Museums Near Me in Imperial
Kearney Area Children's Museum
5827 4th Avenue, Kearney, NE
Mission:
The Kearney Area Children's Museum provides fun, interactive, educational experiences for children which stimulate creative play and expression, while supporting connections within the family, the community, and the world around us.
Museum Of Nebraska Art
2401 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE
Mission:
The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) celebrates Nebraska's artistic culture and heritage by collecting and preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the art of Nebraska. Art of Nebraska is defined as art that was created by an artist born, raised, trained, or domiciled in Nebraska or with a substantial connection to Nebraska, or art that reflects Nebraska's culture and environment.
The Archway
3060 East 1st Street, Kearney, NE
About Us:
Join the 1.5 million visitors who have experienced the westward expansion of a nation through the eyes of those who lived it. Spanning 310 feet over Interstate 80 near Kearney, Nebraska, The Archway presents 170 years of America's westward movement through detailed displays and harrowing stories you'll hear as you walk over one of America's busiest interstate highways.
Start at Ft. Kearny in the 1840s where the Oregon Trail converged with the Mormon Trail and California Trail. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the sights of the historic trails while listening to the stories of the early pioneers. Next, hear the rumble of the Iron Horse on the transcontinental railroad as it passes overhead. Watch a Pony Express rider make a quick stop to change horses as he races to deliver mail across the country. Listen in as the first transcontinental telegraph transmits the news of the breakout of the Civil War to the West Coast. Finally, traverse the historic Lincoln Highway, catch the newsreel at the drive-in theater and take a break to check on the traffic below in the roadside diner. A perfect stop for a family vacation, this award-winning display can be viewed in under an hour.
Pioneer Village
138 East US Highway 6, Minden, NE
You have to see it to believe it... The largest private collection of Americana anywhere. The Pioneer Village complex comprises 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value, restored to operating order, arranged in groups and also in the chronological order of their development. There are 12 historic buildings around the circular "green". There's a Frontier Fort, a real honest-to-goodness Pony Express Station, an Iron Horse, and a home made of sod. There's a general store and a toy store, chock full of all the goods from yesteryear. An original art collection including 25 Currier and Ives prints, 23 Jackson paintings, and the largest single collection of Rogers statues. You can ride a priceless steam carousel, see 17 historic flying machines and marvel at 100 antique tractors. See a 1902 Cadillac and a 1903 Ford, both designed by Henry Ford, plus 350 other antique cars, all displayed in their order of development. For a relaxing trip into yesterday, come to Pioneer Village.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
River Road, Harrison, NE
During the 1890s, scientists rediscovered what the Lakota Sioux already knew - bones preserved in one of the most complete Miocene mammal sites in the world.
Yet, this place called "Agate" is a landscape that reflects many players - from early animals roaming the valleys and hills, to tribal nations calling the High Plains home, to explorers passing through or settling in the American West.
Museum Of The Fur Trade
6321 Highway 20, Chadron, NE
The Museum of the Fur Trade combins an outstanding collection and scholarship to interpret the story of the fur trade, the non-profit museum’s exhibits discuss the fur trade from early colonial days to the present century. The exhibits trace the everyday lives of British, French, and Spanish traders, voyageurs, mountain men, professional buffalo hunters, and typical Plains and Woodland Indians. Exhibits include the entire range of trade goods, including munitions, cutlery, axes, firearms, textiles, costumes, paints, and beads.
The museum, standing on the site of James Bordeaux’s trading post established for the American Fur Company in 1837, began as an exhibit plan-then only a dream-in the minds of its founders. Nearly fifty years later, it has become an institution whose collections and research are known and respected worldwide, and whose exhibits provide a unique educational experience for more than 40,000 visitors every year, leaving them, young and old, with a sense of adventure and faith in our economic and political freedom.
Children's Museum Of Central Nebraska
12th and Marian Road, Hastings, NE
Mission: The Children's Museum of Central Nebraska is a community resource committed to encouraging joyful, life-long learning of young children. The Museum stimulates the imagination and promotes collaboration by providing interactive "Hands On", educational environments and exhibits, which explore the themes of growing, living, working and creating.
York Area Children's Museum
612 Nebraska Avenue, York, NE
Since it was established in 1999, the York Area Children’s Museum’s mission has been to provide a safe, imaginative and affordable play opportunity for the youngest residents of our community. Because the museum is operated solely by volunteers, we have been able to keep our admission fee the low price of $1 per person, for the entire time it has been open. Other funding is generated by birthday party rentals, donations, grants and foundation gifts.
