Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at the historic Durham Museum. Opened in 1931, Union Station was built by Union Pacific Railroad as the showpiece to the city of its headquarters. Considered one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, and now an official National Historic Landmark, the station is one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the country. The Durham Museum offers unique, hands-on learning for people of all ages. Enjoy an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940’s storefronts, HO Model trains, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. During your stay be sure to stop by the authentic soda fountain and enjoy a phosphate or malt.See more..
4.5Great Platte River Road Archway Monument(822 reviews)from $15.00 - Unique history museum Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues • History Museums
Spanning I-80 at Exit 275 in Kearney, NE, the Archway's unique, family-friendly experience tells the story of the adventurers who followed the Great Platte River Road across Nebraska and helped to build America. Spend about an hour or more in our historical exhibit. Our personal audio guide lets you set the pace. Walk with the pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Watch a rider make a stop at a Pony Express Station. Hear Mark Twain's account of a cross-country stagecoach trip. Relive the creation the nation's first Transcontinental Railroad. Hear stories of early auto travel on the Lincoln Highway. Watch traffic pass below you on I-80. Then, see the replica sod house. Stretch your legs on our hike/bike trail. Picnic on the Archway grounds. Discover unique souvenirs at the Archway Mining Company. Make the Archway part of your family's travel adventure.See more..
4.5Pioneer Village(304 reviews) - Impressive collection in a small town Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
One of Nebraska's leading attractions, the Harold Warp Pioneer Village is a short 10-minute drive south of I-80 exit 279. The Pioneer Village is often described as the "Smithsonian of the Plains". Visitors from around the world use "Fantastic" "A wonderful American Treasure" "Amazing" and "Remarkable" to describe the 50,000 items in 26 buildings within the 20 acre museum. Exhibits are arranged in chronological order of development to vividly portray how America grew from the open hearth and grease lamps to supersonic speed and cell phones. You will find wagons, buggies, guns, trains, 350 antique automobiles, 100 tractors, 20 historic aircraft, Rogers' Statuary, clothing, glass and china, Historic Buildings and more. It is a great family destination and includes a motel and campground. If you stay with us in our motel or campground, we will give you one complementary adult admission to the museum with each room or campsite rented. The museum is open year round.See more..
When you visit Stuhr Museum, the word “experience” is one of the cornerstones of what we do. You don’t just see historic homes, you hear your footsteps on the floorboards. You don’t see a blacksmith’s impressive work, you feel the heat of the sparks. You don’t just see the Mercantile, you taste the candy stick, just as it was in the time of our pioneer ancestors. It’s what we call a “Living History Experience”. We feature over 200 acres, over 100 structures and are one of the most immersive and iconic museums in the Midwest.See more..
4.0Fort Cody Trading Post(210 reviews) - Nice break. Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • History Museums
The FUN store known Coast-to-Coast! Fort Cody has been a beacon on the Nebraska Prairie since 1963! Family owned and operated, Fort Cody is more than just a store. Our Old West Museum features some of the finest, vintage cowboy gear anywhere! See Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, in Miniature! It is a 20,000 piece, hand carved and painted, animated display and is one of the finest displays of Folk Art you will ever see! Our gift shop features over 800 book titles, Native American arts and crafts, Nebraska food products, toys, jewelry, T-shirts, leather goods, and so much more!See more..
One of the Midwest's premier natural history museums, we are home to the world's largest complete mounted mammoth skeleton. Archie, our mascot in bronze out front, is based on this mammoth fossil. Touch his foot for good luck! Poop & Paws is our newest exhibit and explores the clues animals leave behind in nature. Our Cherish Nebraska exhibit encompasses the entire 4th floor and examines Nebraska's past and present with digital interactives, collections displays, hands-on activities and a visible lab to watch our scientists at work. Other exhibits include Bizarre Beasts, Weapons Throughout Time, First Peoples of the Plains, Paleontology, Geology, and the Hall of Nebraska wildlife. Our Marx Discovery Center has tons of activities for kids, including a fossil dig pit, reading nook, discovery tables, dinosaurs, coloring sheets and more.See more..
4.5International Quilt Museum(185 reviews) - So much better than Paducah Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
The International Quilt Museum’s mission is to build a global collection and audience that celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of quilts. The museum draws from this collection to produce exhibitions and programs year-round.See more..
4.5Pony Express Station(183 reviews) - Wealth of Information Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
Gothenburg is home to 2 original Pony Express Station. In 1931, this station was donated to the City of Gothenburg and moved to Ehemen Park Arboretum. It is open FREE to the public April-October. During off season, you may tour the station by appointment.See more..
Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and Seaman the dog on our 79-acre property. Step aboard an authentic full sized 55-foot replica of the Keelboat used by the explorers over 200 years ago. Relive the adventure by exploring our interactive exhibits: burrow with the Prairie Dogs, run with the American Bison, be surprised by our ferocious Grizzly Bear. Listen to the calls of every bird that was documented along the expedition. Pull the oars on the pirogue. Avoid the snags as you race down the Missouri River with our newest exhibit. Go into the 48 foot in diameter Plains Indian Earth Lodge. Follow our trails to the Missouri River Overlook and the Birding Amphitheater. Bring a snack lunch to enjoy at our outdoor picnic area!See more..
4.5Hastings Museum(117 reviews) - 3-Floors Of Activity Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums
Founded in 1927, Hastings Museum is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Featuring a Theatre with a 65-foot wide screen and large domed Planetarium, we house dozens of animal species set in their natural habitats, allowing you to get an up close look at many amazing creatures! We also chronicle the history of the early inhabitants of the Nebraska plains, from paleo-Indians to euro-Americans, while providing a look back at the creatures that used to roam this area and swim in Cretaceous Sea. Of course you'll also discover how Kool-Aid, the famous soft drink invented in Hastings, came to be such a success.See more..
4.0Front Street(100 reviews) - Great Food and Wonderful staff. Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM History Museums • Theatre & Performances
We enjoyed the hospitality, food and our server, who also happened to be a Walleye Fisher Girl who had just caught a huge one a couple of days earlier. My friend got bragging rights on this visit with an 11 1/2 pound monster of 31 1/2". We had a great time eating and visiting. Will be back again.See more..
4.5Legacy of the Plains Museum(89 reviews) - Stopped here on our way to Scotts Bluff Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Legacy of the Plains Museum is a destination for people interested in stories of human and agricultural history in the North Platte Valley and High Plains. Our new state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits focus on the archeology of Native Americans and Westward Expansion, the lives of pioneering settlers, this establishment of irrigation, the development of rural communities, the diversity of cultures on the High Plains, and the innovative technologies and cultural practices of raising animals and crops in a semi-arid environment.See more..
4.5General Crook House Museum(83 reviews) - A Very Welcoming Museum! Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
The Museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. It was constructed in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is an Italianate style, which represented the no-nonsense grandeur of the military frontier. The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm; Adults $5($6 holidays); Students $4; 6yrs-12yrs $3.Directions to General Crook House Museum - If you are heading North on highway 75, merge onto North 30th Street. Take a left (or turn West) onto Fort Street, which is the main entrance for MCC. Once on campus, head straight West through campus until you come to a "T" in the road with a stop sign, turn right (or North) - The General Crook House is the 6th house on the left (or West) side of the road. We are the only house with a large American flag hanging on the front porch.See more..
4.0Nebraska History Museum(69 reviews) - Very Nice and CHEAP! Monday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
12,000 years of history! Many people and cultures have made Nebraska their home. We have over 125,000 objects in our collections and we continue to collect items that tell the story of Nebraska's history. Come see fascinating artifacts and hear amazing stories from our rich past.See more..
This museum does a great job of telling the local history from prehistoric time through the 1950’s. It is well organized with excellent displays whose descriptions are easy to read. An introductory film gives a great history of the Nebraska Sandhills area & sets the tone for the rest of your visit. The staff is friendly & helpful. And best of all, there is no admission cost!See more..
A free stop, donation requested. Ran by volunteers, which they need. It’s in a residential area, has lots of small buildings, built by them or donated that looks like an old town. You walk inside and you feel like you are inside back then. They have lots of time period pieces inside-most you can touch and explore. Sometimes they will have fun events as well.See more..
The G.W. Frank Museum is a unique window into Kearney's history. Admission is free. Stop by and enjoy a guided tour, or enjoy the exhibits on your own in this opulent mansion built in 1890 as well as multiple exhibits. Guided tours available every Saturday at 1:00pm (CT) and 3:00pm (CT)See more..
5.0The Plainsman Museum(32 reviews) - A "Must See" Museum if you are near Aurora, Nebraska Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Educational sites • History Museums
"Journey through yesterday" at the Plainsman Museum! Our five buildings on our six-acre campus house over 50,000 artifacts, and focus on the time period from 1860-1950. Some of our featured exhibits include a sod house, log cabin, historical main street boardwalk, military exhibit, antique farm equipment, a one room schoolhouse, Gen. Delevan & Lana Bates' Victorian-era home, and much, much more! Learn and remember the history of Hamilton County, NE, and the people who made their home on the Great Plains!See more..
Museum with one-of-a-kind fossil displays with detailed information and fascinating eduational displays on modern animal tracks identification.See more..
