The Archway at Great Platte River Road

The Basics

Formerly known as the Great Platte River Road Archway, the covered bridge-like museum stretches for 308 feet (95 meters) across Interstate 80. Explore the historical exhibits on a self-guided audio tour. Walk with pioneers on the Oregon, Mormon, or California trails; hear accounts from those who made the journey, such as Mark Twain; and learn about the development of the Transcontinental Railroad and modern highway system. Outside, find a maze, picnic shelter, lake, and hiking and biking trails.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Archway is ideal for families with kids and history buffs.

• The admission fee applies to the historic exhibits in the museum only; all other amenities are accessible free of charge.

• Admission is free for children aged 5 and under.

• There’s a Nebraska Tourist Information Center and a gift shop on-site.

• The Archway is wheelchair accessible, and loaner wheelchairs are available.

How to Get There

The Archway is located at Exit 275 on Interstate 80, just east of Kearney, Neb. There’s plenty of free parking, including pull-through parking for trailers, RVs, and other large vehicles.

When to Get There

The Archway is open daily, with the exception of major public holidays. Most people take around 60 to 90 minutes to complete the full audio tour. Allot more time if you plan to use any of the other amenities—in particular the hiking or biking trails.

Nearby Cultural Attractions

Kearney and the surrounding areas offer a number of cultural attractions to visitors, such as the Classic Car Collection, Museum of Nebraska Art, Harold Warp Pioneer Village, Trails and Rails Museum, G. W. Frank Museum of History and Culture, and Fort Kearny State Historical Park.