Fort Kearny State Historical Park

Built to protect Overland Trail travelers, Fort Kearny SHP near Kearney was a stage station, home station for the Pony Express, outfitting depot for Indian campaigns and home of the Pawnee Scouts. The stockade, parade grounds and blacksmith shop have been rebuilt.

Archeological exploration by the Nebraska State Historical Society to locate building sites and other features has helped the Commission develop the park to give visitors an insight into the conditions and events contemporary with the settlement of the American West.

This history is revealed in several exhibits in the interpretive center and in the carpenter-blacksmith shop. Walkways lead to the stockade where more information is available.

Camping is available at nearby Fort Keany State Recreation Area. Campers will find south-central Nebraska's Fort Kearny State Recreation Area much to their liking. The attractive 152-acre area is located 3/4 mile east and 1 mile north of Fort Kearny State Historical Park.

Attractions - Camping: Yes Water: Yes Modern Restroom: Yes Dump Station: Yes Showers: Yes Trails: Yes Hiking: 5 miles Mtn. Bike: 5 miles Picnicking: Yes Picnic Tables: 150 Grills: 110 Shelters: 4 Shelters w/ elec.: 1 Boating: Yes Types: Electric motor, non-powered River Access: Yes Fishing: Yes Swimming: Yes Beaches: 1 Visitor Center: Yes Visitor Center is open Memorial Day - Labor day Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. March - May call the park for daily hours (308) 865-5305. Office on Site: Yes Park Office is open Memorial Day - Labor day Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. March - May call the park for daily hours (308)865-5305.

Recreation - Camping: Yes Water: Yes Modern Restroom: Yes Dump Station: Yes Showers: Yes Trails: Yes Hiking: 5 miles Mtn. Bike: 5 miles Picnicking: Yes

Climate - Nebraska has a moderate climate with high humidity. The relative humidity in this state averages 70 percent throughout the year. Winter temperatures normally average between 20 and 45 degrees F. March brings warmer weather and temperatures above freezing for most of the month. Spring is in full swing by late April when temperatures often reach above 60 degrees F. Summer temperatures reach highs of 95 degrees F frequently, with warm weather continuing into mid September. Crisp fall weather truly begins in October when nighttime temperatures begin to dip into the low 40s. The wettest time of the year in this state is late spring through summer.

Location - To get to Fort Kearny State Historical Park, you would take I-80 to the Minden exit, 279 south on Hwy 10 for 3 miles. Next, turn west onto Hwy 50A for 3 miles. Or from the Kearney exit, 272 south on Hwy 44 for 2 miles. Then east on Hwy 50A for 4 miles. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, 1 mile east and 1 mile north of the Historical Park.