Imagine the determination of the first pioneers to head west on the Oregon Trail, the daring of the Pony Express riders who followed the path along the Platte River to deliver mail from Missouri to California, the industry of the engineers and laborers who built the Transcontinental Railroad, and the massive public works initiative that became the Interstate Highway System. At the Archway, we celebrate the rich history of Central Nebraska and the people who worked together to help build America.



From the Oregon Trail era through today, the Archway tells the story of the pioneers, adventurers, and innovators who traveled the Great Platte River Road through Nebraska and helped to build America. Every year, the Archway welcomes visitors to Kearney from all over the world.