Kearney City (historical)

An Unexpected Archway ..... in the middle of nowhere .....  another Roadside Attraction ..... Literally.

Imagine yourself on I-80 in the middle of Nebraska (a state whose motto used to be “Nebraska, honestly it's not for everyone.” ..... surrounded by ..... not much, suddenly you see an archway spanning the interstate.  Had it not been for our friend Sharon Parker, we would have kept on driving. 

Instead, we stretched our legs in this rest stop, museum, and roadside attraction for about an hour and twenty minutes. It was great! So glad we didn't drive right by!

This is another museum about America's westward expansion.  This is a unique take, because it encompasses the evolution from the wagon train (The Mormon Trail, The Oregon Trail, and The Sante Fe Trail), to the California Gold Rush, the Great Platte River Road, Transcontinental Railway, The Lincoln Highway, to Interstate 80 and America's growing love affair with the road.  From "highway camps, to roadside cabins to vacations to Yellowstone, the very thing we ourselves have a love for, and Amy's passion to go west. 

The exhibits include well executed dioramas, displays, artifacts, and written information.  Even better, admission comes with audio guides that are super easy to use and provide a wealth of additional interesting information and commentary from historic people, including actual diary passages. Additionally,  outside are several wonderful sculptures as well as a walking path around some beautiful ponds.

Many thanks to Sharon for telling us about this. We highly recommend!Read more