By far my favorite spot to learn about history. My family comes from the Black Sea region of Russia and came over to the USA and settled into the Dakota areas. As we walked into the museum, we got a personal guide to all the out buildings to learn about daily living of the people. We learned so much on history of the area from our guide and how she remembers growing up. Then we got to watch a short film and tour the upstairs. I would recommend this museum for anyone wanting to learn about the history. And it is free to do this.See more..
What a wonderful day, we loved the interaction with all the period dressed in period clothes and uniforms. Great displays at the council house, the cabin and the bake oven. The fort was amazing with all the displays of the living quarters, kitchen, surgeon’s rooms and disciplinary barracks. We thoroughly enjoyed our walk through and time at the State Historical Park. See more..
The Clayton Museum of Ancient History featuring the Stanback collection includes a wide array of artifacts, with the core of the collection focused around the Roman soldier. This facility offers enhancements for classroom instruction in history and Biblical studies and provides an excellent collection that the college shares with the public. CMAH's interactive area, the Little Kingdom, gives visitors a hands-on experience on an archaeology dig, living in an ancient Israelite house, or shopping a Roman market. The museum is housed in the lower level of the newly remodeled Phyllis Mackey Center (8th and Delaware).See more..
Native Americans, Indian agents, African-American Buffalo Soldiers, the K-9 Corps, German Prisoners of War—these are just some of the people whose lives intersected with Fort Robinson. Explore this complex past in exhibits in the 1905 post headquarters building that trace the history from the post's role guarding the Red Cloud Agency (1874-77) through the housing of World War II German PWs (1943-46).See more..
4.0Gothenburg Historical Museum(13 reviews) - Lots of historic treasures Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
Wonderful two-floors of historical displays with very knowledge docents who willingly engage about the artifacts. Free.See more..
The civil war museum had several less common artifacts that are not always seen in museums ( ie paper coins). They even had a 'children's table' where kids could color pictures and look through view finders at pictures of battlefields ( while the parents walk around). This was a fantastic 30 minute stop with plenty of free parking. I would recommend taking cash as the credit card machines can be very slow ( 3$ per adult no charge for kids under 12).See more..
4.0Chimney Rock Museum(10 reviews) - Nice interactive museum for all the family History Museums
Feel the awe and curiosity the pioneers experienced when they saw the most famous landmark on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The Chimney Rock Museum showcases unique items in our collections that tell the story of the most documented landmark of the western trails of the 1800s. Discover why Chimney Rock has fascinated people since before the state of Nebraska was established.See more..
The Dawson County Historical Museum preserves the history of Dawson County and south Central Nebraska. We are based out of our museum campus in Lexington, Nebraska. Our exhibits cover a wide range of local historical and prehistorical topics. On our grounds, we have four historic buildings from across Dawson County.See more..
5.0Saunders County Museum(8 reviews) - Nicely done museum Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Saturday visit while in the area for a sporting event.The museum is heavily weighted towards famous local people over history. There were items i wasn't aware of, so learned which is great. Several displays were about places, but didn't have maps or specific location information. Luckily, the staff on duty was very knowledgeable and able to provide locations. The big let down was the historical buildings. None were open. Staff advised that they are open on specific dates, which are published locally. It was nice to find that out as we were thinking of just showing up on a summer weekend; we thought they were closed due to recent snow/cold weather.See more..
4.5Wildwood Historic Center(8 reviews) - Great Experience Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • History Museums
This was one of the most enjoyable and educational tours of it's kind I have been on in years! I have paid three times as much for a tour at other locations and got half as much information and interaction that I got on this tour. The docent was dressed in period apparel and was very knowledgable about the house and the families that once lived there. Her friendly manner and being open to questions was refreshing. She gave us wonderful specifics on items in the house as well as on the grounds. We went on a cold October day so the Victorian garden was no longer in bloom, but i can imagine that with the statuary and fountains that garden is beautiful in the summer months. On the grounds there is also a wonderful shop that hosts the art of different area artists as well as a classroom. My wife and I loved the tour and are planning on bringing our girls the next time we are in Nebraska City.See more..
Excellent first class museum. Brought back memories of growing up and the sacrifices of our military service people. Well done and worth the visit.See more..
As this was among the only non-outdoor recreation related "Things to Do" in Valentine, we were eager to explore, and looked forward to documenting the history captured in this preservation project. Beautiful building and a few interesting period artifacts, but oddly, this is the only museum in 43 states we've visited that does not allow pictures, even with waivers or permissions. Particularly strange, as the Hall has no website and we could find no promotion of it anywhere but on TripAdvisor. Very disappointing. As a retiring teacher, it would have been a great photo memory for my students. Worth the visit for personal curiosity, but nothing to take from it but memory.See more..
