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ARTS CULTURE TOP RATED TASTES WHERE TO STAY 1
WHAT S INSIDE THINGS TO DO WHERE TO STAY pg 4 9 pg 28 30 THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO pg 10 13 pg 32 33 THINGS TO DO WHERE TO EAT ATTRACTIONS KEARNEY NEBRASKA WHEN IT COMES TO INCREDIBLE FOOD UNFORGETTABLE EVENTS AND STORIED HISTORY KEARNEY NEBRASKA IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO FLOCK TO JUST ASK THE ONE MILLION SANDHILL CRANES WHO STOP HERE EVERY SPRING THEY KNOW THIS UNIQUE LOCATION IS MORE THAN JUST A REST STOP IT S A DESTINATION WHEN YOU VISIT OUR VIBRANT CITY YOU LL SOON REALIZE THIS INCONSPICUOUS DOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAP IS ACTUALLY HOME TO A VARIETY OF ECLECTIC FLAVORS WORLD CLASS ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AND SURPRISINGLY ROBUST RECREATIONAL OPTIONS WE CAN T WAIT FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE KEARNEY WE RE SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST IN THE MIDDLE HOTELS PERFORMING ARTS SHOPPING ENTERTAINMENT FOOD DRINK pg 14 15 pg 34 37 THINGS TO DO ANNUAL DOWNTOWN EVENTS pg 16 18 pg 40 45 THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO OUTDOORS ITINERARIES pg 20 25 pg 46 47 KEARNEY GETTING HERE MAP VISITOR INFO pg 26 27 pg 50 Shortcuts MURALS PUBLIC ART pg 19 49 2 CRUISE NITE pg 42 SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION pg 41 3
Things to see THINGS TO DO I ATTRACTIONS Home to a variety of cultural museums amazing attractions make sure to check these off your list 56th Street and Cherry Ave cnvm org 308 237 3114 great nation The memorial is a very impressive structure designed for Veterans by Veterans The Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial is now open Located at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home this memorial honors all branches of the military who served fought and died for this Archway 3060 E 1st St archway org 308 237 1000 The Archway is a tribute to the adventurers who traveled through Nebraska in the past and an inspiration to the adventurers of today Walk with the pioneers over the Oregon Trail watch a rider make a quick stop to switch horses at a Pony Express Station hear Mark Twain s account of a cross country stagecoach trip relive the building of the transcontinental railroad and visit a travelers campground to hear stories of life on the Lincoln Highway All this history and more happened right here on the path along the Platte River in Nebraska and the Archway brings it to life KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 4 Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial Classic car collection 3600 E Hwy 30 Behind Cabela s ccckearney com 308 234 1964 The best car attraction between Chicago and Denver includes over 200 vintage vehicles that celebrate the evolution and art of the automobile and its role in our lives and culture See restored vehicles from the early 1900 s to the modern era In addition to the permanent collection cars are loaned to the museum for display The collection is regularly changing and evolving to ensure a fresh display each time you visit 5
THINGS TO DO I ATTRACTIONS IAIN NICOLSON AUDUBON CENTER AT ROWE SANCTUARY 44450 Elm Island Rd Gibbon rowe audubon org 308 468 5282 Fort kearny state historical park 1020 V Rd Hwy 50A outdoornebraska gov fortkearny 308 865 5305 Learn more about camping activities at the Fort Kearny Recreation Area on page 25 Built to protect Overland Trail travelers Fort Kearny was a stage station home station for the Pony Express outfitting depot for Indian campaigns and home of the Pawnee Scouts Visitors can explore the reconstructed buildings blacksmith shop and more g w Frank museum of History Culture 2010 University Dr frank unk edu 308 865 8284 KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 6 Did you know Kearney is the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World more on pg 41 Built in 1889 originally home to wealthy investor George W Frank and later serving as part of the Nebraska State Hospital for Tuberculosis Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Now part of the UNK Campus the G W Frank Museum is alive with dynamic history Known as a premier destinations for bird watchers the Ian Nicholson Audubon Center is the second largest straw bale constructed building in the US Visitor center gift shop and trails are open year round Guided tours are offered during the spring Sandhill Crane Migration Kearney area children s museum 5827 4th Ave kearneychildrensmuseum org 308 698 2228 KACM offers 20 interactive exhibits including an art studio fire station water table science center train depot grocery store and agriculture area Children are encouraged to play explore discover and grow 7
