In the mid-1800s, two of the most important pioneer trails west, the California and Oregon Trails, converged at this frontier fort. Parts of the fort are preserved and reconstructed on this lonely plain a 10-minute drive southeast from Kearney. There's a visitor center with exhibits. During sandhill crane migration season, the park is a good place to see the birds.
Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Nebraska
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
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Arching unexpectedly over I-80 east of Kearney, the multimedia light-and-sound exhibits here tell colorful tales about the people who've passed this way,…
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Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
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5.61 MILES
This three-story museum traces Nebraska's visual history through the works of artists who were either born, lived or worked in the state.
Nearby Nebraska attractions
1. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
2.6 MILES
Arching unexpectedly over I-80 east of Kearney, the multimedia light-and-sound exhibits here tell colorful tales about the people who've passed this way,…
5.61 MILES
This three-story museum traces Nebraska's visual history through the works of artists who were either born, lived or worked in the state.
3. Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center
28.95 MILES
Upstream of Grand Island, the Platte River hosts 500,000 sandhill cranes (80% of the world population) and millions more waterfowl during the spring…