The Cornhusker State is definitely the place to be if you love museums. We're so dedicated to preserving our history that we've created museums celebrating just about every possible subject. These six are each either the only of their kind or the largest of their kind, making Nebraska the only place to see their awesome collections.
1. Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron
This fascinating museum is the only one of its kind in the world. It documents the history of the fur trade in North America - a topic that would probably never cross your mind if it weren't for this place. You can visit a variety of collections ranging from tools and weapons to art and clothing. There's even a reconstructed trading post that was originally built in 1837, and you can go inside to look around.The museum is open May 1-October 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. every day. Visit its website here.
2. Lewis & Clark Pulley Museum, Crofton
This is another one-of-a-kind establishment right here in Nebraska. The Lewis & Clark Pulley Museum is the work of one dedicated collector, Doug deShazer, who gathers old farm pulleys from auctions and recently-demolished barns. He cleans them, restores them, and puts them on display to preserve this otherwise-overlooked piece of agricultural history.Find the museum at 105 Main St, Crofton, NE 68730. Open by appointment only; call 402-510-8845 to schedule a visit.
3. Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, David City
This museum is the only one in North America dedicated solely to the appreciation of agrarian art. The shows here are thoughtfully and expertly curated, giving visitors a thoroughly unique experience with agriculture-focused art. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Thursday 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Admission is free! Visit its website here.
4. The National Museum of Roller Skating, Lincoln
It's not the only roller skating museum, but this fun Lincoln gem does have the world's largest collection of vintage roller skates spanning the entire history of the skate. There are fascinating relics, informative displays, and so much nostalgia that you'll be inspired to pull your old roller skates out of storage.The museum is only open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and admission is free. Visit its website here.
5. Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, Nebraska City
Is there anything more quintessentially Nebraskan than a windmill? The Kregel Windmill Factory produced and repaired windmills for more than 100 years, and today the factory is a beautifully-preserved place to learn about the history of this industry. The building has been restored to look much like it did at the turn of the 20th Century, and you won't find another museum quite like it anywhere else.The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12-5. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for kids 8 and under. Visit its website here.
6. International Quilt Study Center & Museum, Lincoln
You'll find quilt museums in other places, sure, but this one on the UNL campus has the world's largest public collection of quilts. Rotating exhibits highlight just how unique these pieces of textile art really are.The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m. (There are no Sunday hours Thanksgiving-January.) Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for kids 5-18, and free for kids under 5 as well as UNL students, faculty, and staff. Visit its website here.
How many of these unique, fascinating museums have you visited? Do you know of other one-of-a-kind museums in Nebraska! We'd love to hear from you in the comments!
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