Great Platte River Road Archway Monument

Overview

Spanning I-80 at Exit 275 in Kearney, NE, from the Oregon Trail era through today, the Archway tells the story of the building of America.

Our personal audio guides allow you to begin your tour whenever you arrive. No need to arrive at a specific time of day. And, you set the pace. Most visitors spend about an hour in our historic exhibit. You are welcome to take your time and enjoy everything the Archway has to offer.

Experience our family-friendly historical exhibit, visit our replica sod house, picnic on the Archway campus, stroll on our hike/bike trail, and feed the fish in our pond from our vintage bridge. Then, plan the rest of your trip in our Nebraska Visitors Center.

The Archway is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s entertaining and inspiring for the whole family.

City: Nebraska

Sun 22 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $15.00

Make a reservation

Sun 22 Sep

Starting at $15.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Access to all exhibits

All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Use of headset

Route and map

Meeting point

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Kearney
3060 E 1st St,

Redeem your ticket upon arrival at the Archway Gift Shop. You can begin your self-guided tour at any time during our business hours and complete it at your leisure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Archway is wheelchair accessible and a limited number of loaner wheelchairs are available.
The Archway has plenty of pull-through parking spaces for RVs, trailers, and semis.
Just minutes east Kearney, NE, the Archway offers easy access to an abundance of hotel and restaurant options.
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands

What To Expect

Great Platte River Road Archway Monument

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 competition that created the first Transcontinental Railroad, and visit a travelers’ campground to hear stories of life on the Lincoln Highway. All this happened right here on the Great Platte River Road in Nebraska. Using life-size figures in elaborate scenic displays the Archway tells an inspiring American story of discovery, innovation, and adventure. Travelers on today’s I-80 are following in the footsteps of the pioneers who headed down the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. The means of transportation have changed, but the route has stayed pretty much the same. We are still following the Great Platte River Road across Nebraska on the road to adventure in America. The admission price applies to the historic exhibit only. Other amenities on the Archway campus are accessible at no charge.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (121)

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John_L

Apr 2021

Great overall education on the gold rush and railroad history, up to the 60's. Young and old will enjoy the experience.

Response from Host

Apr 2021

Thanks for the great review. We're glad that you enjoyed your visit to the Archway and we hope you come back again, soon!

CountryGal2011

Apr 2021

This was a great historical visit. I see people criticizing it because it really doesn’t mention Native Americans. There are quite a few Native American museums out there. This museum happens to be how the settlers not American Indians spread out west. For once I’d like to see less criticism about history. This museum by no means ignores the Native Americans but it isn’t about them at this particular museum.

Response from Host

Apr 2021

Thanks for the review. We try to provide an overview of Nebraska history. We can't tell the entire story. We can only hope to inspire our visitors to find more information about the historical topics that most interest them. If we can help start a thoughtful discussion of history, we are happy with that result.

James_B

Apr 2021

Really enjoyed our tour and the information. We learned a lot about the covered wagon trains. Had a great time exploring the property and the gift shop.

Response from Host

Apr 2021

Thanks for the great review. We're glad that you enjoyed the Archway and wish you all the best for your future adventures!