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Nebraska
26

Nebraska State Parks

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USA Parks
Nebraska
South Central Region
Fort Kearney State Park
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Fort Kearney State Park Cannon Firing © Jerry Stuhr
Cannon Firing at Fort Kearney on Labor Day 2010.
Fort Kearney State Park Blacksmith Shop with sod roof © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Wagon near Blacksmith/Carpenters Shop © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Blacksmith shop from the west. © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Visitor information inside the East Fort © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Inside the East Fort Fort Mitchel © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Covered wagon near Ft. Kearney Visitor Center © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Ft. Kearney State Park Visitor Center © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Entrance to Blacksmith and carpenter shop © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Cannon on west side of grounds © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Authentic covered wagon © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Cannon located within the Blacksmith shop © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Bridge on the Platte RIver © Annick Desjardins
Fort Kearney State Park Platte River © Annick Desjardins
Fort Kearney State Park Trail in Fort Kearney State Park © Annick Desjardins
Fort Kearney State Park Spring Water © Amanda Arnold
Fort Kearney State Park Fort Kearney Historical Marker © Mark Nielsen
Fort Kearney State Park Placcard inside the fort © Mark Nielsen
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FORT KEARNEY STATE PARK
FORT KEARNEY STATE PARK

Reservations: 308-865-5305
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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingElectric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
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.

Camping Facilities:75 camping pads with electrical hookups*35 camping pads without electricity*20/30 - 50 1-year advance reservable campsites

Fort Kearny is a year-round recreation area that provides modern camping. There are showers and modern restrooms, plus a trailer dump station. Stately cottonwood trees, some over 100 years old, shade much of the camping area.

All campers must register. Reservations are accepted. Reservations are taken for 50% of the modern camping. Reservations are taken up to 1 year in advance of arrival day.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in two sandpit lakes, home to largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. A valid Nebraska permit is required.


Location
Fort Kearney State Park is located near Kearney

Picnicking
1. Fort Kearney State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills for a perfect family outing.
2. Enjoy picnicking by the scenic lakeside with available shelters in case of rain.
3. The park provides spacious grassy areas ideal for blanket picnics or outdoor games.
4. Picnic packs can be rented, including charcoal grill supplies at the visitor center.

Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts should be aware that options are limited. There is a short, paved trail suitable for casual biking. However, it's important to note there aren't any challenging mountain bike trails available here.

The park does not offer bicycle rentals so remember to bring your own equipment if you plan on cycling during your visit.

Also bear in mind the area can get quite busy with pedestrians and families at peak times which may affect cyclists' speed and maneuverability.

Always exercise caution when sharing paths with walkers or wildlife who also frequent this scenic spot.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 13 Love the Cranes by Steve A. from Millard
park review stars; one to five It would be nice if the shower / bath house opened earlier in March for us camping crane watchers AND a porta-potty down by the railroad bridge over the river where we all walk to to watch would be very handy and not cost the State Park System too much money.
March 21 ENF Visit by Terrence Ingram, Exec. Dir.
park review stars; one to five We enjoyed the visit we had on Monday. We especially want to thank the person responsible for putting the picnic table half way to the bridge. Not only did our people use this table to rest, but many others did too. They sat and rested on it going and coming back from the bridge. Thank you. We appreciate the courtesy very much.
July 27 Our Favorite Park!! by Mary
park review stars; one to five Its our favorite place to camp. Lots of shade, very kind and helpful park workers, great fishing, great trail and overall, just a nice clean place to take a relaxing, peaceful weekend!!
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Area Campgrounds
Pioneer Village Motel & Campground
224 East Highway 6
Minden, NE
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Driving directions for Fort Kearny SHPTo 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.

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Nebraska
26

Nebraska State Parks

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