Trails Rails museum Museum of Nebraska Art THINGS TO DO I ATTRACTIONS 710 W 11th St bchs us 308 234 3041 2401 Central Ave mona unk edu 308 865 8559 Buffalo County is rich in the history of the great transportation routes including the Union Pacific Railroad Lincoln Highway and the museum s location on the original Mormon Trail Tour the Freighters Hotel School House blacksmith shop and more The official art collection of the state MONA celebrates Nebraska s artistic culture and heritage by collecting preserving exhibiting and interpreting the art of the art of Nebraska CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RESTORATION RENOVATION EXPANSION PROJECT Nebraska Firefighters Museum Education Center New addition now open The completion of the Family History Center has been a dream in the making for the last 30 years The new addition adds 4 000 sq ft of event space We can host exhibits like traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian or the state historical society and it s also a great spot to hold events and fundraisers There are so many things that this new space does for us says Community Engagement Director Broc Anderson 2434 E 1st St neffm org 308 338 3473 KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 8 Designed to provide a place to safeguard and preserve Nebraska s proud firefighting heritage and to educate individuals on fire prevention You can also visit the memorial located next to the building KEARNEY CULTURAL PARTNERS MORE AT KEARNEYCULTURALPARTNERS COM 9
Kearney Community Theatre Center stage THINGS TO DO I PERFORMING ARTS Home to top notch entertainment happening year round so just sit back enjoy the show 83 Plaza Blvd kearneycommunitytheatre com 308 234 1529 Sit back and enjoy the performances at the Kearney Community Theatre Local talent at its best producing comedies dramas and musicals Crane river 12 E 22nd St cranerivertheater org 308 627 5796 Crane River Theater brings in professional artists from across the country to create exciting and engaging productions and arts education programs for audiences of all ages Multiple shows throughout the year including indoor outdoors shows at various locations like the annual family friendly show at Yanney Park KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 10 Merryman Preforming arts Center 225 W 22nd St merrymancenter org 308 698 8052 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the Merryman Performing Arts Center offers quality dance music and theatre performances educational events and workshops 11
THINGS TO DO I PERFORMING ARTS University Theatre at Kearney 2506 12th Ave unk edu theatre unk edu dance 308 865 8406 The University Theatre at Kearney is here to train and entertain Through the process of staging an annual season of outstanding performances for community audiences UNK Theatre Dance students are offered the opportunity to hone their skills in all facets of the performing arts World theatre 2318 Central Ave theworldtheatre org 308 234 8046 This historic theatre opened its doors in 1927 as a vaudeville house A group of locals restored the theater to its original glory It is completely run by volunteers and is host to movies special events and concerts MORE ABOUT UNK PG 38 Movie theaters Golden Ticket Cinemas Hilltop 4 KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 12 5031 2nd Ave gtcinemas com Kearney Cinema 8 300 S 3rd Ave kearneymovies com 13
Buffalo County Fairgrounds Action packed THINGS TO DO I ENTERTAINMENT From large concerts to cool sporting events drag races to indoor go karts fun is easy to find here 3807 N Ave buffalocountyfairgrounds com 308 236 1201 BCFG plays host to a wide range of indoor and outdoor events each year Many annual events happen here including Midway PBR craft fairs Gateway Farm Expo Buffalo County Fair and much much more BUFFALO COUNTY FAIR JULY 20 25 2022 Kearney Raceway park 4860 Thunder Rd krpi com 308 750 2049 Founded in 1964 the Kearney Raceway Park is the only 1 4 mile Drag Strip in Nebraska Multiple races and special events from April to October Big Apple fun center 500 W 4th St bigapplefuncenter com 308 234 4545 All your recreational needs can be filled in one stop at the Big Apple Open 7 days a week year round KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 14 Bowling Indoor Go Karts Laser Tag Indoor Miniature Golf Arcade Ballocity Sports Bar 7D Theater Billiards Viaero center 609 Platte Rd kearneyevents net 308 338 8144 This 5 000 seat venue is one of the Midwest s premier locations for concerts sports and special events It is also home to the Tri City Storm who play in the United States Hockey League 15
Downtown Kearney THINGS TO DO I DOWNTOWN Railroad St to 25th St downtownkearney com Downtown On the bricks This historic district features unique boutiques jewelry stores men s and women s apparel furniture stores fine dining specialty pubs and nightlife experiences Work on the bricks Need to get a little quiet time to work when in Kearney Check out Nest Space Coworking Space who offers daily rates 20 Or enjoy a drink while working at Kitt s Coffee or The Cup Play on the bricks BUFFALO RECORDS Shop on the bricks CENTRAL MERCANTILE FEAT KTOWN CAKERY Snack on the bricks KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 16 KITT S KITCHEN COFFEE Sip on the bricks The Brickwalk Gallery 2008 A Ave thebrickwalkproject com Find a selection of fine art created by established and up and coming Nebraska artists displayed in the historic McCue s building With a dozen bars in just a few blocks the Bricks always has something to do Have fun with pinball and more at The Other Side or catch the game at Fanatics or the Chicken Coop Cheers to that DINNER DRINKS ALL NEBRASKA MADE LOCALLY BREWED ALLEY ROSE MCCUE S NEBRASKA TAPROOM THUNDERHEAD BREWING 2013 CENTRAL AVE 2008 A AVE 18 E 21ST ST 17
Colorful Kearney THINGS TO DO I DOWNTOWN Live music From country concerts to cover bands rock shows to DJ nights there are loads of opportunities for live music in Downtown Kearney CUNNINGHAM S JOURNAL 15 W 23RD ST JOE S HONKY TONK 2023 1ST AVE THE OTHER SIDE 15 E 24TH ST As you make your way through Kearney pops of colors can be seen on buildings throughout town Both artists and business owners see Kearney as a vibrant community with a story to tell Impact Art has been part of many of the murals in downtown Kearney and beyond I believe art ignites change says owner artist Derek Rusher I love to create large scale art with others to transform places individuals communities and institutions Look for some of their large murals Sandhill Crane Mural on the Bruce Furniture building corner of W 21st St Central Ave the Lincoln Highway Mural south wall of Garrett s Tires at 18 W 25th St and the new UNK Stories Murals Mural on the Nelson s Furniture building northeast corner of Central Avenue and 21st St Several murals were spearheaded by young artist Ashton Masek who Kearney Public Library 2020 1st Ave kearneylib org 308 233 32820 The Kearney Public Library promotes the enjoyment of reading and the pursuit of lifelong learning through the public collection of books audiovisual materials programs technology and other resources The Library believes in the freedom to read to learn to discover says she has always been interested in art in the most unusual places These works of art add an uplifting message or colorful design to alleys in otherwise unnoticed spaces in downtown Kearney KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 18 19
20 miles of trails THINGS TO DO I PARKS REC The great outdoors Find some fresh air with miles of trails fantastic parks loads of options for outdoor recreation MEADOWLARK HILLS GOLF COURSE 592 S Rd Axtell awariidunes com 308 743 1111 3300 30th Ave meadowlarkhillsgolf com 308 233 3265 KEARNEY COUNTRY CLUB THE GREENS AT PRAIRIE HILLS 2800 19th Ave kearneycountryclub com 308 234 3151 18 Holes Hike Bike Trail Cottonmill Park to Fort Kearny See Map Pg 26 The Hike Bike Trail is 13 1 miles of concrete trail running between Cottonmill Park passing through UNK Campus Yanney Park past the hotel district and the Archway to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Kearney Water Trail whitewater New whitewater features coming in 2022 kearneywhitewater org KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 20 AWARII DUNES GOLF COURSE An easy float of 2 3 miles with public access points at the northeast corner of Yanney Park off 11th Street and along Central Avenue behind Midway Auto 21595 NE 10 Pleasanton 308 224 5708 TEE TIME 9 Holes BUFFALO RIDGE GOLF COURSE ELKS COUNTRY GOLF COURSE 7335 N Ave buffaloridgegc com 308 236 5879 2635 E 103rd St Footgolf available elkscountrygolf com 308 238 0760 GIBBON VALLEY VIEW MINDEN GOLF COURSE RAVENNA GOLF COURSE 14155 Pawnee Rd Gibbon cityofgibbon org 308 468 5884 16th St N Hwy 10 Minden mindennebraska org 308 832 1965 1117 Alba Ave Ravenna myravenna com 308 452 3150 Disc Golf RENTALS TRANSPORTATION KEARNEY PADDLE SPORTS KEARNEYPADDLESPORTS COM 308 708 0792 COTTONMILL PARK 18 HOLES CENTENNIAL PARK 9 HOLES FORT KEARNY REC AREA 9 HOLES 21
Harmon Park THINGS TO DO I PARKS REC 3100 5th Ave CITY PARKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES SUNDAYS JUNE SEPT Apolo Park Dryden Park Centennial Park fishing kayaking Cottonmill Yanney pickleball courts Apollo Harvey swimming Centennial Pool Harmon Pool Cottonmill Splash pads Dryden East Brooke Pioneer Nina Hammer Yanney Beautiful Harmon Park lies in the heart of Kearney offering many amenities events Harvey park 4205 I Ave Harvey Park is heavily utilized especially by softball tennis pickleball soccer enthusiasts Ball Diamonds 4 lighted Pickleball Courts 4 Soccer Fields 2 Tennis Courts 4 Grill Shelter Picnic Tables Playground Cottonmill Park Recreation Area Patriot park 2795 Cottonmill Rd KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 22 Cottonmill Park features a 43 acre lake boating no wake marina with kayak paddle board peddle boat rentals seasonal amphitheater Rotary Nature Barn multiple grills shelters picnic tables Rock Garden with Gazebo Historical Sonotorium stage Swimming Pool Accessible Playground 6 Lighted Tennis Courts Basketball Sand Volleyball Ball Diamond Grills Shelters Picnic Tables Activity Center Formal Fountain 4511 East 56th St Fishing Nature Trails Sand Volleyball Court Horseshoe Courts Swimming Area Disc Golf Course Situated just south of the Nebraska Veteran s Home Patriot Park honors those who have served or are currently serving our country 4 Baseball Diamonds 4 Softball Diamonds Brad Bowman Field fully accessible field Picnic tables shelter Playground Batting Cages 23
THINGS TO DO I PARKS REC Fort Kearny state recreation area 1020 V Rd outdoornebraska gov Yanney Heritage Park 2020 W 11th St Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers 186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes The park offers exceptional camping with many shaded sites 94 electric sites and 26 non electric sites showers dump station modern restrooms water picnic tables grills shelters nature trail wheelchair accessible fishing pier non power boating and hike bike trail In the spring the world s largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl gathers in the Platte River valley and the Hike Bike Trail Bridges offer fly over views at dawn and dusk The 80 Gottschalk Tower is the centerpiece of this destination park which overlooks the lake amphitheater splash pads playgrounds marina The Gardens more Yanney routinely hosts large special events including Heritage Day Crane River Theater performances Relay for Life the gardens Phase 1 is now open featuring winding trails Pollinator Lilac Hydrangea and Native Nebraska Gardens as well as multiple public art installations Park permit required Phase II will add four remaining gardens along with Center Courtyard and a reflecting pond Phase III will complete the project with a pavilion gazebo trailhead and parking lot More Camping KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 24 RAVENNA LAKE REC AREA 610 BUFFALO LAKE RD 308 236 1225 WINDMILL STATE REC AREA 2625 LOWELL RD 308 468 5700 KEARNEY RV PARK CAMPGROUND 1140 E 1ST ST 308 237 7275 25
WELCOME TO POINTS OF INTEREST KEARNEY 1 Archway 3060 E 1st St 44 60TH ST 4TH AVE 11TH AVE 56TH ST Elks Country Golf Course Prairie Hills Golf Course 3 miles north on Antelope 10 miles north East Brooke 1 mile north on Ave N Park Buffalo Ridge Golf Course 10 Central Nebraska Veterans Home 5 56TH ST Patriot Park 14 Post Of ce 20 Downtown 13 City Hall Kearney Hub Kearney Public Police Department Library Pioneers Park ST RAILROAD Nebraska Game Parks 16 ST Yanney Park IN POINT AIRPORT ROAD ANTELOPE AVE N AVE TH 25 ST 30 11 miles northeast 13 Merryman Performing Arts Center 225 W 22nd St S 14 Museum of Nebraska Art 2401 Central Ave MAP IS NOT TO SCALE Several streets have been eliminated for clarity For a detailed street map please refer to an of cial city map 15 Nebraska Firefighters Museum 2434 E 1st St Park i 11TH ST 16 Rowe Sanctuary Audubon 44450 Elm Island Rd Gibbon 10 Hike Bike Trail 17 Trails Rails Museum 710 W 11th St E 1ST ST 15 EXIT 272 B 19 PLATTE RD L L 80 PLATTE RIVER 5 miles South Fort Kearny State Recreational Area Fort Kearny State Historical Park 44 Awarii Dunes 1 V ROAD HWY 50A 7 EXIT 285 EXIT 279 EXIT 275 16 Rowe Sanctuary Minden Golf Course 18 University of Nebraska Kearney 905 W 25th St 19 Viaero Center 609 Platte Rd 20 World Theatre 2318 Central Ave HWY 10 H 11 Kearney Cinema 8 300 3rd Ave E W 10 Kearney Area Children s Museum 5827 4th Ave 12 Kearney Community Theatre 83 Plaza Blvd 21 80 9 G W Frank Museum 2010 University Dr Gibbon Valley View Golf Course 10 5 Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial 4510 E 56th St 8 Golden Ticket Cinemas at Hilltop Mall 5011 2nd Ave N Courthouse Nina Hammer 22 T TALMADGE R F J C A GE P I D N K M 3RD AVE 30 HWY 4 Cabela s 3600 E Hwy 30 7 Fort Kearny State Historical Park 1020 V Road Ravenna Golf Course 4 6 4860 Imperial Road 4 miles East OUT POINT Q U S 11 Kearney Raceway Park 3 Buffalo County Fairgrounds 3807 Ave N 6 Classic Car Collection 3600 E Hwy 30 RD 30 V 2 Collins Park O O Buffalo County HWY 44 4TH ST 2ND AVE 8TH ST 17 Kearney Canal Kearney Kearney Regional High Medical School Center HOTELS Centennial Park Pool CENTRAL AVE 11TH ST 2ND AVENUE 16TH AVE Central Community College ND KEA WEST 22 AVE 30 TH AVE TH Kearney Regional Airport HIGHWAY 10 12 Dryden Park 115th Poole Avenue 8 miles Northeast 23 miles Northeast ANTELOPE AVE 24TH ST 15TH AVE West Lincolnway Park 9 PLAZA BLVD 30 31ST ST 25TH ST 5TH AVE 2 miles West University of Nebraska Kearney 18 31ST ST 29TH ST Foster Field 7TH AVE Cottonmill Park CHI Health Good Samaritan 39TH ST 3 M AVE Kearney Country Club Kearney Catholic School H AVE COUNTRY CLUB LANE Kearney Lake Kearney Cemetery Harvey Park 39TH ST Apollo Park 33RD ST Harmon Park Pool Memorial Field Meadowlark Hills Golf Course 2ND AVENUE 6TH AVE 35TH ST Dog Park BMX Track 8 48TH ST 11TH AVE 39TH ST Meadowlark North Park ST Fountain Hills Park 17TH AVE 30TH AVE Ted Baldwin Park 50TH E AVE 50 ST TH Fort Kearny Shooting Sports Complex 2 Big Apple Fun Center 500 W 4th Street 10 Miles East 21 Younes Conference Center North 707 W Talmadge Rd 22 Younes Conference Center South 416 W Talmadge Rd 12 miles south 26 27
Catch some zzz s WHERE TO STAY I HOTELS With 1 900 hotel rooms you can rest easy knowing whatever your lifestyle Kearney has hotels to suit your needs Hotel directory Hotel District located right off I 80 22 hotels 1 900 rooms easy access to hike bike trail Numerous restaurants conference centers shopping spa KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 28 FR PE FI HO WA EX PO T EE T T T T FR NES OL TU ER EN OM RO BRE IE SC B SL DE O A N D S M ID KF DL EN ES STA TE AS Y R Y T RO CO NF A AmericInn Lodge Suites 215 W Talmadge Rd 308 234 7800 53 B Best Western Plus Mid NE Inn Suites 224 S 2nd Ave South 308 234 2541 90 C Candlewood Suites 210 4th Ave 308 234 1100 88 D Comfort Inn 118 3rd Ave 118 E Country Inn Suites 105 Talmadge Street 308 236 7500 105 F Crowne Plaza 707 W Talmadge Rd 308 238 7000 172 G Days Inn 111 Talmadge Street 308 708 7456 H Econo Lodge 411 2nd Ave 308 698 2810 I 308 236 3400 111 36 Fairfield Inn Suites 510 W Talmadge Rd 308 236 4200 105 J Hampton Inn 507 W Talmadge Rd 308 234 3400 126 K Holiday Inn 110 S 2nd Avenue 308 237 5971 156 L Holiday Inn Express 508 2nd Avenue South 308 234 8100 91 M La Quinta 108 3rd Ave 86 N Microtel Inn Suites 104 Talmadge 308 698 3003 62 O Midtown Western Inn 1401 2nd Ave 800 333 1401 34 P Motel 6 101 Talmadge St 308 338 0705 58 Q New Victorian Inn 903 2nd Ave 308 237 5858 67 R Quality Inn 121 3rd Ave 308 237 0838 62 S Ramada 301 2nd Ave 308 237 7026 206 T Rodeway Inn Suites 709 2nd Ave 308 237 2671 42 U Super 8 15 W 8th St 61 V Western Inn South 510 3rd Ave 308 234 1876 42 308 237 4400 308 234 5513 29
WHERE TO STAY I HOTELS As the Civil War came to an end the increasing interests of the railroad gave birth to many Nebraska towns and cities Kearney Junction established in 1871 was one of these early communities Named after Fort Kearny located just south of the present day city which Kearney s newest hotel is now open Crowne Plaza 707 W Talmadge St 308 238 7000 younes com Featuring an indoor water park on site restaurant Starbucks and boutique Attached to the new Younes North Convention Center event central KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 30 YOUNES CONFERENCE CENTER SOUTH 416 W TALMADGE RD YOUNES CONFERENCE CENTER NORTH 707 W TALMADGE ST HOLIDAY INN EVENT CENTER 110 2ND AVE Stories A quick History Several local leaders influenced by the Populist movement pushed to relocate the nation s capital located here while other local businessmen and women helped financed industrial factories such as the Cotton Mill Despite this early success Kearney s nineteenth century boom period came to an end The Cotton Mill closed real estate values collapsed and the population ventured elsewhere In 1903 the Nebraska legislature appropriated 50 000 to start a state normal school which is now the University of served emigrants traveling west Nebraska at Kearney on the various trails through the vicinity During an 18 month period following the Gold Rush of 1849 over 30 000 people bound for California Oregon and Utah passed through Fort Kearny As for the change in spelling for the city the extra e in Kearney is not difficult to Seedling Mile Lincoln Highway explain An employee at the Known for being the first local post office made the simtranscontinental road for ple spelling error and by the automobiles The Lincoln time it was realized no one felt Highway was a major catalyst a change was necessary for the local economy Kearney deemed as the Midway City By 1873 245 residents called was the halfway point between Kearney home and by the Boston and San Francisco 1880 s the community was riding the crest of a boom that Many travelers still enjoy driving swelled the population past the Lincoln Highway and see10 000 As a quickly prospering ing America from the road less community a few optimistic restraveled idents sought to further cement Information via cityofkearney org and Kearney s place in the world Buffalo County Historical Society 31
