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Family Activities
Classic Car Collection   Map this place View on map

3600 E. Highway 30
Kearney, NE 68847
308-234-1964

PRESS RELEASE: Classic Car Collection
Classic Car Collection is the best public car attraction between Chicago and Denver that includes more than 140 vintage automobiles from the early 1900's to the 1980's.  The attraction includes video and multi-media displays throughout.  The entire Collection is photographed inside and out and displayed on a multi-media show on ipads.  Visitors are able to read a description of each automobile as they tour the attraction.  The Collection is housed in a 50,000 sq. ft. space in the Kearney Cabela's building.  The Classic Car Collection was created to house automobiles donated by Bernie and Janice Taulborg.
Cottonmill Park & Recreation Area   Map this place View on map

308-237-7251
Cottonmill Road
Kearney, Nebraska 68848
Click here to visit website

Cottonmill Park and Lake offers various opportunities for fun and recreational activities just west of Kearney.  Visitors can hike in a native prairie or tour  a Nature Barn.  A central feature to the park is the 43 acre lake.  The lake underwent a complete restoration in 1998 to create a top quality fishing lake.  Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset with no lifeguard on duty. If boating and fishing is more to your liking, the lake is stocked with large mouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel fish and northern pike.  The more athletic visitors can play disc (Frisbee) golf on the east side of the park.  The 2,263 foot, par 33 course meanders through cedar forest areas and along the lake shore.  Visitors can picnic at any of the scattered picnic sites throughout the park.  Small shelters, grills and water are available at some sites.  The two large groups shelters, which can accommodate up to 48 people, a lodge, which will hold around 80 people and the amphitheater, which holds around 250 people,  may be reserved.  For more information contact: Cottonmill Park & Recreation Area, Cottonmill Road, Kearney, Nebraska 68848 or call (308) 237-7251.
Fort Kearny Museum & Glass Bottom Boats Rides

131 S. Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
308-234-5200

World-Wide Collecting has produced this unique and unusual visit with the past.  There is sure to be something of interest for every member of the family.  See the Egyptian mummies, Dinosaur fragment discovered in the Gobi Desert, the first license plate ever issued in Nebraska and the list continues to include over 10,000 items from the past.  

Open Memorial Day - Labor Day
Thursday - Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fort Kearny State Historical Park   Map this place View on map

Fort Kearney1020 V Road
Kearney, NE  68847
Phone: 308-865-5305

View New Ft. Kearny CRANE VIDEO

 Built to protect Overland Trail travelers, Fort Kearny SHP near Kearney was a stage station, home station for the Pony Express, outfitting depot for Indian campaigns and home of the Pawnee Scouts. The stockade, parade grounds and blacksmith shop have been rebuilt. The Visitors Center is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Great Platte River Road Archway   Map this place View on map

3060 East 1st Street
Kearney, NE 68847
877-511-ARCH/308-237-1000
www.archway.org
Capacity inside: 125

The Great Platte River Road Archway represents the gateway to the west to the 12,000 plus people that pass under the structure daily. The structure is two-stories of fascinating interactive exhibitory that  traces the history of the Great Platte River Road from Oregon Trail days to the fiber optic future world of tomorrow.

Experience the "TrailBlaze Maze” attraction, the only maze located between Chicago and Denver along Interstate 80. Run through a wild and crazy labyrinth of twists and turns as you race against the clock for fun and prizes. This fort-like maze spans 4,800-square-feet and includes four checkpoints that allow you to stamp your “passport.” 
Harold Warp Pioneer Village   Map this place View on map

138 East Highway 6
Minden, NE 68959
800-445-4447
www.pioneervillage.org
Located 22 miles south of Kearney.
You'll find one of Nebraska's leading attractions just 15 minutes south of Kearney. Live demonstrations and more than 50,000 historic items displayed to show America's progress since 1830. It is efficiently arranged for you to see it all by walking less than a mile. Stay at the modern 90 room Pioneer Motel, room rate includes one pass to Pioneer Village.  Enjoy fine food at good old fashioned prices at the Pioneer Restaurant.  The Pioneer Village Campground has 135 spaces, most are shaded.  Call for current rates.  
Kearney Area Children's Museum   Map this place View on map



