Top Things to Do in Kearney and the Platte River Valley

Spanning Interstate-80 near Kearney, the high-tech museum recounts more than 200 years of human travel along the Platte River, from Oregon Trail pioneers to I-80 motorists.

Memorabilia of the Wild West showman fill his 1880s Scout's Rest Ranch mansion and barn in North Platte.

Ogle the tailfins of a 1959 Cadillac among more than 200 mint-condition vehicles at this Kearney attraction. ccckearney.com

From the eight-story tower in North Platte, watch some of the 10,000 rail cars that chug daily through the world's largest train yard, Union Pacific's Bailey Yard.

Kool-Aid: Discover the Dream tells of Nebraska native Edwin Perkins' 1927 creation, Kool-Aid, in this museum 25 miles south of Grand Island. Other exhibits explore topics such as rocks and minerals, prehistoric Nebraska, birds and antique vehicles. 

Wildlife areas, campgrounds and more than 100 miles of shoreline draw visitors to Nebraska's largest reservoir.

See vintage fire trucks, firefighting gear and an outdoor memorial at the Kearney spot.

It's fitting that a rodeo festival (June 15–22, 2022) would take place in North Platte, where, many say, Buffalo Bill held the first major rodeo. The fest crowns Miss Rodeo Nebraska, declares bull-riding champs and stars country music A-listers.

In spring, half a million Sandhill cranes stop to rest and feed along the Platte River. During the day, look for the birds in fields near Kearney and Grand Island or, at sunset and sunrise, watch from the Fort Kearny Bridge over the Platte River. If available, reserve a viewing spot with Rowe Sanctuary or Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center.

At this engaging museum, learn about settlers' lives through exhibits at the Stuhr Building, and then visit with living-history reenactors at the 1899 Railroad Town in Grand Island.

Dig into build-your-own pizzas and calzones, plus burgers, pasta, salads and sandwiches, at this popular spot in Kearney.

Traditional Italian creations at the family-owned eatery in Grand Island include chicken Parmigiana and seafood Alfredo.

Pair seasonal craft beer, such as Apricot Wheat, with pizza, cheese curds or nachos at this brewery in North Platte. An outdoor seating area with cornhole games keeps the kids (and parents) happy.

Church life inspires beer names (Fellowship Hour, Bats in the Belfry) and architectural details at the community taproom with a pastor-turned-brewmaster in Hastings.

Just off I-80, the hotel provides comfy rooms, along with an indoor pool and included breakfast.

Complimentary breakfast, spacious rooms and a hot tub make for relaxing stays at the Fairfield.

For more information: visitkearney.org, visitgrandisland.com, visitnorthplatte.com, explorekeithcounty.com and visitredcloud.com