of the trails converged near Ft. Kearny, and how the Great Platte River Road got its name. Weather permitting, blaze your own trail through the TrailBlaze Maze.
Social Studies/History 4.1.0, 4.6, 8.7.1
Reading/Writing 4.3.1, 8.1.2, Science 8.1.3

The TrailBlazeMaze is open April through October, with additional times as the weather permits.

To receive more information on our School Programs please contact Ronnie O'Brien at

877-511-ARCH or by email at robrien@archway.org.