Kearney (Nebraska)

Kearney is a city of 34,000 people (2020) in South Central Nebraska.

Understand


Kearney is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The westward push of the railroad as the Civil War ended gave birth to the community.

By car
Interstate 80, the main artery through the state, passes just to the south of the city. Exits 272 and 275 provide entrance into the city. US Highway 30 passes through the center of the city and is part of the Lincoln Highway. Within the city, the road is referred to as 24th Street in the western part of town and 25th Street in the eastern part of town.

By bus
There is only one bus stop in Kearney, located on the southern tip of the city.

Get around
The town in laid out in a grid pattern. Numbered streets go east–west, increasing the further north they go. North–south streets are labeled as avenues. Avenues west of Central Ave are numbered and avenues east of Central Ave are lettered. Both increase the further away they are from Central Avenue.

The Bricks (the name for the old town center), is located along Central Ave near Railroad St. The railroad travels through the center of the town. Most of the new commercial development is along the main north-south street, 2nd Ave, near the interstate, as well as the northernmost section of 2nd Ave.

Taxi services
While there is not a public transportation network in Kearney, there are a handful of private taxis offering their services. Taxis do not drive around without riders so hailing one will not be an option.

See




Do




Sandhill crane migration
Between late March and early April, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop along the central Platte River between North Platte and Grand Island on their way north into Canada for the summer. This leaves Kearney at the center of one of the largest bird migrations in the world. The shallow waters of the Platte and the meadows surrounding it provide a perfect resting spot for the birds. But sandhill cranes aren't the only birds making use of this location; ducks, eagles, geese, and even the endangered Whooping Crane all make stops along the Platte River at the same time. There are several viewing sites around the city, allowing for an unobstructed view of the cranes as they go about their business. In addition to the locations listed above, temporary roadside viewing stations are set up along the southern side of the Platte river. Check the VisitKearney.org website to see the locations of these viewing stations as they change every year.

Buy
Major retail chains, such as Target and Walmart, are present in the city. The Hilltop Mall, located near W 48th St and 2nd Ave, has several clothing shops and sporting goods stores. At least half a dozen grocery stores are present in town. The downtown region has several beauty salons.

Eat
Various fast food outlets are found near the Interstate including a McDonalds, Burger King, Runza, Red Lobster, Old Chicago and a Perkins family restaurant.

Drink
Drinking is the unofficial pastime of Kearney. There are bars and drinking spots all over the city.

Sleep
The area around Exit 272 has the vast majority of the hotels in Kearney. Major companies like Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn have locations available.

Stay safe
Kearney is a safe city. Most of the trouble in the town is caused by public intoxication, which is rare. Avoid approaching people who are obviously intoxicated. When driving late at night, be wary of drunk drivers. While the situation has greatly improved over the last few years, drunk driving is still a serious issue. Being found drunk driving will result in prison time of at least 7 days and a fine of $500.

Keep your car locked and valuables out of sight when not in it.

On the university campus, there are emergency stations are at several points, lit with a blue light. Simply press a button and the Kearney police will be sent to your location.

Go next
Kearney is located in the Tri-Cities region of Nebraska. The cities of Grand Island and Hastings are within 50 miles to the east.