REAL DEALS shop Hilltop Mall Located just off of 2nd Ave in North Kearney Hilltop Mall features national chains plus local businesses making it a go to for area shoppers Home of the Buckle Founded in 1948 in Downtown Kearney Buckle now has 451 stores in the US The corporate offices are here so shop the local store at Hilltop Mall for the freshest fashions THE DENIM BAR Shopping central RUSTIC PATCH North Kearney The area surrounding Hilltop Mall also has a lively shopping scene with several large chain stores plus specialty shops BUFF CITY SOAP YANDAS MUSIC shop on the bricks This historic district offers a spectrum of shopping options Featuring unique boutiques jewelry stores furniture stores men s women s children s apparel bridal wear more FANCI THAT ROOTED PLANT CO SHOP KEARNEY SUITE CHILD 32 33
But first coffee FOOD DRINK applebees upper room brewing BARISTA S DAILY GRIND 1502 2ND AVE SOUTH 2301 13TH ST HWY 30 WEST JAVA JUNCTION 2708 N AVE HWY 30 EAST KITT S KITCHEN AND COFFEE 2001 A AVE DOWNTOWN Jerseys THERE ARE ALSO MULTIPLE STARBUCKS SCOOTERS CARIBOU COFFEE LOCATIONS KYOTO 404 3RD AVE BEST breakfast ANGUS BURGERS SHAKES 421 TALMADGE ST McCue s NE Taproom cunningham s journal Platte Valley Taphouse BEST BEST burger Asian GOOD EVANS 1010 3RD AVE RUNZA 325 W 39TH ST 815 2ND AVE kid menu JOY S TABLE the crafty dog 110 S 2ND AVE the big apple KEARNEY HUB S Best of Kearney Cunningham s on the lake 2021 BEST BEST fast food Local Secret KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 34 Italian EL POTRERO BEST 5012 3RD AVE 120 sweet treats BEST prime rib BEST SUWANEE THAI 1420 W 24TH ST Old Chicago Mexican THE ALLEY ROSE 2013 CENTRAL AVE EILEEN S COLOSSAL COOKIES 224 W 42ND ST CENTRAL MERCANTILE FEAT KTOWN CAKERY 2206 CENTRAL AVE SMALLCAKES OF KEARNEY 2222 2ND AVE 35
FOOD DRINK Coppermill Steakhouse 421 W Talmadge St 308 455 6218 421 W Talmadge St 308 455 4581 We have seen the Coppermill Steakhouse several times while staying in Kearney but just recently visited it for dinner I can tell you we will likely go there every time we re in Kearney in the future The space is welcoming and casually upscale The wine list is robust with superb yet reasonably priced wines on it Everything on the menu looked great We shared a bottle of Pike Road Pinot Noir and we each had salads and steak The portion was generous each was cooked to perfection and the flavor was absolutely great with wonderful sides as well We will definitely be back Judy L Littleton CO Top 5 Restaurants according to Thunderhead Brewing 18 E 21st St 308 237 1558 The food was amazing I had pizza that was one of the best I have ever had Laura T Oregon OH KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 36 Angus Burger Shakes We are on our way to Yellowstone from Alabama and stopped in Kearney to spend the night We found this place on Yelp and decided to try it and I m so glad we did We love brewpubs and this one did not disappoint My husband really enjoyed his flight of beer while I tried the like thunder punch which was very tasty As a family we shared a pretzel a large salad and some pizzas All were excellent And the service was even better Everyone was so friendly If we are ever this way again we will stop and eat here Lee H Birmingham AL Everything was so amazing The truffle fries wow The burgersso delicious The service Terrific Talisha T Salina KS Stopped here for lunch on our way to Colorado We have 4 kids and they had something for everyone Great atmosphere very clean friendly waitress we got our food fast and it was ALL delish I had the French Onion Burger and it was by far the best burger I ve ever had and the fries and dipping sauce were just as good Highly recommend Shawna B Iowa Falls IA Cunningham s Journal On the Lake 610 Talmadge St 308 237 5122 Stopped here for dinner since it was close to our hotel Loved the food and atmosphere they had a great outdoor patio I had the grilled chicken salad and it was the best I ve ever had My husband had the tacos with guacamole and said it was great I m not a craft beer person but my husband liked what he ordered and the cider I got was delicious Wish we lived in the area we would be eating here often Great food impossible burger was cooked to perfection The rib eye was amazing the tomato basil soup their cocktails everything was just excellent Ruchira R l Cupertino CA Jules B l Springfield IL Joy s Table 110 2nd Ave inside Holiday Inn 308 455 8013 10 STARS Seriously DELICIOUS My husband ordered pasta and it was cooked perfectly and the sauce was made from scratch Our little kiddo ordered the kids pepperoni pizza and holy cow it was delicious And don t get me started on the strawberry margaritas Best margarita I ve ever had So long story short Joy s Table was outstanding Friendly staff absolutely delicious food and refreshing drinks water included I wish we lived closer as we would easily become regulars Kelli M l Omaha NE 37
