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Fort Kearny State Historical Park

Kearney, NE

Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Fort Kearny State Historical Park photo 1 Fort Kearny State Historical Park photo 2 Fort Kearny State Historical Park photo 3
Fee: Nebraska park entry permit required: $7 daily / $35 annual (Nebraska-plated vehicle); $14 daily / $70 annual (other vehicles). Admission: adults 13+ $5, children 3-12 $1, under 2 free.

About this park

Established in 1848, Fort Kearny was the first fort built to protect travelers on the Oregon-California Trail. It served Pony Express riders and was discontinued as a military post in 1871. It became a state historical park in 1959. The park has a reconstructed stockade, parade grounds, a powder magazine, and a blacksmith and carpenter shop, plus an interpretive center with an 18-minute video. Equestrian and hike/bike trails range from 1.8 to 13.2 miles, and crane watching is popular during spring migration. Living history demonstrations are held on Memorial Day, July 3-4, and Labor Day weekends. There is no camping or lodging here; both are available at the adjacent Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset year-round.

Contact & location

📞 (308) 865-5305
📍 1020 V Rd., Kearney, NE, 68847

Nearby state parks

🌲Fort Kearny State Recreation Area · Kearney · 1.2 mi
🌲Windmill State Recreation Area · Gibbon · 9.8 mi
🌲Union Pacific State Recreation Area · Kearney · 13.2 mi

Map

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Fort Kearny State Historical Park FAQ

Where is Fort Kearny State Historical Park located?
Fort Kearny State Historical Park is in Kearney, Nebraska, at 1020 V Rd.. GPS coordinates: 40.64293, -99.00612. Get directions.
Is there an entrance fee at Fort Kearny State Historical Park?
Nebraska park entry permit required: $7 daily / $35 annual (Nebraska-plated vehicle); $14 daily / $70 annual (other vehicles). Admission: adults 13+ $5, children 3-12 $1, under 2 free. Fees can change by season, so confirm with the park before you go.
How do I contact Fort Kearny State Historical Park?
You can call (308) 865-5305. The park office can confirm RV site availability, hookups, length limits and current conditions.
Are there RV campgrounds near Fort Kearny State Historical Park?
Yes. The closest RV-friendly campgrounds listed on ParkedRV are:Distances are straight-line miles.
How current is this information about Fort Kearny State Historical Park?
This listing was last updated on October 4, 2026. If something is out of date, let us know and we'll fix it.