- Equestrian trails
- Hike/bike trail
- Interpretive center
State Historical Park
1020 V Rd. | Kearney, NE 68847-9804
Originally a safe haven for Overland Trail travelers, Pony Express riders, and gold prospectors, Fort Kearny established in 1848, is now a state historical park preserved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Visitors to the park can explore reconstructed buildings, including the stockade, parade grounds, powder magazine, and blacksmith/carpenter shop, and explore exhibits telling the story of the fort. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset year round.
Established in 1848, Fort Kearny was the first fort built to protect travelers on the Oregon-California Trail. It also served as a home station for Pony Express riders and Pawnee scouts. In addition, it was an important stage station, and it sheltered crews building the Union Pacific Railroad.
Fort Kearny was discontinued as a military post in 1871; buildings were torn down, and the land was opened for homesteading. The Fort Kearny Memorial Association purchased the land in the 1920s, and by 1959, Fort Kearny was declared to be a state historical park.
Belching smoke and fire from a 12-pounder cannon light up the night sky at Fort Kearney State Historical Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A historical presenter talks to park visitors about Fort Kearny's history and entertains them with poems and songs they get to participate in. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The blacksmith-carpenter shop is one of several reconstructed buildings at Fort Kearny State Historical Park in Kearny County. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Reenactors are committed to sharing what life was like at Fort Kearny State Historical Park through Living History events. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A monument honoring the soldiers and pioneers of Fort Kearny stands on the west edge of the state historical park. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Park reenactors pose by the old fort walls at Fort Kearny State Historical Park. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The Interpretive Center houses exhibits on history of the fort, its uses over the years and those who lived there. Visitors may view an 18-minute video about the fort and its history. During sandhill crane migration, the Interpretive Center doubles as an information center for crane viewers.
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online at GoOutdoorsNE.com.
Living history demonstrations are held periodically during the summer months.
After the Fort Kearny Memorial Association purchased the land where the fort had been, an archaeological exploration was conducted to locate building sites and other features of the area. Several buildings, including the stockade, parade grounds, powder magazine and carpenter-blacksmith shop, have since been rebuilt.
The unique Fort Kearny hike-bike trail begins at the camping area and extends for 1.8 miles to Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area and 13.2 miles to Cottonmill Park in Kearney. The paved trail crosses both channels of the Platte River and was once a segment of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. Beautiful views of the Platte Valley can be enjoyed from these trails. A trail map is available at the Fort Kearny SHP visitor center.
Along the trail you can enjoy watching the many species of birds and wildlife at the covered viewing gazebo. The trail also provides a covered picnic shelter which makes an excellent stop along the trail to rest and have a picnic.
Fort Kearny State Historical Park is an excellent place to start your viewing of sandhill cranes during spring migration. The interpretive center is open daily during peak migration and serves as an information center for crane viewers. The bridges over the Platte River at the nearby Fort Kearny State Recreation Area are a popular place to observe the cranes at dusk and dawn.
Fishing, camping, hiking, swimming and no-wake boating are available on adjoining Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. Picnicking is available at both sites.
The Interpretive Center theater may rented for your activity or event.
The Fort Kearny Master Plan establishes a framework for cohesive future park improvements, while preserving existing uses valued by visitors, staff and volunteers. Learn about the vision for the park in the Fort Kearny Master Plan found on our Publications page under Agency Plans.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.