Featured image: Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, Nebraska
Sculptor Sally Jurgensmeier, the “Woman of Steel” from Heartwell, Nebraska, is the featured artist at Wings Over the Platte, the region’s largest art exhibit dedicated to life on the Platte River. The exhibit runs Friday, February 16, to Sunday, April 8, at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer.
The museum, rated by Good Housekeeping as one of the top 10 places to relive America’s past, tells the story of the pioneers who built the first communities in Nebraska. In the Stuhr Building, designed by Kennedy Center architect Edward Durell Stone, explore the period rooms portraying the pioneers’ lifestyles from 1880 to 1920. Wings Over the Platte is also located in the Stuhr Building.
Outside the museum, Railroad Town is an 1890s living history community with more than 60 structures in four city blocks. Visit the Mercantile, Blacksmith Shop, Tinsmith Shop, Planing Mill, and historic homes. Stop by the Silver Dollar Cafe for a meal or snack. From May 1 through Labor Day, meet costumed interpreters who re-enact living and working in Nebraska in 1897.
The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is located at 3133 West U.S. Highway 34 in Grand Island, Nebraska, five minutes minutes north of I-80 off Exit 312.
Hours are:
- January–March—9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
- April–December—9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Admission rates are:
- May 1–Labor Day—$8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 youth ages 6-12, and free ages 5 and younger
- After Labor Day–April 30—$6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 youth ages 6-12, and free ages 5 and younger
AAA members receive a $1 discount. Wings Over the Platte is included in admission.
For more information, visit the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer’s website or call (308) 385-5316.
Grand Island is 150 miles southwest of Omaha.
