The Fort Kearney State Historical Park, located south of the city of Kearney, is an impressive state historic park. In its 23 years as a military post, Fort Kearney came to symbolize westward expansion and development. It was the first fort built to protect travelers along the Oregon Trail. It was later used as the headquarters for the military and civil governments, an important staging station, a home station of the Pony Express, an outfitting depot for many American Indian campaigns and home of the famed Pawnee Scouts under leadership of Frank and Luther North. Visitors can explore a recreated stockade area and view historical artifacts of the Oregon Trail.

Other Area Attractions:
Cabela's
George Spencer Vineyard
Great Platte River Road Archway
Hastings Museum
Minden Opera House
Morris Press
Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)
Nebraska's Platte River Valley
Nebraska's Rainwater Basin
Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center