308-698-2228                                              
5827 4th Avenue
Kearney, NE 68845
www.kearneykidzone.com

The Kearney Area Children's Museum / Kidzone is dedicated to developing within children and adults a feeling of excitement about learning, a sense of family and community.  KidZone provides fun, interactive educational experiences for children.  It's a place for children and families to experience the world of science, cultures and the arts in a unique, hands-on environment.
Kearney Raceway Park, Inc   Map this place View on map

308-750-2049
1460 Imperial Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
http://www.krpi.com

Classes: Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Street Legal, High School & Jr. Dragsters

Track Location: 5 miles east of Kearney, NE on Hwy 30 to Imperial Avenue.  Turn North 1/2 mile to the gate.
Morris Press Cookbooks   Map this place View on map

Morris Press Cookbooks
3212 E Hwy 30
Kearney, NE 68847
website: www.morriscookbooks.com
phone: 308-236-7888 or 800-445-6621

Cookbooks by Morris Press, founded in 1933 and one of the nation's largest cookbook publishers, is proud to invite you to visit our shop "Leafie Mae's Kitchen."  Browse through thousands of overrun cookbooks from all 50 states, regional favorites, and specialty books at factory outlet prices.  A free cookbook is given to all visitors.  Open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Admission is free.
Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center   Map this place View on map

308-338-3473
2434 East 1st Street
Kearney, NE 68847
Nebraska Firefighters Museum 

The Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center is
designed to provide a place to safeguard and preserve Nebraska's proud firefighting heritage and to educate individuals on fire prevention.

Located on the Great Platte River Road Archway Campus.  The museum provides adequate parking for groups of all size. A large conference room and party room are available for a variety of gatherings.
The Big Apple Fun Center & Sports Bar   Map this place View on map


The Big Apple Fun Center is Kearney's largest family entertainment facility.  All your recreational needs can be filled in one stop here at the Big Apple.  The Big Apple is open 7 days a week, year round.

Inside:
Bowling (36 Lanes), Billiards (17 Tables), Pro Shop, Shuffle Board,
Sports Bar, Game Room, Snack Bar, 18 Hole Black Light Miniature Golf – Theme in Pirates, Underwater and Jungle Adventure. Our golfers will be challenged by the many obstacles in the way. No weather delays here. 

High Ballocity: This adult/child interactive climbing structure is 19 feet tall and over 30 feet wide. Three levels of activities will keep you and your child entertained for hours. Air blasters project foam balls from the second and third levels as well as a volcano on the main floor, vacuums to send the balls to the upper levels and just for fun, a hopper that is on a time release allowing these foam balls to fall from the sky. Did I mention the triple wide two story slide and the two story spiral slide? Lots to do for all ages in here.  

Outside: Sand Volleyball (2 Courts), 18 Hole Miniature Golf, Go-Kart Track, Horse Shoe Pits
The Frank House   Map this place View on map

2010 University Drive
University of Nebraska Kearney
(2010 West 24th Street on Highway 30) 68849
308-865-8284 
www.frankhouse.org

Meeting Capacity: 20
 
The Frank House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1889 as George Washington Frank's third mansion. Designed by his son George Frank, Jr., it is made of red Colorado sandstone based on the H.H. Richardson Romanesque shingle style. Its focal point is an authentic five by nine-foot stained glass window by Tiffany. The mansion was wired for electricity during construction and included three bathrooms, steam heat, servants' quarters and ten fireplaces. Seven fireplaces remain. Restoration of the house has been an on-going project since it was deeded to the University of Nebraska in 1972. The mansion is open to the public as a historic house museum and its rooms are used for exhibits, receptions and meetings. 
 
