The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Cold War aircraft and artifacts in the U.S. The Museum preserves and displays historic aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles and provides STEM education. The Museum is a 300,000-square-foot facility that features a glass atrium, two aircraft display hangars, a traveling exhibit area, a children's interactive gallery, a 200-seat theater, a museum store, an aircraft restoration gallery, and a cafe. The glass atrium is constructed of 525 glass panels that encase a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The Museum hosts regular exhibitions and several special events throughout the year. The Museum's Education Department is committed to fueling the curiosity of children across the Midwest and to educating them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Regular STEM sessions, workshops and camp programs are available at the Museum.See more..
5.0Museum of American Speed(525 reviews) - Excellent museuyun Lincoln Monday: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
The museum is incredibly well layed out and speaks to the history of racing. The amount of engines on display along with the various speed equipment really helps you understand this aspect of history. The 3 floors are filled with a wonderful assortment of items and there’s something for everyone. Would absolutely recommend stopping as it tells the story of automotive history.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..
4.5Museum of the Fur Trade(218 reviews) - Well Worth a Stop Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
I was really blown away by this small museum. It was totally worth the stop. The introductory video, professional displays, and audio tour, were professionally done and informative. The museum and small gift shop were spotlessly clean inside and out. I was really impressed and that says a lot because I visit as many of these small museums as I can find.See more..
5.0Classic Car Collection(208 reviews) - We will be back Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
This collection of over 200 cars represents one man's 41-year love affair with the automobile. It also represents America's love affair and fascination with automobiles and the evolution of our society around the world of wheels. You'll see a variety of body types and styles. You'll enjoy the incredible detail crafted into many of these vehicles - artistic hood ornaments, instrument gauge panels, wheel styles and headlights. Coordinated together to tell their own stories and help us track the evolution of the model and of the age of automobiles. IPads are provided free of charge to give you additional photographs of the vehicle's details - some not able to be seen by the public as well as more information about the vehicles. This attraction is more than just automobiles. It features artistic displays, interactive multi-media shows and models.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..
Established in 1917 by Father Edward J. Flanagan, Boys Town is a national organization saving children and healing families across America. The village was made famous by the 1938 award-winning movie "Boys Town," staring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney. The Hall of History features Tracy's Academy Award and presents an exciting review of Boys Town's founding and impact on the lives of children. The Father Flanagan House Museum is the renovated home of Boys Town's founder and features a glimpse at early life at Boys Town. Other attractions on the 900-acre site include Father Flanagan's Tomb, Dowd Memorial Chapel, Chambers Chapel, Garden of the Bible, the "Two Brothers" statue and the Leon Myers Stamp Center that houses the "World's Largest Ball of Postage Stamps." Located inside the Visitors Center is the gift shop and Boys Town Café. The café is open M - F 6:45a - 9:45a and 11a - 1:15p.See more..
4.5Lincoln County Historical Museum(84 reviews) - Amid The Prairies Of The Far West Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
This is a very engaging museum with exhibits on The Canteen, Early Settlers, and lots of old stuff and antiques. My dad had experienced The Canteen in 1945 while en route to his first ship, USS Henrico, which was in port on the West Coast. We had a great time exploring the collection of history in the main building. Outside, were many buildings: log cabins from old Fort McPherson, a cabin used by the Pony Express, a two story house ordered from the Sears Catalog, Brady Union Pacific Railroad Depot, Main Street Shops, and others. They were all well maintained and in excellent condition. We had a wonderful time experiencing this aspect of history.See more..
4.0Sod House Museum(67 reviews) - Great History Stop off I-80 Monday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Speciality Museums
Museum dedicated to the art and history of the sod homes of pioneer days.See more..
5.0Nebraska Prairie Museum(58 reviews) - Not to be missed! Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
The Nebraska Prairie Museum, located in Holdrege, Nebraska, contains an exceptionally fine collection of over one acre of indoor exhibits. Once inside, you get a feeling of spaciousness as you view collections of period clothing, antique toys, farm equipment, tools and household items, a unique W.W.II German POW exhibit room, and much more!See more..
This was smaller than we expected, basically 1 large room overfilled with various displays. I believe we spent about 1/2 hour here as we were looking for something to do vs having a huge interest in roller skating. Was mostly intrigued that this museum even existed. Did enjoy the small display about roller derby, which I loved growing up. There is probably something here for everyone.See more..
