Sandhill Cranes are coming to Kearney. You should, too!
Spring is on the way and so are the sandhill cranes that stop in Kearney, Nebraska, every year about this time. When you come to see the cranes, take the time to explore everything Kearney has to offer. You may be surprised.
Situated in the center of Nebraska with a population of approximately 30,000 people, visitors to Kearney sometimes assume that it’s a sleepy town with little to offer in terms of cultural amenities or dining experiences. Nothing could be further from the truth. Kearney has a thriving assortment of cultural organizations and dining and entertainment options that keep the community humming all year long.
Of course, the Archway welcomes visitors from all over the world who are curious about Nebraska’s role in the building of America.
The Museum of Nebraska Art, in downtown Kearney, houses the official visual art collection of the state and offers a busy schedule of exhibitions featuring the work of historic and contemporary Nebraska artists. It’s one of the state’s hidden gems. For information, visit https://mona.unk.edu/mona/
The Trails and Rails museum can be found on 11th Street, said to be the route of the Mormon Trail. On their grounds, you’ll tour 9 historic buildings packed with authentic antiques, documents, and memorabilia of Buffalo County. They have a steam locomotive, too. For information, visit http://www.bchs.us/
Just down the street from the Archway, the Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center displays an assortment of vintage fire trucks and fire-fighting equipment along with a memorial to Nebraska firefighters who have given their lives in order to save the lives of others. For information, visit https://nebraskafirefightersmuseum.org/
Families with young children will enjoy a stop at the Kearney Area Children’s Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits and activities that children love. Visit the farm, firehouse, grocery store, space ship, art studio, and dinosaur dig, to name just a few of the many exhibits. For information, visit https://kearneychildrensmuseum.org/
Downtown Kearney is the home to several unique, locally-owned restaurants and bars. Grab a breakfast crepe and specialty coffees at Kitt’s Kitchen and Coffees. Enjoy fresh, locally-sourced lunch specialties at Tru Café. Find some of the best pizza in town and a locally brewed beer at Thunderhead Brewing or pull out all the stops and treat yourself to a splurge at the Alley Rose restaurant. Unique baked treats are always available at K-Town Cakery. Then, head to Cunningham’s for a nightcap and live entertainment. For information, visit https://downtownkearney.com/directory/
Thousands of people who travel I-80 across the country pass by Kearney, Nebraska, every day. Those who stop and explore often find that they are richly rewarded with experiences in arts, culture, and history that are rarely found outside of big metropolitan areas. Please, don’t just “fly over” Kearney or treat it like a pit stop. Stop and stay for a while. Get to know the area and experience everything that Kearney has to offer. You’ll be glad you did.