Monday - Friday, 2-5PM and Saturday, 12noon - 5PM.   
Closed University holidays and all student breaks.   
Donations are appreciated.  Call to schedule tour groups of 8 or more and special events.
Check website for museum programs.  
Capacity: 10-145
Trails & Rails Museum   Map this place View on map

710 W. 11th Street
Kearney, NE 68845
308-234-3041
Trails & Rails Website

Trace the history of transportation through Buffalo County on a site where the Mormon Trail once passed. In addition to the Union Pacific steam engine and archives of the area, displays include an 1898 depot and church, 1880's Freighters Hotel and an 1871 school house.

Open: Hours are Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.  Labor Day through Memorial Day, Monday through Friday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Yanney Heritage Park   Map this place View on map

308-237-4644
Yanney Heritage Park
2020 West 11th
Kearney, NE  68845
Yanney Heritage Park Website

Yanney Heritage Park is an eighty-acre park located in southwest Kearney. The park has many features including the John & Carmen Gottschalk Observatory Tower that stands 80 feet high providing an inspirational view; the Ron & Carol Cope Amphitheater that host area productions and performances; the 12-acre lake that is stocked with fish and attracts migrating waterfowl; the Mitzi Pavilion, which is able to hold around 50 people and around 250 people in the courtyard, and the Environment Resource Center, which is able to hold 75 people and is used for air-conditioned or heated meetings in a building full of windows near the lake. A free Splashground/Playground is available for hours of fun for children of all ages. 

The park is open to the public daily and is located one mile west of the corner of 11th Street and 2nd Avenue.
Paws-n-Pals 5k Run   Map this place View on map

Held at the Archway. All proceeds will benefit the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. You are encouraged to bring your dogs to run with you. Dogs running in the event will receive a bandana! Registration Form
5/19/2012 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
2012 Shrine Circus   Map this place View on map

Sponsored by Tehama Ft. Kearney Shrine Club. Tickets not available vis internet or phone. Tickets at the box office Adults $10, Student Grades 6-College $8, Grades 5 & under Free.
2 days starting on 5/24/2012 at 4:00 PM
Storybook Theatre at KidZone   Map this place View on map

Storybook Theatre led by Kim Hauschild & Maria Beucke. Members: $ per child, Non Members: $8 per child. Preregistration is required. 308-698-2228 or www.kearneykidzone.com
5/24/2012 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Central NE Woodcarvers at Fort Kearny   Map this place View on map

Woodcarvers demonstrating their skills at Fort Kearny State Park
Contact T. Candy at 308-234-6329
7 days starting on 5/26/2012 at 10:00 AM
Yanney Heritage Days   Map this place View on map

Held at Yanney Heritage Park. Activities all day. For more info call Scott at 308.237.4644.
6/2/2012 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
4-H Horse Invitational

Invitational to be held at Buffalo Co Fairgrounds East Arena
Contact 308-236-1201  Time TBA
6/9/2012 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
American Legion Poker Run

Buffalo County Post #52. Bikes, Cars,  Clubs & Riders. Rider/Driver $15; Couple $25; add/ hands $10; . Benefit for Legacy Scholarship. 308-440-0192 or 308-440-9868. legionriders@hotmail.com
6/16/2012 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Dancers of the Plains Pow Wow   Map this place View on map

4th Annual. Cultural Exhibition with Southern Ponca of Oklahoma & Northern Ponca of Nebraska.  Visit www.archway.org or call Dawna at 877-511-2724.
2 days starting on 6/15/2012 at 8:00 AM
27th Annual Wagons West Celebration   Map this place View on map

Includes a fiddle contest and more events TBA. Held at Trails and Rails Museum 710 West 11th Street. 308-234-3041
6/23/2012 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Central NE Woodcarvers at Trails & Rails Wagons West   Map this place View on map

Woodcarvers demonstrating their skills at Wagons West, Trails & Rails Museum, 710 W 11th St
Contact T. Candy at 234-6329
6/23/2012 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
"Two Rooms" by Crane River Theater at KHS

"Two Rooms" performance by Crane River Theater at Kearney High School Auditorium. Admission $16 Students/Seniors and $18 adults. Contact www.cranerivertheater.org for details.
4 days starting on 6/21/2012 at 7:30 PM
Elvis Performance at Kearney High School   Map this place View on map

