Travel Destinations Nebraska Kearney, Nebraska Top Things to Do in Kearney and the Platte River Valley As the Platte River flows, so does Interstate-80. The ribbon of water that guided pioneers west today leads visitors to historical and recreational destinations. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 21, 2022 The Archway. Photo: Blaine Moats Do The Archway Spanning Interstate-80 near Kearney, the high-tech museum recounts more than 200 years of human travel along the Platte River, from Oregon Trail pioneers to I-80 motorists. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Memorabilia of the Wild West showman fill his 1880s Scout's Rest Ranch mansion and barn in North Platte. Classic Car Collection Ogle the tailfins of a 1959 Cadillac among more than 200 mint-condition vehicles at this Kearney attraction. Golden Spike Tower From the eight-story tower in North Platte, watch some of the 10,000 rail cars that chug daily through the world's largest train yard, Union Pacific's Bailey Yard. Hastings Museum Kool-Aid: Discover the Dream tells of Nebraska native Edwin Perkins' 1927 creation, Kool-Aid, in this museum 25 miles south of Grand Island. Other exhibits explore topics such as rocks and minerals, prehistoric Nebraska, birds and antique vehicles. Lake McConaughy. Ryan Donnell Lake McConaughy Wildlife areas, campgrounds and more than 100 miles of shoreline draw visitors to Nebraska's largest reservoir. Nebraska Firefighters Museum See vintage fire trucks, firefighting gear and an outdoor memorial at the Kearney spot. Nebraskaland Days It's fitting that a rodeo festival (June 15–22, 2022) would take place in North Platte, where, many say, Buffalo Bill held the first major rodeo. The fest crowns Miss Rodeo Nebraska, declares bull-riding champs and stars country music A-listers. Sandhill crane migration. Courtesy of Nebraska Tourism Sandhill Crane Migration In spring, half a million Sandhill cranes stop to rest and feed along the Platte River. During the day, look for the birds in fields near Kearney and Grand Island or, at sunset and sunrise, watch from the Fort Kearny Bridge over the Platte River. If available, reserve a viewing spot with Rowe Sanctuary or Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer At this engaging museum, learn about settlers' lives through exhibits at the Stuhr Building, and then visit with living-history reenactors at the 1899 Railroad Town in Grand Island. The Flippin Sweet. Courtesy of Lunar Media Management Eat and Drink Alley Rose Live music, an extensive wine list and local craft brew elevate the experience at Kearney's Alley Rose, where street tacos and burgers share the menu with steaks and seafood. Pals Brewing Company Pair seasonal craft beer, such as Apricot Wheat, with pizza, cheese curds or nachos at this brewery in North Platte. An outdoor seating area with cornhole games keeps the kids (and parents) happy. Steeple Brewing Co. Church life inspires beer names (Fellowship Hour, Bats in the Belfry) and architectural details at the community taproom with a pastor-turned-brewmaster in Hastings. Stay Hampton Inn Kearney Just off I-80, the hotel provides comfy rooms, along with an indoor pool and included breakfast. Fairfield Inn and Suites Grand Island Complimentary breakfast, spacious rooms and a hot tub make for relaxing stays at the Fairfield. For more information: visitkearney.org, visitgrandisland.com, visitnorthplatte.com, explorekeithcounty.com and visitredcloud.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit