The Archway
Learn about Nebraska’s history and Western migration from the 19th century at the immersive exhibits inside the Archway. Just outside of the city of Kearney is the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, better known as simply the Archway. The arch itself stretches over the busy Interstate 80, and it honors and represents the difficulties and importance of the Westward Expansion.
Archway visits begin by meeting buckskin-clad frontiersmen and bonnet-topped pioneer women. Take an escalator up two stories to begin an interactive tour dedicated to the routes that migrating waves of people have used through the Platte River Valley for generations. Motion-sensing exhibits explain Native American hunting routes and the Oregon, Mormon and California trails. You’ll learn about the Mormon Trail, hear about pioneers along the Oregon Trail and find out why people were so eager to travel through to California.
When you hear the train whistle you know you’re at the Transcontinental Railroad exhibit. A window looking out over I-80 and outfitted with a police radar gun shows the speeds of vehicles passing under visitors’ feet. An exhibit dedicated to the Lincoln Highway is complete with a drive-in theater display.
The Archway gift shop is a great place to stock up on coonskin caps, books and other souvenirs. Sculptures, walking trails and other exhibits are outdoors. Pioneering children love blazing their own trails in the TrailBlaze Maze.
- Best Time To Visit: Year- round
- Website: https://archway.org/
- Admission: Adult (13+): $15 + tax. Senior (62+): $13 + tax. Youth (6-12): $7 + tax. 5 & under: Free
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Kearney, Nebraska 68847
