Group Tour Magazine - August 2023 - 109

WES T
Sandhill crane migration
near Kearney, Nebraska
HEARTLAND HOT SPOT
History and nature meet college-town vibes in Kearney, Nebraska
BY COURTNEY BIRCHMEIER
G
roups traveling to the south-central Nebraska
city of Kearney (pronounced " car-knee " ) may
be surprised at the number of things to see
and do in the " heart of the heartland. " Just as
the sandhill cranes famously fl ock to Kearney
each spring, group travelers are drawn
to the city for its rich history and year-round
fun and entertainment.
Th is year marks Kearney's 150th birthday,
and the sesquicentennial is being celebrated
in many ways throughout the city. But even
if your group's Kearney travels fall beyond
2023, the area's history can be traced at several
museums and attractions-including
The Archway, a historical exhibit that tells
the story of the adventurers who followed
the Great Platte River Road and helped build
America. Groups can spend as little as an
hour or as much as a full afternoon exploring
the campus, strolling the trails, touring
the replica sod house, and browsing the
gift shop. Through the interactive exhibit,
visitors can walk with the pioneers over the
Oregon Trail, hear Mark Twain's account of
a cross-country stagecoach ride, relive the
driving of the Golden Spike that united the
nation's railroads, and more.
Another celebrated migratory route in
Kearney is that of the sandhill cranes, so
much so that the city is known as the " Sandhill
Crane Capital of the World. " Every spring
from late-February to mid-April, more than
a half million cranes-about 80% of the
world's sandhill crane population-gather
in Nebraska's Platte River Valley to fuel up for
the remainder of their northward journey.
Each year, groups travel from near and far
to watch the cranes at several public viewing
areas in Kearney. Th is includes daytime
spots to see the cranes eating in the fi elds,
and sunrise and sunset viewpoints along
the river to watch the cranes " lift off " in the
mornings and then return in the evenings.
After filling up on history and basking
in nature, Kearney visitors can spend
some time downtown " on the bricks, " where
unique shops, colorful murals, and locally
owned restaurants combine for a vibrant
grouptourmagazine.com 109
PHOTO KEARNEY VISITORS BUREAU

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Group Tour Magazine - August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Group Tour Magazine - August 2023

Group Tour Magazine - August 2023 - 1
Group Tour Magazine - August 2023 - Cover1
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Group Tour Magazine - August 2023 - Cover3
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