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Kearney, Nebraska

The Hike-Bike Bridge at the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is an excellent crane viewing location open to the public. The viewing location is an easy 1/3-mile walk from the parking lot and is wheel-chair accessible. The bridge is open to the elements, so dress accordingly. The best times to arrive to view cranes are one hour before sunrise or one hour before sunset.

Fort Kearny State Historical Park blends the history of the Platte River valley with its ecology and natural history. The Fort Kearny Visitor Center opens in early March for the sandhill crane migration, and its staff provides information about crane and waterfowl viewing. The museum and several reconstructed fort buildings provide a glimpse into the past. The gift shop sells T- shirts, books and souvenirs. A park entry permit or daily pass, available at the visitor center, is required at both the visitor center and the recreation area.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Dr. A. O. Thomas House

The Thomas House was designed by Nebraska architect George A. Berlinghof in 1906 in the Neo-Classical Revival style. Dr. A. O. Thomas, a native of Illinois, was the first president of the Kearney State Normal School, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Kearney, NE Historic Buildings

Rowe Sanctuary

This 1,150 acre wildlife sanctuary is operated by the National Audubon Society to provide habitat for sandhill cranes, whooping cranes and other birds. In March and April, Rowe staff guides groups to four crane viewing blinds (enclosed wooden buildings), which accommodate 16 to 36

Kearney, NE Wildlife Refuges

Museum of Nebraska Art

The Museum of Nebraska Art houses the state's only collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints created solely by Nebraskans or artists concerned with Nebraska as the subject. Enjoy quality invitational and traveling exhibits as well as creative exhibits of the museum'

Kearney, NE Museums

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 recreational area boasts excellent camping facilities. The attractive 152-acre area was acquired by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1960

Kearney, NE State Recreation Areas

Hike-Bike Bridge Crane Viewing

The Hike-Bike Bridge at the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is an excellent crane viewing location open to the public. The viewing location is an easy 1/3

Kearney, NE Recreation

Things to do near Kearney, NE

Lake Hastings

Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Thirty-Two-Mile Station Historical Site

Constructed in 1860, Thirty-two-Mile Creek Station, or Clarke's Ranch, was a "home" station on the famed Pony Expre...

Tubing and Canoeing

The Republican River is beautiful in the summer for canoeing or tubing. A run can be from Oxford to Orleans, or below Harlan ...

St. Mary's Cathedral