Three colleges 170 majors 20 pre professional programs UNK focuses on the undergraduate experience while becoming an international destination for some key graduate programs With a new University of Nebraska Medical Center Health Science Education Complex pre med and allied health professions majors are finding increased opportunities for education and practical experience here in Kearney University of Nebraska at Kearney Visit campus Loper athletics fine arts performances and exhibitions lectures symposiums or seminars there s a lot happening on campus other than student living and learning COMMUNITY CONNECTION The Unk campus sits in the heart of Kearney and provides a vital economic boost an experienced and educated workforce and a reputation to be proud of PHOTOS UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY 38 39
My First Experience With the Sandhill Crane Migration By Ann Teget Postcard Jar Witnessing the influx of tens of thousands of ancient birds and their landings on the shallow waters of the Platte is truly one of the most breathtaking experiences I have ever had in nature As a native Nebraskan I had heard about the annual migration of nearly a million Sandhill Cranes and but I d never taken the time to watch these incredible birds or learn about the migration that brings them right through the heart of our country and the middle of my state We decided to make the trip Sandhill Crane Migration NSAA State Speech Rock N Rods Annual events Spring Huskerland State Wrestling Cattlemen s Classic Fort Kearny Expo 40 Stories Sandhill Cranes As the sun began to set we could see dark swarms of cranes in the horizon and slowly they began to come in view and swirl above the water before descending on the river in the distance We listened to their loud voices and marveled in their flight overhead Then just before the sun was almost set as the sky turned into incredible shades of purple and orange one lone crane landed on a sandbar in plain site from our blind Our group of 20 or so bird watchers was silent Then another crane landed and another and within seconds hundreds of Sandhill Cranes were settling in right in front of our eyes to see for ourselves We got I will never forget that moment reservations for one of the All the way home I couldn t crane tours at Rowe Sanctuary help but feel the regret of never near Kearney Rowe Sanctuary s visiting this place before the viewing blinds are strategically admiration of the long migraplaced along the Platte River to tion of these exquisite birds provide excellent views of the and the pride of calling Sandhill Cranes as well as other Nebraska home wildlife We enjoyed watching the sunset and we even spotted No doubt in my mind we ll be back again next year four otters playing outside our blind near the river s edge Read the full story at postcardjar com 41
CRUISE NITE Kearney s Signature summer event A young man and his father gaze under the hood of a 1967 Shelby Mustang while a child squeals with excitement as he points to a 1951 Hudson Hornet and exclaims it s Doc Hudson from the Disney movie Cars Meanwhile an elderly couple reminisce about the fond memories they had of the cars displayed on The Bricks in Downtown Kearney Nebraska Shrine Bowl It s the third week of July and as always the sweltering heat doesn t keep anyone from taking a trip down Central Avenue and quite possibly memory lane Art in the Park Annual events Summer Cruise Nite began in 1987 as a one night event and now has expanded to six days of events for every age including the main event on the Buffalo County Fair Nebraska Senior Games bricks parade nursing home tour numerous show shines burnout contest drag racing concerts food trucks and more 42 43
REASONS TO RUN ANNUAL RACES NSAA State Cross Country Championships Annual events Fall Gateway Farm Expo SHAMROCK SHUFFLE BUFFALO COUNTY STAMPEDE KEARNEY TRAIL RUN 10K 5K HALF 10K 5K NATURE TRAIL 5K OCTOBER MARCH JUNE FOR MORE EVENTS CHECK OUR CALENDAR AT VISITKEARNEY ORG NSAA D6 Championship Crane River Theater Christmas Show EVENTS CALENDAR SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EVENTS EMAIL Midway PBR Holiday Light Festival 44 EVENTS TO WATCH FOR Annual events Winter TRIVIA NIGHTS TRI CITY STORM HOCKEY KEARNEY AREA FARMER S MARKET WEEKLY SEASONAL TWICE WEEKLY SEASONAL 45
