great platte river road archway monument

We've always wanted to stop and visit the Archway but, now with the new highway exit, it was even easier. If you're overnight in Lincoln and heading West, you can wake up and drive, arriving around opening time. Take as much or little time as you'd like. The ride up the escalator and through the massive framed movie screen is amazing. The statues are modeled after real people. As you travel from room to room, the audio headset automatically changes to the room you're in. So no need to wait and hear out the entire discussion if you're short on time. Note: If you're hesitant, know that guys who worked for Disney were in on this. And, someone high up at Smithsonian was blown away, too. It's that good. They need more signage and advertising. Go, be impressed, and then spread the word.

I was moving from Michigan to Colorado and decided to spend some time on the way out by stopping at various attractions along the way. This was one of my favorites. Looking at the Archway from the outside, I never would have imagined what was inside. There is plenty of free parking and, as we entered just under an hour before closing, the workers were still courteous, happy, and in-theme. According to the official website, they even allow overnight truck and dry RV parking.At first, my mom and I weren't sure if the admission fee ($6, $11, or $12 depending on age) would be worth it so near closing time. However, as we were 2 of 6 other visitors, it turned out to be just fine! Granted, I believe winter is the slow season anyway. You are given headphones so you can listen to narrated stories while you walk through life-size exhibits and more exploring the history of the movement west. If you have children who aren't interested in the stories, there are plenty of sounds and sights to keep them entertained as well. I suggest giving yourself at least an hour here, maybe more if it's busy. There was also a large cafe area and a gift shop, for those who like taking home mementos from places such as this. After walking through the exhibit, my mom and I continued to stretch our legs by going across the way to check out the earth lodge and sod house just over the river (hint: look for the bridge!). We wouldn't have realized we could walk over there except for our other hobby, geocaching. If you're a geocacher, there are several in the nearby area that are pretty quick finds along a nice riverwalk trail. If you're not a geocacher, still take the time to check out the neat structures and try to imagine living in one yourself! There is also a nearby Nebraska Firefighter and EMS memorial (and museum??) that you can get to just past the Archway. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in history, on a long trip needing a break, or just because it's that cool (and I'm not the biggest history buff). I'd love to go back and take more time reading the information!

hadn't been here since the early years when it opened. The staff were all very friendly and courteous. Loved the way you travel through history from the indians and stagecoaches through to the interstate. The place still looks new considering it is at least a decade old.They have added new outdoor exhibits north of the road. Glad we made the trip!

We just happened on this attraction by noticing a reference on the state map. It's a giant arched building built over I-80. Inside a tall escalator takes you up into a variety of displays and videos that highlight the Great Plain, Platte River, and the pioneer trails, railroads, and highways that led to the American West. It gives a very personal feel to the experiences of past travelers and the significance of their journeys to the West. We spent an hour and a half or so and really enjoyed our experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. Easy access and plenty of parking. Well worth a visit.

I have a new respect for cross-country travel in the early 20th century - after wagon trails and before asphalt. Very informative exhibits on the evolution of the US highway systems in the space of an interstate bridge span.

While staying in Kearney on our way to visit family in Iowa, we stopped at the Archway Monument! This was a great place to pick up on the history of the area and settlers who passed through on their way to Colorado, Utah and other Western locations in the 1800s. This site offers a great look at history through the years, and it comes with an incredible view of the Interstate below it!

Heading east or west on I-80, you can't miss seeing the Arch. This is an absolutely wonderful historical museum, recounting the settling of our country. It is historically located at the intersection of the Pony Express, Oregon and Mormon trails. Plan on spending at least 2 hours. Get the headphones to have the full experience.

The history is good, the price to to take the full tour is fair. There are lots of free activities to do at this location also. A great place to stop and stretch your legs and learn a little history too.

Very easy to get to and a nice stop in a cross country drive. It is cool to see the interstate below and their is an awesome bike path that goes across the water and down the lane that features historical Indian and American homes such as mud dome teepee and a sod house.Close to the Firefighters museum as well!

When our travel agent first suggested checking out this place, I thought he was fooling about it being actually built OVER the freeway. Yep, it is and it is architecturally stunning from the outside. However, the outside is nothing compared to the inside. I was a little skeptical because you buy your tickets in the gift shop, which is definitely, well, a gift shop. However, we went to see the movie about how it was built, which is fascinating in and of itself. Allegedly featured on History Channel Mega Movers. But, the best part is when you put on headsets, and ride the escalator up into a transportation history lesson. What you hear are voices reading from diaries, news clippings, and later, radio and TV broadcasts of the history of the great Platte River Road. Not just the pioneer trails, but the transcontinental railroad, transcontinental highways (US Route 30) and then Interstate Freeway Systems (I-80). Multi media leveraged to its finest. This is now one of our top 5 museums. It is seriously worth the stop.

Very well done exhibits and self-guided tour with headphones. Not cheap, but a good look at history with lots of personal perpsectives and narratives.

This attraction showing the various trails (California, Oregon, Morman) going through the area brings American history alive with telegraph, pony express, early railroads and more in a very interesting manner both visually and audibly.

This is the most fun visitors center I have ever visited and we often stop when we are traveling back and fourth on I-80. The rest rooms are clean and they offer a family rest room as well. The staff is pleasant and helpful and on weekends you will often find volunteers in pioneer dress. Great little gift shop and snaxk bar

Really a nice place to stop. Loved the way up to the museum feels like u r entering the old west. Lots of history and done in a interesting way. Need to stop. It is the gate way to the west

Excellent overview history for travelers passing this area. Lewis & Clark, Pony Express, Pioneers, Native Americans, Lincoln Highway, Expansion, Industrialization, Communication, and into the 20th Century. Can't miss it. Don't skip it.