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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Ginger_O

Sep 2020

My husband and I were just passing through and based on a recommendation decided to stop. We thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit. We spent almost 2 hours wondering our way through. I think we were able to appreciate the effort and history that went into all of this because of our age (mid 50’s). The staff was very welcoming and did a great job explaining the exhibit. Would recommend for anyone wanting to explore the history of our country.

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Thanks so much for your thoughtful review. We hope you come back and visit us again next time you are passing through! Happy trails!

Susie_D

Sep 2020

Fantastic destination or break from a journey, this little appreciated jewel was the highlight of our trip West. Excellent museum of the Westward journey and transportation!

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Thanks so much for the great review! We hope your trip is going well and that you'll stop in and see us again!

RamblingRVRat

Sep 2020

A wonderful interactive experience giving the history of westward travel from the perspective of American Indians, Mormons, gold prospectors, and pioneers. It also demonstrated the evolution of modern vehicular travel, the Lincoln Highway and Interstate 80. The $12/adult ticket seemed steep at first, but after completing the self guided audio tour, proved well worth the price of admission. A coveted 5 cheese award from Rambling RV Rat!

Response from Host

Sep 2020

Thanks for the 5 cheese award and the thoughtful review. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the Archway experience. We're happy you stopped in and hope you come back and visit us again, soon!