4.0Fort Kearney Museum(5 reviews) - Wonderful Service Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • History Museums We stopped at the museum to seek information regarding the crane migration. The gentleman we talked with was one of the nicest, helpful person you will ever find. He explained everything and did not act as though he was being bothered. He was without question the nicest person we met on this trip!!! See more..
The museum has 22 buildings including the first governor's home,US Senator Wherry's building, one of the largest barbed wire collections, large salt and pepper collection, many buildings filled with artifacts from yester year. The museum can also do genealogy research and has many pictures you can purchase of places and people from the past. Recently the museum aquired LARRY THE CABLE GUY'S barn from his childhood home in Pawnee City. If coming to the area I would suggest staying at MY BLUE HEAVEN BED AND BREAKFAST. The owner of the B&B is the curator of the museum.See more..
5.0Custer County Museum(4 reviews) - Great variety of intact historical pieces Monday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Full 19th century drugstore, post office. Collection of Butcher photos. Homestead tract records. Very informative guide. Downtown, finished off the afternoon with a walk. See more..
4.5Bess Streeter Aldrich House(3 reviews) - Visit to Aldrich House in May 2018 Spent 1-2 hours History Museums After reading all the Bess Streeter Aldrich houses in high school, I had to visit her house. Kurt Schrader, the foundation director opened the house for a personal tour at a time the house was ordinarily closed to accommodate my travel schedule. He gave a great tour of not only the house but also the small museum with many personal artifacts of Streeter's life. The house is beautiful. Anyone interested in Aldrich will love this place -- especially seeing the typewriter which she used to type her books.See more..
5.0John Philip Falter Museum(2 reviews) - Very enjoyable! Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums We love the John Philip Falter Museum. The museum itself is lovely and Falter's art is beautifully displayed. Many pictures have been "adopted" and then displayed at different times. There's even a great history video you can watch!See more..
5.0Merrick County Historical Museum(2 reviews) - Loved our visit History Museums We visited to find out more information about my family tree. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We were treated like long lost friends. This is a must see in Central City. Only open 2-4pm on Sundays. I can't wait to come back when the new building is finished.See more..
3.0Sellors Barton Museum(2 reviews) - Very Good local History Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Small place, and older exhibits, but a good feel for local history. Call ahead, they are not always open. See more..
4.0Washington County Museum(2 reviews) - A tiny little museum with a plethora of information Monday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
A tiny little museum that has a plethora of information. It covers the history of Washington County from fossils to medical equipment.See more..
4.5Meriwether Lewis Dredge(2 reviews) - Interesting to Visit Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums Interesting history on how it was built and how long it took to build it and what and how long it was used for.See more..
The Angel De Cora Museum and Research Center is dedicated to preserving the art, artifacts, and history of the Winnebago tribe.See more..
5.0The Pawnee Arts Center(1 review) - Be surprized and pleased Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Natural History Museums • History Museums
Be surprised by this unbelievably well stocked selection of Indian arts and crafts. What a treasure place for everyone even if you aren't into Indian Art. The town is an added feature as is the Danish Baker near by. This is a win / win afternoon for everyone. Eye opening for the kids.See more..
4.0Pioneer Trails Museum(1 review) - Interesting and Informative Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums This is a nice little museum. There are a lot of old photos of the area, displays of local memorabilia. We learned a lot about the area and enjoyed visiting with the man staffing the museum. They are hoping to enlarge the building in the near future. The museum was free with donations accepted.See more..
There is plenty to see for the whole family here! So much history to absorb and many interactive displays.See more..
4.0Brownville Railroad History Center and Museum(1 review) - Hands on transportation museum Monday: Spent < 1 hour History Museums This is a newer museum in the area. The original CB&Q depot was moved up hill and closer to town. The rail line was pulled up decades ago. They have an actual CB&Q RR caboose, open for viewing and you can even climb in the cupola for a look!. The depot building has been fixed up very nicely to represent how it looked in the heyday of rail transportation. There are a lot of displays in the building showing the local transportation history. Heavily weighted towards the CB&Q RR which ran through town, but they do pay attention to the UP and other railroads that helped to settle the state. Quite a bit of local memorabilia on display, which makes this one very unique. Some of the outside display items need some work, but overall the volunteers in this town have done a great job on the facility. The parking lot is also a great starting point if you are here to bike or hike the Steamboat Trace trail.See more..
10 buildings on 8 acres with over 50,000 square feet of display area, preserving the history of Thayer County Nebraska and the surrounding area.See more..
