Kearney County, NE
The area presently surveyed as Kearney County was a part of the vast prairie south of the Platte River in which was located the military post of Fort Kearny. Being the first fort built to protect travelers on the Oregon Trail, it became an important center in the westward expansion of our nation.
The California Gold Rush and Overland Stages carrying mail and emigrants lured by free land opportunities contributed to making Fort Kearny a bustling center of activity. The post continued to expand in size and importance as both a military post and center of civil government.
It's last function of importance was protection during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad . The railroad brought settlers and town developers and the growth of Kearney County had begun. The Kearney County Museum in Minden welcomes you to share in this historical development.
Explore Kearney County
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Campers will find south-central Nebraska's Fort Kearny State Recreation Area much to their liking. Once called Kearney County SRA, this rec area boasts excellent camping facilities. The attractive 152-acre area was acquired by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1960
Minden, NE RecreationHistoric Homes Tour
A printed self-guided driving or walking tour of 41 architectural and historical buildings and homes is available at the Pioneer Village Motel and the Chamber of Commerce.
Minden, NE ToursBurlington-Northern Depot
The Minden depot is a brick/stucco structure completed in 1913. The original frame depot was then used as a freight house placed to the west of the passenger depot. The engineering department of the old CB&Q, predecessor of BN, designed several floor plans during the period of 1910-1920
Minden, NE Railroad HistoryWPA Post Office Mural
At the southeast corner of the square is the Minden Post Office. It was completed in 1937 in the style called by some "WPA Moderne". The mural over the postmaster's door was painted by Willow E. Bunn in the WPA artists' program in 1939.
Minden, NE ArtsEvangelical Free Church
Originally built as the First Presbyterian Church in 1909
Minden, NE Historic ChurchesKearney County Court House
After a spirited disagreement the county seat was moved from Lowell to Minden, and a frame building was erected on this site in 1879. The cornerstone of the present building was laid July 17, 1906
Minden, NE Historic CourthousesMinden Opera House
Minden Opera House was built in 1891 and featured plays and Monday night dances that drew traveling bands until entertainment events at the facility ceased in the late 1940'
Minden, NE Historic BuildingsOpera House Mural
A highlight of the Ruth Armstrong Theater is the Dick and Kaylyn McBride Mural. what a story it tells! This beautiful 2000
Minden, NE ArtsKearney County Historical Museum
Memories of Kearney County since the Civil War.
Historical Articles Of All Kinds. Many school Pictures and other old pictures, books, magazines, newspapers.
Minden, NE Museums