I was really impressed with all of the history and information that was in the museum. I thought that this place was a great place to visit when you are in Kearney.See more..
I lived for 30 years at the beach and don't know much at all about tractors, but this place was so cool! It is in a tiny nook on the University of Nebraska and we were just looking for something to do as we were traveling cross-country to Yellowstone. What a good decision we made to stop here! There were very old tractors and more plus the guide there offered to take us to the testing lab and show us how they do the required tractor testing. Kids of ALL ages, young and old would love this place!See more..
We are proud to offer more than twenty interactive exhibits that cover a wide variety of interests that include an art studio, science center, train depot, grocery store, fire station, and agriculture area. Guests have the opportunity to explore at their own pace, and are invited to touch, push, pull, build, and play with every exhibit.See more..
Lifetime collection of marbles and the largest collection in the world. Free admission to the marble museum. We also sell marbles, coins, antiques and a little of everything else to help add to the museum and keep it free and open to the public.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..
This is an amazing gem in small-town America. Fun for all ages and a staff who loves what they do. Special events throughout the year.See more..
4.0Trails & Rails Museum(29 reviews) - Great way to kill An hour or so Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Experience the traveler’s journey through Buffalo County! Tour six historic buildings, plus a new blacksmith shop, livery barn, and a UP train! The new Family History Center opened mid-2017 and is the new Museum welcome center which also houses the extensive archive department which includes the Buffalo County records used by researchers world-wide. Join us for several special events through-out the year, including the annual Wagons West Celebration and the Buffalo County Stampede 1/2 marathon, 10K, & 5K! The Trails & Rails Museum is located on the original Mormon Trail route (current 11th St.). The Museum is owned and operated by the Buffalo County Historical Society, which is a not-for-profit, 501C-3 organization. Please check out www.bchs.us for additional details and special events. Summer hours are 10-6 daily, except Sundays are 1-5 pm. September through May hours: M-F 1-5 pm. Archive hours are Mondays from 1-4 or by appointment. We are closed on all major holidays.See more..
Who knew the manufacturing of windmills could be so fascinating? This is the building where it all happened. The place is filled with all the tools needed to make windmills. It's as if the workers just stepped away. Informative video kiosks are scattered throughout to give you more insight into the business. See more..
4.0Fort Sidney Museum(25 reviews) - One of the best experiences. Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums
We stopped here while killing time on our trip. What a pleasant surprise! The amount of artifacts is amazing. The curator was full of information and took us on a tour of the museum and the post commander's house. The time period items were very impressive. This museum is well kept and the locals are very generous with their donations. So glad we decided to stop here.See more..
4.0Museum Of Shadows(22 reviews) - We had fun! Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Museum Of Shadows is now located in one of the most active and most haunted buildings in the Midwest! Museum of shadows houses over a 1000 verified haunted artifacts from around the world. Visitors from around the world have experienced during museum tours: Seeing a full figure apparition, Disembodied voices, Items physically moving on their own, Children laughing and so much more! In 1880 there was an empty lot with a creek that ran through where this building sits today. Some of the creek's stones where used to construct the basement walls, turns out they are made of crystal quartz. * 1885 - Book, Stationary, Cigar shop opened its doors on the main level along with a Jewelry store, Barber Shop and a Tailor Shop. 2nd story was home to many offices - Basement was home to the local newspaper - Plattsmouth Journal. * 1888 - Book, Stationary, Cigar Shop remained on the main level along with a Millinery, Barber, Tailor Shop. 2nd story remained as offices Basement was home to an IRON Shop. * 1889- A Saloon called this main level home along with a Restaurant, Hand Print Shop, Tailor 2nd level was several different rooms and was known as a Brothel also one of the building owners lived above. * 1906 The main level was still a Saloon, Barber shop, Wallpaper store The 2nd level was a Cigar Factory and the basement was still an Iron shop. *1923-1929 - A book, Stationary, Cigar Shop reopened its doors once again in this very building, followed a wire, glass and skylight shop on the 2nd story. *1945 Cass Drugs opened its doors to the public along with a dentist office. (x-rays have been found in the building and are on display in the museum) *1965 A doctors office opened its doors to the public to treat the local community. (more history to follow soon) (History and Research provided by Harlan S - Plattsmouth Historian)See more..
4.5Mansion on the Hill(22 reviews) - Excellent tour guide! Speciality Museums
The Mansion on the Hill was interesting but kudos to the excellent young tour guide. I'm sorry we didn't get his name but I know he's a 25 year old local, he's a teacher during the school year and he was guiding during summer vacation. He was very interesting and informative.See more..
This is another hidden gem of a museum. Lots of artifacts, and you can even get a tour with a volunteer. They are even expanding into another building with more exhibits. I love the 9/11 wall. It is so moving to see a part of the tower, the firefighter's uniform and helmet with the number of EMS that lost their lives on it.See more..
The only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display in the world. You can actually walk through old rail cars, which includes a mail cars. All cars are filled with old railroad memorabilia. We had never seen a mail car before and it did not disappoint! Be sure to look how mail bags are caught and mail box slots. Ample parking even room for a RV. No admission fee.See more..
4.5Fort Atkinson(17 reviews) - A must for a history buff Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
This was the largest fort in the West. It is now mostly rebuilt in it's original form. In the spring and summer they have living historians there depicting life in the fort. This is very educational for adults and children as well. The living history weekends are the first weekend in the month, and occassionlly the weekend is split - Saturday in one month and Sunday of next. You might check their website or call to ensure the weekend is open. The only catch, you have to purchase a Nebraska park permit - - one day 5.00 which is sold on site.See more..
The Boneyard Creation Museum is a non-profit educational museum located in Broken Bow, Nebraska for the purpose of displaying scientific evidence for creation and showing the difference between evolution and creation. There is a small gift shop with creation books, souvenirs, and fossils available for purchase. There is also a rock shop at the museum that has reasonable prices and a large variety of rocks, minerals, and supplies.See more..
This museum has a very rich and informative collection of articles from Northwest Nebraskas early pioneers to vintage military itemsthey have a huge antique toy section to a world class pen exhibit.It is set up so any visiter will find it interesting ,it is well worth the stop.See more..
This is an unexpected beauty. They did an amazing job with this. I recommend this stop. It really makes you reflect on what happened to these people.See more..
4.0Sarpy County Museum(15 reviews) - Free family fun. Monday: Speciality Museums
This is a small museum that has free admission. It doesn't take more than an hour to complete the tour, so it is perfect for seniors and small children.See more..
Celebrating Our Past, Shaping Our Future. Situated at the edge of Verges Park, the Elkhorn Valley Museum is fun and interesting for all ages. We feature historical exhibits including a temporary exhibit gallery, the Square-Turn Tractor, the Children's Discovery Zone, the Dederman Schoolhouse, the Dederman Cabin, the cave, and the Johnny Carson Gallery!See more..
4.5Robert Henri Museum(14 reviews) - A Must-See for Art Lovers - Much Improved in Recent Years Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • Art Museums
I visited the museum years ago and was unimpressed. I visited again last week and I'm still stunned that this is the same place. Back in the day, they had no real Henri work of any note. Now they have a detached, climate-controlled facility boasting seven substantial Henri paintings and thirty-three sketches. Instead of untrained volunteers who made very basic mistakes, one sees copious captions through most rooms and several informative articles posted along with a modest research center, making a visit a real educational experience. The use of several rooms as gallery space for contemporary artists is a plus as well. In short, the powers that be have put quality resources into this site. They deserve all reasonable plaudits - along with your visit.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..
Bone Creek Museum is small, to say the least. Two rooms--all the space there is in this great little building. Front room displays the "featured artist" and back room has selections from the permanent collection. Can't say much for David City, although there is a Veterans "museum" just a few steps away from Bone Creek and the appreciation of the lady running this museum is worth the stop. I dont think she gets many visitors. There are also several nice little wineries within 20-40 minutes of David City. So combine a wine tasting and and quick museum tour for a very nice little outing. We liked Mackovicka Winery and their $5, 5 tastes, and very friendly owner.See more..
