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

Fri 20 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $15.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 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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NebraskaTravelBuddy

Jun 2019

We’ve said many times since the Archway opened that we should stop and see it. We finally did and are so glad. It’s laid out well and was produced with a lot of thought. It’s a fun and interactive way for all of us to learn history. Nice gift shop and beautiful grounds with easy walkways to stroll on after touring inside.

sallypjrn

May 2019

As you are hurrying across I-80, it’s easy to approach the majestic over-interstate attraction and wonder “What’s that?” then completely pass it by. The Great Platte River Road Arch is a novelly placed museum dedicated to the pioneers who pushed through Nebraska on their way west along the Oregon Trail. The realistic displays and audio narrative tell the story of their courage and the hardship of the trail. I found it quite moving. In addition, there is a spectacular lookout over I-80 that will thrill the kids. There is also a maze, prairie wildflower landscaping, a nature trail, and native earthen home display. Honestly, I don’t know why there isn’t more signage or information about Arch along the interstate so that people will know what this monument is about. I’m glad we stopped.

Sharla M

May 2019

After seeing this museum, I am so glad I wasn't a pioneer. I never would have made it! The museum has an audio commentary. You can do the quick overview and listen to just the main commentary, or you can tap individual signs for a more in depth experience. The wax figurines were life like and the artifacts were from the original era. It is easy on and off from I-80. There is no reason not to stop here.

Response from Host

May 2019

Thanks for the great review! We hope you come back and visit us again, soon!