• Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Written by our human editors, structured with the help of AI.

Review & FAQ:

The Kearney Archway is a unique museum that honors the role Nebraska and the Platte River Valley played in America’s expansion to the west. The Archway spans about 300 feet directly over the very busy Interstate 80, about three miles east of Kearney. The visual and audio journey through the Archway takes about one hour and takes visitors through the country’s history beginning with Fort Kearney in the 1840s, where the Oregon Trail crossed paths with California Trail and the Mormon Trail.

The story continues with the Iron Horse rumbling on the transcontinental railroad. Watch the story of a Pony Express rider as he makes a stop to change horses racing to deliver mail from one side of the country to the other. You can listen to the first transcontinental telegraph as it transmits the news that the Civil War had begun. Before finishing your journey, stop at the drive-in theater and have a look at the passing traffic below.

3060 E 1st St, Kearney, NE 68847, Phone: 308-237-1000

Kearney Archway
© Kearney Archway

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sunken Gardens Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Lauritzen Gardens Henry Doorly Zoo Memorial Stadium Kearney Archway Joslyn Art Museum The Durham Museum Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari Lincoln Children's Zoo, Nebraska Pioneer Courage Park St. Cecilia's Cathedral Nebraska State Capitol Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Lincoln Children's Museum G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture Arbor Lodge State Historical Park Omaha Children's Museum Kenefick Park Omaha Old Market Harold Warp Pioneer Village Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park Joslyn Castle Wessels Living History Farm Cody Park, Nebraska

Explore more: Nebraska > Things to Do in Nebraska

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.