Gothenburg KOA

In Gothenburg:

Wild Horse Golf Club A top rated golf course and a must for any golf nut.

Pony Express Station There are two pony express stations. The Midway station is located south of the town and is still on the original site. The Sam Machette station is located in the town. Both museums display memorabilia from Pony Express days.

Sod House Museum - This museum is a reflection upon pioneer life in the area. Inside the museum are pictures of families that lived throughout the area. At the back of the museum are several barb wire sculptures and a reconstructed sod house.

Lexington (20 minute drive):

Mac's Creek Vineyard - A vineyard is not what the average traveler would expect to find in Nebraska but Mac's Creek is one of a group of vineyards that have been established in the state and is well worth a visit. The picturesque vineyard is located on the Spring Creek. A wine tasting room and food baskets (order in advance) are available. The vineyard is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday.

Dawson County Historical Museum - This museum is located in the area that was formerly Plum Creek which was made famous by the Plum Creek Massacre. The museum tells the story of this event and others in Nebraska history. The museum is also home to "Big Al," 15,000 year old Columbian Mammoth. The museum is open year round from 9am to 5pm but is closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles - The Heartland Museum is dedicated to the preservation of historical military equipment. The museum's collection is impressive with over 60 restored military vehicles in their collection. This unique museum houses tanks, jeeps and ambulances and many other vehicles. There is no charge to visit the museum but donations are accepted.

North Platte (30 minute drive):

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park (Scouts Rest Ranch) - Scouts Rest Ranch was the home of one of the most infamous figures in Wild West history, Buffalo Bill Cody. Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show toured the world during the late 1800's telling a story of the west that is still remembered today. Cody made North Platte his home in 1886. The ranch is now a tribute to Cody's life and his legacy with historical displays in both the house and barn. The Ranch is open from March 24th to October 24th.

Lincoln County Historical Museum - The Lincoln County Historical Museum contains North Platte's tribute to its famous World War II canteen. The canteen, now long gone, was a stop for soldiers on their way to serve in World War II. Trains carrying soldiers would stop in North Platte for a short time and families from the area would feed the soldiers with homemade food taken from their already meager rations. There is also a restored Old West town behind the museum's main building. The museum is open Memorial Day to the end of September. Tour groups are welcome (however call in advance) and admission is $3 for adults.

20th Century Veteran's Memorial - The 20th Century Veteran's Memorial is a permanent memorial dedicated to immortalizing the memory to the men and women who served and are still serving in all branches of the military. The memorial is located just south of Interstate 80 at North Platte exit 177.

Visit the North Platte Convention and Visitors Bureau online to learn about other attractions, such as the Children's Museum and the Cody Park Railroad Museum and Wild West Memorial.

The Golden Spike Tower and Visitors Center (coming soon...)

Kearney (60 minute drive):

Great Platte River Road Archway Monument - The Archway Monument is one of Nebraska's most unique attractions. The monument is an impressive sight as it towers over Interstate 80. Inside the archway is a museum that has attracted people from all walks of life, even presidents! Visitors witness a passage of time and an evolution of culture once inside as they both listen and see the displays. The archway, a must see during your journey through Nebraska, is open year round.

Museum of Nebraska Art - The Museum of Nebraska Art is the official home of Nebraska's official art collection. The museum has both permanent and traveling exhibitions and a wide variety of work. The museum has eleven galleries and houses everything from painting to sculpture. It houses artwork by Robert Henri and John James Audubon. The museum is open year round but is closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free.

Fort Kearny State Historical Park - Fort Kearny was a resting place for many groups traveling along the historic Oregon Trail. The fort, one of a number of military outposts that were established along the trail, symbolized to travelers a little bit of civilization among the never-ending prairies. Modern day travelers can visit the site and the visitors center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Historical re-enactments are held on major holidays.

Trails and Rails Museum - The Trails and Rails Museum is a monument to the history of this area of Nebraska. Visitors can step back in time as they take in everything from the Union Pacific train depot to the hotel and school house. The museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and everyone from individual visitors to tour groups are welcome.

The Frank House - The Frank House was built in 1889 for the G.W. Frank family. The house now sits on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to the public every Tuesday through Sunday, June 1st to September 15th.

Location

Gothenburg KOA, a quiet, shady retreat close to Interstate-80, is located in the heart of Central Nebraska. It is an excellent home base to use while touring the area as it is located half-way between Fort Kearny and North Platte, home of the infamous Buffalo Bill Cody. It is also close to many other historical sites and family-oriented events that Central Nebraska has to offer. Gothenburg KOA's country campground is situated on the North Platte river, an area that the historic Oregon, Mormon, and Pony Express trails once ran through.

March

National Antique Tractor Pull, Kearney, Presented by Baldwin Filters. Tractors are from 1957 and older.

April

Annual Country Bluegrass Festival, North Platte, Crafts, food, showcase competition and bands.

May

Spring Fling Antique Market, Lexington.

June

Vines & Wines, Lexington.

National Pony Express Reride Across Nebraska, Gothenburg Riders will gallop across the state carrying personal mail and commemorative letters. Watch the riders exchange the mochila on the 96 Ranch, 2 miles S. of I-80 Exit 211, then 1-1/2 mile east.

Comstock Windmill Festival, Comstock Featuring national acts and regional talent. Food vendors, crafts, rides and assorted activities. Concert, Crafts/quilts/antiques show.

NEBRASKAland Days, North Platte, Western family entertainment featuring PRCA Rodeos, top notch country and rock musicians, art shows, ethnic festival, assorted vendors and kids' fun festival.

Pioneer picnic, rodeo, dance, parade, children's activities and athletic events.

Chautauqua, Lexington, Living history event with presentations of characters from the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

July

Pony Express Rodeo & 4th of July Celebration, Gothenburg, Mutton busting, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and calf roping. Fireworks and BBQ.

12th Annual South Loup River Blues Festival, Arnold, food and drinks are sold on site.

Comstock Rock, Comstock: Concert event featuring national acts and regional talent. Food vendor, crafts, rides and other activities.

August

Sandhills Open Road Challenge "Shootout", Callaway: See Vipers, Corvettes and plenty of other classic cars ranging in value up to $100,000.