 Fundraiser for Mount Carmel Home.
6/30/2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
3rd of July Extravaganza at Viaero Event Ctr   Map this place View on map

 For more info call 308.237.3101.
7/3/2012 from 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM
"A Year with Frog & Toad" by Crane River Theater at Yanney Park   Map this place View on map

Crane River Theater presents "A Year with Frog & Toad" at Yanney Park Cope Amphitheater. Free Admission. Refer to www.cranerivertheater.org for details.
5 days starting on 7/3/2012 at 7:00 PM
Art In The Park   Map this place View on map

Kearney's Annual Art in the Park @ Harmon Park. 9am-5pm. For more info, contact Daniel at 308-708-0510.
7/8/2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
"Journey Stories"

Held at Trails and Rails Museum. A Smithsonian traveling exhibit brought to you by the Nebraska Humanities Council and Museums on Main Street. Times of event TBA. For more info call 308-234-3041.
45 days starting on 6/1/2012 at 1:00 PM
Hilltop Mall Sidewalk Sales   Map this place View on map

Information contact mhilkemann@dp-mgmt.com or call 308-236-9798
3 days starting on 7/13/2012 at 10:00 AM
2012 Buffalo County Fair   Map this place View on map

Buffalo County Fair held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. Contact 308-236-1201
5 days starting on 7/25/2012 at 8:00 AM
2012 NE Top 10 Volleyball Tournament

Held at Kearney Catholic High School. For times and other information call Kris Conner at 308.627.6214.
5 days starting on 7/27/2012 at 9:00 AM
Crane River Theater Presents "Into the Woods" at MPAC   Map this place View on map

"Into the Woods" presented by Crane River Theater at Merryman Performing Arts Center, $Admission $16-$26.  Refer to www.cranerivertheater.org for details. 
8 days starting on 7/26/2012 at 7:30 PM
2012 Gala at Merryman Performing Arts Center   Map this place View on map

Gala performance at Merryman Performing Arts Center - Free admission. Refer to www.cranerivertheater.org for details.
8/11/2012 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
2012 Senior Olympic Games

Sponsored and put on by Kearney Park and Rec. For registration information call 308.237.4644.
4 days starting on 8/9/2012 at 9:00 AM
U-Fli Tournament of Champions

Held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. For more information visit their website.
3 days starting on 8/24/2012 at 8:00 AM
Central NE Woodcarvers at Trails & Rails   Map this place View on map

Central NE Woodcarvers demonstrating their skills at the Christmas Walk at Trails & Rails Museum 710 West 11th st
Contact T. Candy 234-6329
4 days starting on 12/1/2012 at 11:00 AM
Crane River Theater presents "Let it Snow" at MPAC   Map this place View on map

"Let it Snow" presented by Crane River Theater at Merryman Performing Arts Center, Admission $10
2 days starting on 12/8/2012 at 2:00 PM
2013 Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration & Conference   Map this place View on map

Kearney is honored to be chosen to host the Lincoln Highway Centennial Celebration in 2013.  Centrally located in the Heartland of America on the Lincoln Highway, Kearney is excited to showcase all we have to offer.
Click here to download event brochure.
Event hightlights for June 30 and July 1.
June 30 Kearney Show & Shine ~ car club and individual registration form.

Twin tours will commence from both coasts on June 22, 2013.  The trip across America will travel on the original old alignments of the Lincoln Highway. Download the auto tour brochure for more information.



For information about communities along the Lincoln Highway in Nebraska, visit the Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway website. 
Midway Snow Jam Basketball Tournament   Map this place View on map

Midway Snow Jam Basketball Tournament @ several Kearney schools. Boys & girls 3rd-9th grade teams. For more info please click here.
6 days starting on 2/18/2012 at 9:00 AM
Huskerland Duals & AAU Wrestling Meet

Held at Buffalo County Fairgrounds. For more information visit huskerland.org.
10 days starting on 3/10/2012 at 9:00 AM
Huskerland State Wrestling

Held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. For more information visit the Huskerland website.
10 days starting on 3/31/2012 at 8:00 AM
"Bright Ideas" at UNK   Map this place View on map