Thayer County Historical Society and Museum
110 9th Street, Belvidere, NE
About Us
The Thayer County Museum has become a huge collection of history, and historic items from the Thayer County area. Generous people have donated there time, money, family heirlooms, and other items they collected.
To those wonderful people, we are very grateful, and we say THANK YOU.
Scroll down to read the story of our beginnings some 50+ years ago.
Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art
575 "E" Street, David City, NE
Our mission is to connect people to the land through art.
Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City, NE is the nation’s only exclusively agrarian art museum presenting art that connects people to the land. Exhibitions and related events such as artist talks, panel discussions, art workshops, poetry readings, humanities presentations, and musical performances celebrate the heritage and current themes of rural and farm life. David City is the hometown of nationally recognized Regionalist artist Dale Nichols whose work is the heart of the permanent collection.
In 2007 a group of volunteers founded the museum. David City is the hometown of Regionalist artist Dale Nichols. In May 2011 Dale Nichols: Transcending Regionalism opened.
In 2012 Henry Adams of The Smithsonia blog Articulations described Transcending Regionalism this way: “One of the most provocative exhibitions in the United States right now was organized by an institution that’s a bit off the beaten track: The Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City, Nebraska…It’s impressive that such a small community has produced an ambitious exhibition and book of this scale, roughly on a par with those produced by America’s largest museums.”
This exhibition brought 2,800 visitors from throughout the nation to David City and involved 600 students. The exhibition toured to: the Georgia Art Museum, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
In 2014 AAA Living magazine listed the four top art museums in Nebraska. They included the Joslyn, Sheldon, Museum of Nebraska Art, and Bone Creek.
The museum has offered 42 exhibitions since 2007. Examples of artists from beyond the Midwest include Jean Terry who focused on farming in upstate New York. Canadian artist Denise Lemaster’s exhibition, “Canadian Foothills” was the museum’s first exhibition from beyond U.S. borders.
The museum has drawn visitors from 50 states and 7 countries in its first seven years. The museum is supported by 292 members representing 30 states. Thirty volunteers serve as board members; educators; docents; receptionists; maintenance staff; and event set-up crews.
Museum of American Speed
599 Oak Creek Drive, Lincoln, NE
About Us:
The Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a non-profit corporation founded in 1992 by "Speedy" Bill and Joyce Smith. This 135,000 sq. ft. museum was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive Racing Engine and Speed Equipment development.... also to preserve, interpret, and display items significant in racing and automotive history. The collection results from the Smiths' personal involvement in racing and hot rodding, and their lifelong passion for collecting and preserving racing and automotive history.
Bill and Joyce have first hand knowledge of racing and performance history as they have actively raced and sold speed and power equipment for over 60 years. Bill's six decades of experience began in the 1940's when he raced roaring roadsters on half mile county fair tracks. In the 50's and 60's he raced dragsters, stock cars, NASCAR, modifieds and sprint cars.
The 1970's was a memorable decade for Bill as he raced Champ dirt cars and sprint cars with drivers known as the original "Outlaw" racers. They won races from coast to coast including the Sprint Car Nationals and the Hulman Classic. Bill's winning ways continued during the 1980's and 90's when he raced AIS Indy cars, Pikes Peak cars and Bonneville Streamliners. Driving legends such as Tiny Lund, Jan Opperman, Larry Dickson, Ron Shuman and Doug Wolfgang were some of the 90+ drivers to have raced the "4x" car for "Speedy" Bill Smith.
Thousands of laborious hours have been spent, as Bill puts it; "turning over rocks" and chasing countless leads to build a collection of this magnitude. Mix in some clever deal making and Bill's uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time and you have some idea as to how he has made this automotive museum a dream come true.
Speedway Motors is a proud supporter of the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed. Known as America’s Oldest Speed Shop, Speedway Motors was founded in 1952 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, who continue to run the family-owned business with the help of their four sons, Carson, Craig, Clay and Jason.
University Of Nebraska State Museum
307 Morrill Hall, Lincoln, NE
Promote discovery in natural science through research, scientific collections, learner-centered education, and public exhibitions. Collect and preserve organisms, fossils and artifacts to foster scientific understanding and interpretation of Earth’s past, present, and future. Enhance stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Nebraska. Recruit and mentor future scientists and educators, promoting scientific literacy; stimulating curiosity and discovery of our natural world and heritage of diverse cultures.
