Nebraska Prairie Museum – more than just an RV Short Stop

Nebraska Prairie Museum. (Julianne G Crane)

The Nebraska Prairie Museum is definitely a destination RV Short Stop.

Even if you choose to see only half of the collection — you will need to take a break, go out to your RV, make lunch, maybe take a nap, and then go back in to have another go at all the amazing “things” on display.

Inside one of exhibit halls. (Julianne G Crane)

There is more than 65,000-feet of interior exhibits including prized collections, ranging from arrowheads and Native American pottery to license plates and washing machines. Then there are model airplanes, sets of spoons and almost anything else you can imagine that was used on the prairie.

Museum volunteer Bob Vandell (Julianne G. Crane)

According to Bob and Phyllis Vandell (whose Feb. 14, 1953 wedding photos are on display), all the tens of thousands of items have been donated.

One huge space includes farm implements, vehicles and antique automobiles. “The old timers die and children move away,” said Bob Vandell, “and the museum gains new material.”

Country church. (Julianne G. Cran

“However,” adds Phyllis Vandell, “we aren’t accepting any more vintage clothing except for bridal gowns and military uniforms.”  Phyllis’ own wedding dress is on exhibit.

WWII POW guard tower.

 The museum also includes the WWII German POW Interpretive Center which tells the story of the German POW camp located nearby at Atlanta, NE.  It also features the art work of Thomas F. Naegele,  a former POW interpreter.

There are also authentic buildings including a church, school and farm house.

Information:
Nebraska Prairie Museum
P O Box 164, N Hwy 183
Holdrege, NE 68949-0164
(308) 995-5015
URL: www.NebraskaPrairie.org

School house. (Julianne G. Crane)

The museum is open daily:
Summer Hours – April 1 thru October 31
Monday thru Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Winter Hours – November 1 thru March 31
Monday thru Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The museum is closed for the following holidays:
New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

Admission: Recommendation is $5 donation for adults; $2 for kids 10 and under.

To read more RV lifestyle articles by Julianne G. Crane, go to RVWheelLife.com.