With the United States celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s a good time to also explore the history of Nebraska.
It doesn’t have to mean a visit to a museum. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission operates nine historical parks, with each shedding light on a unique moment in time.
“I think what makes them really interesting is the history in Nebraska really represents the United States. The same issues, the same concerns, the same achievements,” said Bob Hanover, assistant division administrator for state parks. “Nebraska’s history is America’s history.”
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park takes you back to the Wild West, and our perception of what that era was like. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park represents the early settlements in Nebraska and how settlers made their living in the prairie and turned it into their home, Hanover said.
“It’s really different themes and moments in our history,” he said.
Some of the parks will host special events honoring America’s 250th anniversary. To learn more, visit Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov and filter for the tag “America 250 Event.”
You can find visiting hours and purchase a park entry permit at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Summer is a busy time.
“We hope to have more people come to these special programs and events that are based on the 250th celebration,” Hanover said.
Here’s a look at the historical parks, as compiled by Renae Blum of the Parks Commission:
Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Established in 1848, Fort Kearny was the first fort built to protect travelers on the Oregon-California trail. It also served as a home station for Pony Express riders and Pawnee Scouts, operating until 1871.
Today, you can explore reconstructed buildings, including the stockade, parade grounds, powder magazine and blacksmith/carpenter shop.
In the spring, the visitor center doubles as an information hub for sandhill crane viewers.
Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
Located near Fairbury, this park was once home to a Pony Express and stagecoach station, as well as the beginnings of a legend, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok.
It was here that the fanciful stories about him originated, after Hickok shot and killed the station owner, David McCanles, over an argument about payment.
Rock Creek Station was also a waystation for travelers on the Oregon-California Trail, and deep wagon wheel ruts are still visible. You can view these ruts, as well as the park’s reconstructed buildings, along six miles of hiking trails in this picturesque park.
Living history events in the summer show what everyday life might have been like during Rock Creek Station’s peak.