Girls getaway hike bike trail Time to fuel up Good Evans Take on the tower at downtown on the bricks Float on down this 2 mile trail Kick up your feet with a mani pedi spa treatment or massage Yanney Park U med Spa Water trail fort kearny rec area Joe s Honky tonk Look for live music dance the night away Enjoy an evening of camping complete with campfire under the stars Fun for the fam Pick up lunch have a picnic at Cottonmill Park Start with a mural walk through Downtown Discover unique finds in downtown shops Kearney area children s Museum the Rustic Patch Cottonmill Pro Tip Rent kayaks pedal boat or paddle board during summer months KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE 46 Coppermill Steakhouse Make any time happy hour with laughs apps craft cocktails Arts drafts Start the day by exploring all the fun exhibits at the Kearney Area Children s Museum Angus Burger Shakes Crowne Plaza The Cup Fun for all with bowling laser tag go karts arcade more Make a splash at the new water park complete with multiple slides play area large hot tub Pro Tip Shop local art at the Brickwalk Gallery Get creative with a paint project at Rustic Patch or Paint Paradise Angus Burger Shakes makes one sweet stop Big Apple Fun Center on the bricks or see a movie at this historic theatre found in Downtown Kearney Crane River theater See a show sprinkled throughout the year McCue s Ne taproom Find your new favorite Nebraska made beer wine or spirits World Theatre ITINERARIES ITINERARIES Sip on coffee or tea flights to start your day right Get your shop on Downtown on the bricks uptown at the Hilltop Mall Start the day with a walk or bike ride on the trail KEARNEY VISITOR GUIDE Outdoor adventures 47
REAL DEALS Visit Kearney Like a local A common question we hear is where do the locals go what do they like to do So we pulled together a team of Locals to tell you Judi CEO President Kearney Area Community Foundation Must Do Activity Yanney Heritage Park Whether your fishing or walking the dog or playing on the splashpad there is something for everyone here Go to Restaurant Suwannee Thai Cuisine because it is the best Thai restaurant anywhere we have ever been Kyle Captain Owner Sayler Screenprinting Must Do Activity The Kearney Water Trail Get a kayak and go float on the trail for a couple hours It s nice and relaxing It almost feels like a little getaway but you re still in city limits Go to Restaurant I personally can t cook worth a darn so I support the local restaurants often Sam Que BBQ Flippin Sweet Burgos Queen and countless others Allie Rich Director of Development University of Nebraska Foundation Must Do Activity There are tremendous golf courses in Kearney and the surround area Go to Restaurant Alley Rose is a local feature that provides local style and flare great food atmosphere all the way around Bryce Cowner Buffalo Records Must Do Activity When you visit Kearney you should really make a weekend of it There are so many cool things to do See a show at the Merryman or the World Theatre Go to Restaurant My go to is Cunningham s on the Bricks I love their prime rib sandwich I really enjoy craft beers so Thunderhead or McCue s are also go tos 48 art on display Owner Kearney RV Park Campground Must Do Activity I always tell our campers to check out our downtown on the bricks We have so many cute unique shops like Rustic Patch and Bow Arrow plus the World Theatre Downtown is always doing something like the Christmas walk and Trick or Treat on the bricks Go to Restaurant Cunningham s on the Lake for the atmosphere or Thunderhead who has the best pizza in town and the best drinks in town YANNEY PARK YANNEY PARK YANNEY PARK CONOCO SOUTH OF I80 UNK UNMC NEARBY ATTRACTIONS WATCH THE VIDEO GEORGE SPENCER TASTING ROOM GIBBON SEASONAL MINDEN OPERA HOUSE MINDEN PIONEER VILLAGE MINDEN 49
OUR COMMUNITY Kearney is home to over 33 000 residents who appreciate the small town lifestyle and urban amenities University of Nebraska at Kearney Cultural and recreational attractions Unique shopping and dining Exceptional schools Two regional medical centers Numerous corporate headquarters getting here BY CAR Located right off I 80 and on Hwy 30 Lincoln Highway makes Kearney a convenient place to gather BY AIR Daily flights are offered by United Express from the Kearney Regional Airport to Denver International Airport and Chicago O Hare THE MIDWAY CITY Kearney is often referred to as the Midway City because it is located halfway between the Atlantic the Pacific Oceans scoutingnebraska vienna the floof postcardjar phily_phresh staywildphotg riggs998599 APPROXIMATE DRIVE TIME DES MOINES IA 4 5 HOURS OMAHA NE 3 HOURS LINCOLN NE 2 HOURS DENVER CO 5 HOURS CHEYENNE WY 4 5 HOURS KANSAS CITY KS 5 HOURS SALINA KS 3 5 HOURS getting around BY CAB Kearney Cab Co l 308 234 6725 Kearney Cab Co provides reliable taxi services in the Buffalo County area With 24 7 service available even on holidays BY BIRD Kearney Regional Airport 5145 Airport Rd flykearney com 308 234 2318 CHARGING UP Currently there are 10 public charging station ports Level 2 and Level 3 8 10 are free stations 50 Bird Scooters can be found in various areas in town download the app for a fast fun way to travel LET S BE FRIENDS VISITKEARNEY 51
VISITKEARNEY ORG VISITORS CENTERS KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU 1007 SECOND AVENUE PO BOX 607 KEARNEY NEBRASKA 68847 308 237 3178 52 NEBRASKA VISITOR CENTER INSIDE THE ARCHWAY 3060 EAST 1ST ST KEARNEY NEBRASKA 68847 308 237 1000
Watch the video to learn more from our locals