Lincoln Children's Museum
1420 P Street, Lincoln, NE
Mission:
The Lincoln Children's Museum invites children to create, discover, and learn through the power of play.
About Us:
Build, dance, play, climb, create, sing, and laugh at the Lincoln Children's Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here you can be whatever and go wherever your imagination takes you! The Lincoln Children's Museum offers three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs that allow children and adults to discover the adventure of learning through play together.
The Lincoln Children's Museum is a private non-profit, 501(c)(3), that receives no city, state or federal tax dollars. The Museum is a member of the Association of Children's Museums (ACM). During your travels, the Lincoln Children's Museum encourages you to visit other children's museums throughout the country.
The Lincoln Children's Museum was constructed as the first green building in the city of Lincoln. The Museum incorporated these green building principles into the design and renovation of the facility. These green building principles include minimizing the amount of waste generated during construction, recycling materials that could be separated from the construction waste stream, using recycled content building materials where feasible, and using best management practices regarding energy and water conservation.
Nebraska History Museum
131 Centennial Mall N, Lincoln, NE
10,000 years of history!
Many people and cultures have made Nebraska their home. Come see fascinating artifacts and hear amazing stories from our rich past.
National Museum Of Roller Skating
4730 South Street, Lincoln, NE
Mission Statement: Roller skating is the shared experience of many through recreation, sport, and business. The National Museum of Roller Skating is committed to enriching people's lives by increasing their understanding and enjoyment of roller skating's past.
Strategic Air And Space Museum
28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE
The Strategic Air and Space Museum is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization which receives no government funding. Donations are tax exempt to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Museum earns more than 70% of its annual operating budget through admissions, store sales, membership, facility rental and special events.
In 1959, the first plane in the collection of the Strategic Aerospace Museum arrived at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. General Curtis LeMay's vision of a Museum that preserved historic aircraft had become a reality. Over the years, the Museum grew in size and popularity, and the name was changed to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum.
In 1998, after a 33 million-dollar grass roots capital campaign, the Museum moved to a location more accessible to the public to its present location near Ashland, Nebraska just off I-80 at exit 426. With the rapid growth of the Museum, discussion began regarding reconsideration of its Aerospace heritage.
On June 15, 2001 the name of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum was changed to the Strategic Air & Space Museum. This change incorporated the Museum's rich past while reaching out to a growing audience through dynamic programming and exciting educational programs that captivate the interests and imaginations of everyone. The Museum will always be rooted in preserving the history of the Strategic Air Command and its role in securing peace. The future of the Museum will offer its ever-increasing number of visitors who seek to learn about math, science, engineering, aviation, and space through traveling and permanent exhibits and educational programs.
The Strategic Air & Space Museum is regarded as the nation's foremost facility of its kind, the $29.5 million museum opened on May 16, 1998, and preserves aircraft and missiles for future generations. The Museum is a 300,000 square foot building that features a glass atrium, two aircraft display hangars, a traveling exhibit area, a children's interactive gallery, a 200-seat theater, a Museum store, an aircraft restoration gallery, and a snack bar. The glass atrium is a breathtaking structure constructed of 525 glass panels that encase the awesome Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The two aircraft display hangars protect the aircraft collection and exhibits from harsh outdoor elements. We participate in an exhibit exchange program with other national museums and display them in the traveling exhibit area. The children's interactive gallery is both entertaining and educational, and features audiovisual programs and activities for children of all ages. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, gifts and educational items from the Museum store, and refresh themselves at the Plane Food snack bar. A unique feature of the Museum gives visitors the opportunity to watch the restoration of warplanes as technicians prepare them for display.
The Museum promotes education through curriculum and resource development in aviation and aerospace topics. Our goal is to assist teachers in applying high-interest topics to various areas of study at all grade levels. We have programs designed for schools to promote various aerospace fields of study and encourage participation through formal school group tours and classroom activities.
The Museum is also a showplace that is available for all types of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations for meetings, parties, social gatherings, and seminars. Our centralized location is ideal for organizations from both Omaha and Lincoln, as well as for national reunions or gatherings.
General Crook House Museum
5730 North 30th Street, Suite 11B, Omaha, NE
Hours
Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday: 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
About
The General Crook House Museum, built in 1879, is an early Italianate style home. It has been restored and furnished in its original Victorian splendor.
