Barista’s Daily Grind – Kearney

Fuel up for a day of exploring with a piping hot cup of custom blend coffee or a smooth, refreshing Jamochaccino at Barista’s Daily Grind. This award-winning coffee shop boasts a wide variety of specialty beverages, breakfast items and baked goodies. Whether you’re “not really a coffee person” or have tried every single drink on your local coffee shop’s menu, “Kearney’s coffee shop” is just the morning kick-start you need.

Classic Car Collection – Kearney

Explore the automobile’s role in industry, culture and innovation throughout history with interactive exhibits, recreated models and, of course, over 200 classic cars. Pull up to the local Kearny Drive-In theatre in a Coupe DeVille Convertible, pose with a flapper next to a sporty Rolls Royce or swoon over the “hunk of burning love” in a pink Cadillac Fleetwood.

Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center – Kearney

Remember the sacrifice, preserve the heritage, restore the history and educate the present and future generations. Children can learn important fire prevention and safety through a series of interactive exhibits; and since you’re never too old to stop learning, adults have the opportunity to brush up on their knowledge too. Honor and memorialize the sacrifices of Nebraska’s fire and EMS personnel by visiting the Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center.

Fort Kearny State Historical Park – Kearney

A safe haven for Pony Express riders, gold prospectors and westward settlers from the east, Fort Kearny was the first fort built as protection for Oregon-California Trail travelers. Today, a different kind of traveler can experience the fort’s story through reconstructed buildings, educational exhibits and the occasional live history demonstration.

Harold Warp Pioneer Village – Minden

Since 1953, Harold Warp Pioneer Village has been educating and fascinating explorers young and old on the story of “How America Grew.” Within its 20 acres, this one-of-a-kind Museum of Progress holds over 50,000 Americana artifacts, including 26 restored buildings, more than 350 automobiles and countless other treasures beyond your wildest imagination.

Don’t forget to bring your spare change, because Pioneer Village is also home to the oldest steam-powered merry-go-round, where rides are still a nickel and you may even get to blow the whistle!

Can’t get enough of Nebraska? Explore the rest of our trip ideas here and hit the road for your next adventure!