University Theatre presents "Bright Ideas" .
5 days starting on 4/18/2012 at 7:30 PM
"Parenting U" with a fussy eater - KidZone   Map this place View on map

Discussion regarding fussy eaters and how to handle meal time with ease for child care staff and/or parents. Members: Free, Non Members: $5. 308-698-2228 or www.kearneykidzone.com

2012 Buffalo County Fair with Kierks Bentley   Map this place View on map

Dierks Bentley performs at the County Fair. Contact 308-236-1201

2013 Cattleman's Classic- Buffalo Co Fairgrounds   Map this place View on map

Contact Ronette Bush-Heinrich 308-627-6385
2/18/2013 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
A Sunday Parlor Performance at Frank House   Map this place View on map

Piano, violin & guitar music by eight music students in support of the Frank House. 308-865-8284 or www.frankhouse.org
5/6/2012 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
FAME Talent Show

Featuring UNK students. Held in the Ponderosa Room of the Student Union on the UNK campus. Free admission. Prizes will be awarded.
2/23/2012 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Family Fun Night at KidZone (Children's Museum)   Map this place View on map

4:00-8:00pm - Free fun on the Third Thursday of every month.
www.kearneykidzone.com

5 days starting on 4/19/2012 at 4:00 PM
Gary Dulabaum

Will be performing music for children at the Public Library. Free admission. For more information about the artist visit www.garydulabaum.com.
2/23/2012 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Holiday Splendor Craft Show   Map this place View on map

Brought to you by Community Action Partnership of Med-Nebraska.
Kyla Martin, Show Promoter, kmartin@mnca.net

11/10/2012 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Home School Art Class

Held at MONA with instructor Susan Hart. Cost is $4 per student per workshop. Please call to register. 308-865-8559.
2/23/2012 from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Main Street Kearney sponsors "The Lemonade Stand"   Map this place View on map

Teaching youth K-8 lessons of entrepreneurship. On the Bricks downtown Kearney. Registration $10, deadline May 11, 2012 Contact  www.downtownkearney.com 
6/2/2012 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
NSAA Boys State Golf   Map this place View on map

2012-Class B @ Country Club & Class C @ Meadowlark
2013 & 2015-Class D @ Meadowlark
2014- Class D @ Country Club
For more info visit NSAA website.
8 days starting on 5/22/2012 at 9:00 AM
Nature Photography for Families at Rowe

Held at Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon. Admission is $3 per person, children under 12 free. For more info call 308-468-5282.
2/26/2012 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Nature in Miniature

Held at Rowe. A monthly nature series. Admission is $3, children under 12 are free. Learn to use a jeweler's loupe and a microscope. Outdoor activities are planned, weather permitting. Call 308.468.5282 to register.
1/22/2012 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Randy's Music Jam Concert at KidZone   Map this place View on map

A music show for the entire family. Free of charge. For more information 308-698-2228.

6/13/2012 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Rodney Atkins & Casey James at 2012 Buffalo County Fair   Map this place View on map

Rodney Atkins & Casey James performing at the Fair. Contact 308-236-1201
7/28/2012 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday at the Frank House

"Highfalutin" & the UNK Flute Choir, Dr. Seth Fletcher director. Free admission. 308-865-8284 or www.frankhouse.org

Sounds of Summer at MONA   Map this place View on map

 Thalken, Tesdall & Thalken, Jazz & Pop Favorite in Outdoor Sculpture Garden. Gates open at 6p. Pack a picnic if you wish. Table reservation for 10 for all 3 events $500 or reserve a table for single concert $150
308-865-8559
5/24/2012 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cabela's   Map this place View on map

(308) 234-3933
3600 E Highway 30
Kearney, NE 68847
www.Cabelas.com/Kearney

Cabela's is an outdoor lover's paradise.  Along with outdoor equipment from the world's foremost outfitters, you'll find one of the most impressive trophy collections of deer, elk, moose, bobcats, cougars and fish west of the Smithsonian.  Open Monday through Saturday, 8am-8pm. Sunday, 10am-6pm.