The Museum is the authentically restored home of Civil War and National Indian Wars hero, General George Crook, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed in 1879 while General Crook served as the Commander of the Department of the Platte. General Crook is known for his supporting role in the landmark 1879 trial of Standing Bear v. Crook.
The house was built in the Italianate style, which represented the grandeur of the military frontier. All furnishings are antiques from the 1880 Victorian period. From early November through the end of December, the museum celebrates 19th Century Holidays, complete with full holiday decorations. The Crook House Guild transforms every room in the house into captivating glimpses at Christmases past.
Collections at this living history museum include decorative arts, costumes, arts and crafts and period furnishings.
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE
Our Mission
Joslyn Art Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the visual arts of the highest quality, fostering appreciation and enjoyment of art for the benefit of a diverse audience.
Our Vision
To be cherished and respected as a premier art museum.
History:
Joslyn Art Museum was a generous gift to the people of Omaha from Sarah H. Joslyn (1851–1940) in memory of her husband, George A. Joslyn (1848–1916).
New Englanders George and Sarah Joslyn came to Omaha in 1880. Married in 1874, the couple first moved to Montreal and later to Des Moines, Iowa, where George took a job unloading freight cars for the Iowa Paper Company. The company’s main business was providing small-town Iowa newspapers with “ready-print,” a news sheet pre-printed with special features and advertisements, which was then printed on the outside with local news. George Joslyn quickly attained an office position in the firm, and when a branch office opened in Omaha, he was offered the position of manager. The expanded company was reorganized in 1881 as the Western Newspaper Union.
By 1890, Joslyn had acquired controlling interest in the company’s stock and began a vigorous expansion campaign. At the time of his death, the Western Newspaper Union, with George Joslyn as its president and general manager, was nationally recognized as the largest newspaper service organization in the world. It operated printing plants and publication offices in 32 prominent cities, six exclusive plate foundries, the largest publication plant in the city of Chicago, 17 wholesale paper houses, and pulp and paper mills in northern Wisconsin. George Joslyn was the richest man in Nebraska.
When associates suggested he move his business headquarters East, George answered that his money had been “made in Omaha and it would be spent in Omaha.” The Joslyns loved their adopted city and actively supported community projects, toward which it is estimated they gave more than $7 million. They gave generously to the University of Omaha, and among their many charities were the Humane Society, the Old People’s Home, and the Child Saving Institute. They often opened their home, Lynhurst (dubbed “Joslyn Castle” by Omahans because of its grand, baronial style), to parties of underprivileged and orphaned children. Their only child died in infancy, so they raised a foster daughter, Violet, as their own.
Omaha Children's Museum
500 South 20th Street, Omaha, NE
About Us:
Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children's Museum has been a special place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works and learn through play. It is Omaha’s primary participatory museum and provides a variety of hands-on exhibits, workshops, programs, presentations and special events that put children in touch with their ever-changing world.
Educational programming is an area of strength for Omaha Children’s Museum. Special offerings such as focus field trips, summer camps, workshops, overnights, presentations, and birthday parties help round out the experience for young visitors.
The imaginative environment at Omaha Children's Museum reaches beyond home and school experiences, nurturing growth and development as young children and their adults explore the world together.
The Durham Museum
801 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE
History:
Construction on the structure that houses the Durham Museum commenced July 29, 1929 on the site of the previous Union Station. Rapidly increasing passenger rail traffic convinced Union Pacific of the need for a new station. Leaders of vision within the company decided that a truly elegant and contemporary structure would best portray the image of the corporation in the city of their headquarters.
Gilbert Stanley Underwood, one of the finest architects in the classic art-deco style, was given free rein in designing the structure and his style is reflected in every facet of the construction from the ceiling of the Suzzane and Walter Scott Great Hall to the door handles.
The station opened to great fanfare on January 15, 1931 and quickly became one of the busiest stations in the nation. In its heyday, 64 passenger trains and some 10,000 passengers utilized the facility every day. The station offered a wide range of amenities consistent with the needs of travelers on one of the nation's major rail networks.
Increased air travel and the completion of major interstate highway networks significantly reduced passenger traffic on the nation's commercial rail system. Amtrak, the Federal Governments response to consolidating and maintaining a semblance of passenger rail traffic, resulted in the final demise of private commercial passenger trains. The last passenger train departed Union Station in 1971 and the station closed its doors.