Buffalo County, NE
In the fall of 1872, the village of Kearney Junction was formed paving the way for the City of Kearney to be incorporated a little over a year later.
The first courthouse of Buffalo County erected at Gibbon in 1873. In 1874, after considerable agitation for the relocation of the county seat, an election was held, and a majority was cast for the relocation of the county seat at Kearney. The incident which followed the results of that election is often referred to as "stealing the courthouse records." With the results of the election already in, the County Clerk, Joseph Scott, and his deputy, F.G. Keens, loaded the county records in a farm wagon, considerably after normal business hours and arrived in Kearney about 2:00 a.m. where they were hidden in the "Chandler Building" where the Telephone Company is today. Mr. Keens stood guard over the records for the rest of the night.
The Union Pacific Railroad donated a site for a new courthouse, and built a frame building which was not occupied until January of 1886. This building served as the Buffalo County Courthouse until a new county courthouse was built and completed in 1890. The frame courthouse was then moved to a new location on First Avenue and served first as a WCTU hospital and later as a home for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Complete histories of Buffalo County are exhibited and recorded at museum's in Kearney and Gibbon and The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is a "must see" as the only museum that spans an interstate highway and brings the history of life along the westward trails in chronological dioramas putting you right alongside the pioneers and listening to their stories.
Explore Buffalo County
Chevyland USA
America's top collection of Chevrolets features more than 110 cars, from priceless classics to nostalgic favorites, all restored or in original condition.
Kearney, NE Auto CollectionsCrane Meadows Nature Center
Crane Meadows Nature Center is a year-round educational organization dedicated to providing an understanding of, and access to, the ecosystems of the Platte River valley. Open daily, with expanded hours during the crane season (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), the center offers sunrise and sunset tours to a 25
Kearney, NE Nature CentersJohn Barnd House
The John Barnd House, located in Kearney, is a large two-and-one-half-story frame dwelling built about 1892, and a good example of the Queen Anne style. Barnd came to Kearney in 1874, established a law practice, and later was elected Buffalo County judge for two terms. In 1888
Kearney, NE Historic BuildingsSweetwater Mill and Kilgore Bridges
Sweetwater Mill Bridge In November 1908
Kearney, NE Historic BuildingsCabela's
Cabela's oldest existing retail showroom, the 17,000-square-foot Kearney, Nebraska store, is filled with all the quality outdoor gear you expect from the World'
Kearney, NE Sporting VenuesKearney Golf
Buffalo Ridge Golf Course - 2,960-yard, par 36, nine-hole public course on gently rolling hills northeast of Kearney. Open year round with rental carts and clubs. Green fees: Weekdays - $13.00; Weekends - $15.00. 7005 Avenue N 308-271-3233 Meadowlark Hills Golf Course - 6,485-yard, par 70, 1
Kearney, NE Golf CoursesFort Kearny State Recreation Area
Campers will find south-central Nebraska's Fort Kearny State Recreation Area much to their liking. Once called Kearney County SRA, this recreational area boasts excellent camping facilities. The attractive 152-acre area was acquired by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1960
Kearney, NE State Recreation AreasMuseum of Nebraska Art
The Museum of Nebraska Art houses the state's only collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints created solely by Nebraskans or artists concerned with Nebraska as the subject. Enjoy quality invitational and traveling exhibits as well as creative exhibits of the museum'
Kearney, NE MuseumsGreat Platte River Road Archway Monument
The only U.S. attraction to span an interstate highway, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is a fantastic link to the past. Its eight stories span a distance where trappers, pioneers, the 49
Kearney, NE MuseumsJohn Pesek Sculpture
A famous native of Ravenna who at one time was the wrestling champion of the world and also trained racing greyhounds. His sculpture with two of his dogs is located north of the mini park on Grand Avenue.
Ravenna, NE MemorialsTrails & Rails Museum
The Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails and Rails Museum traces the history of transportation through Buffalo County on a site where the Mormon Trail once passed. Displays include a Union Pacific steam engine, an 1898 depot, 1898 church, 1880s Freighters' Hotel, an 1871
Kearney, NE Museums