3.0Chevyland(12 reviews) - Nice for the price Speciality Museums
OK, this is not so much a museum as a motley collection. I was glad to have visited because I am a car freak and the price, $6.00, was reasonable. The good: Lots of interesting things to see in addition to the cars, including small parts, dealer posters, charts and other dealer small bits. My favorites were the '58 Chevy with the huge aftermarket A/C unit atop the center hump and plugged into the cigarette lighter, and two Suzuki RE5 rotary engined motorcycles. I also liked the mid 1960s Honda cycles. The bad: Everything needed dusting, many cars had one or more flat tires, there were battery chargers, jacks, and miscellaneous tools just scattered. Tools and etc looked like they had been just dropped and not placed for display. The dealer posters and other paper stuff were warped and bubbled from time and humidity. I enjoyed my visit and would recommend this "museum" but wanted people to have a realistic expectation of what they will see.See more..
4.0Raising Nebraska(10 reviews) - Educational and free admittance Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums In a large building near the state fairgrounds one will find Raising Nebraska, an educational experience regarding the products raised or processed in Nebraska. Even us 6 seniors in our party all agreed we learned something on several levels even though we all come from rural Texas towns. The interactive exhibits are terrific. I learned about all the byproducts of corn which was by itself amazing. Then came information through question and answer cards, videos, pictures, maps that light up, and touch screens about a variety of topics. School kids were visiting while we were there and they all seemed excited about the exhibits to find answers to questions given them. Enjoyed the time we spent here.See more..
4.0100th Meridian Museum(9 reviews) - Home town and area history! Speciality Museums
Local history at its best.....lots of information for history buffs in this area and the stagecoach is fantastic! A must see!See more..
I came across the museum as I was leaving Homestead NHS and heading into Beatrice. This place is fabulous. There is much history preserved here in a great historic building. The gal working was very nice and helpful.See more..
If you only make one stop, stop here, free museum, wide variety of exhibits giant electric train display and yes they run. In depth exhibits showing history of McCook and surrounding area. One of the best museums in Nebraska See more..
Another fantastic museum in Alliance depicting military history of the area with special honors to their local heroes. Highly recommend. See more..
5.0North Platte Valley Museum(8 reviews) - New name and location! Speciality Museums The North Platte Valley Museum has merged with the Farm and Ranch Museum (at the Farm and Ranch location) to form Legacy of the Plains. There is still some remodeling being done, but there are always cool exhibits to see and special activities throughout the year. Look for Legacy of the Plains for more reviews.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..
4.0Rock Island Depot Railroad Museum(7 reviews) - A view into our history Speciality Museums Take some time to visit the Rock Island Depot museum and learn about train history in the area. Lots of interesting things to see. See more..
4.5Klown Doll Museum(6 reviews) - Places like this make America great Speciality Museums
Having places like this in small town America make travel great. How does this place exist? Someone in the town started it, nurtured it and now get volunteers to keep it going . We drive hours out of our way to visit and support places like thisSee more..
I love to go to these small town and county museums. They are a great place to see a lot of local history artifacts and memorabilia, and this was no exception. In fact, a lot of the items displayed here have been donated by the people of York. There are displays of farm equipment, regular household things, jewelry, quilts and lots of other things. The museum is in a community type building downtown, As I recall parking was on the street and there is no admission. Go and be pleasantly surprised.See more..
Interesting place to visit whether you believe or not. The hostess is fun to listen to and very friendly. $5 entry fee is worth it if you engage with Harriet and her stories. It's a fun, quick stop if you are looking for something different to see. There are two buildings to visit, go to the main building on the right and then the little building will be opened by the owner. You can also walk along the little outside path.See more..
2.0Fremont & Elkhorn Valley Railroad(5 reviews) - Very Disappointing Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums Both the web site and handouts showed this Museum & Ride as being open for rides at 1.30 on Saturday & Sunday. I drove here from Omaha on the Saturday to find it locked up and lifeless, so I returned on the Sunday and it was open, sort of, with a volunteer awaiting the arrival of the president of the organisation. I was told that no trains would be running for some time as they were working on the track, but the president gave me a conducted tour of the rolling stock. The museum was a mess and not worthy of its name. WHY OH WHY DON'T THEY UPDATE THEIR WEB SITE TO AVOID ABORTED VISITS.See more..
4.0McCook Art Guild(5 reviews) - Art Monday: Speciality Museums I like the way they change what is going on in the store. Sometimes it is just paintings, or pottery, or even teaching days. The people in the store are always there to answer any questions that you have.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..
This museum has so much to see. There is the main 2 Story Bldg and an additional one across the street! Kids are amazed at what they see. The people who run it are very knowledgeable and friendly!See more..
