Unique Museum on I-80 - While on a senior citizen's bus trip, we made a stop at the Greate Platte River Road Archway which is located over Interstate 80. I had never heard of this museum and didn't know what to expect. The grounds are very nice and well kept. There is some outdoor seating and picnic tables available. The museum itself costs $15 ($13 for seniors). You are given a device to listen to information about the displays you are seeing. Therefore, you can look through the museum at your own pace. We were told about the migration west and the various hardships along the trail. One of these trails eventually morphed into the Lincoln Highway, then eventually into Interstate 80. While going through the museum, you can see the vehicles on I-80 traveling under the museum. There is a souvenir shop and restrooms on the lower level. The souvenir shop offers many different items for both kids and adults. This museum is a good way to spend some time and take a break from driving.

Amazing history - Goes into more detail about different areas. I really liked how it was set up. Starting from the pioneer days to current. It felt like I was in it, it's so amazing. Definitely worth going.

Piains Pioneers - If only those pioneers could see the miles of beautiful corn fields in Nebraska today! My visit was a welcome break from the drive back home to Denver CO.

Great experience - Awesome experience. Displays & stories were very educational. Staff was very pleasant. We will definitely stop back 👍

15th Birthday - We came to the Archway for my daughter's 15th birthday. She's a history nut and it didn't disappoint!

Stretch the Legs during Roadtrip - Nice break during road trip. Pic-nic tables outside. Accessible, easy to walk through. Very interesting way to learn about the Midwest's role in western migration.

Great experience! - It’s always great to share our history with our kids! So much fun! The kids said it was the best day ever!

Make it happen, Captain! Stop already and check this place out! - Driven under it 100 times, finally stopped. Well done. Well run. Fun couple hours for anyone who wants to learn more about the area and its role in the styling of the west. If you love America and Americana or road tripping - you’ll love this.

Unique Attraction Worth a Stop When Traveling on Interstate 80 - We met my wife's cousins from Kearney at the Archway Monument. This unique attraction spans over highway 80. With a new exit, the Archway is more easily accessible. There is free off-street parking at the site. The outdoor grounds have a number of stunning sculptures capturing the spirit of the westward expansion including a large bison. There is a part of the outdoor grounds that also celebrate the preservation of the Lincoln Highway including a retro Hammer Motel sign and some actual bricks saved from the original highway. (These are a part of an Eagle project.) Inside is a museum with displays. There is a cost for tickets ($13 plus tax for seniors). You are given a headphone that is triggered by signals throughout the displays. You take an escalator up to the exhibit and can wander at your own pace taking in as much of the audio tour as you want while looking at the displays. While the displays are most about the westward expansion, some of the exhibition does include more contemporary displays and artifacts about the expansion of the interstate highway system. There are some windows which provides view of the highway and the vehicles traveling under the Archway on interstate 80. The building also has a significant gift shop with a wide variety of souvenirs. Some snacks and drinks are available with a quiet area for sitting inside. The Archway is a short walk to a bridge over the Platte River with an additional picnic area.

A Missed Opportunity for History - Located just off I-80 outside Kearney, Nebraska, the Archway Monument stands as a tribute to America’s westward expansion and the development of transportation. While it aims to celebrate the Oregon Trail movement and the innovations that led to the construction of the interstate, the experience leaves much to be desired. The Archway Monument is designed as a museum that tells the story of pioneers who traversed the Oregon Trail, as well as the evolution of transportation that culminated in the establishment of I-80. Visitors can expect to see exhibits showcasing various aspects of this historical journey. However, despite its ambitious goals, the museum falls short in several key areas. One notable criticism is the monument's treatment of the complex narratives surrounding westward expansion. The exhibits focus heavily on the settlers' experiences but gives insufficient attention to the impacts on Native American communities during this period. This omission not only simplifies a crucial part of American history but also risks alienating visitors who seek a more inclusive understanding of the past. In addition to its historical shortcomings, the presentation of the exhibits can feel underwhelming. The displays lack the engaging and immersive quality that one might expect from a modern museum. For an attraction designed to draw in travelers from the busy interstate, the execution feels stagnant, leading to a less-than-inspiring visitor experience. It's no surprise that the Archway Monument has struggled to meet its income goals since its inception. We went on a Saturday afternoon and there were approximately 10 cars in the parking lot. The lack of a compelling narrative and engaging presentation likely contribute to its inability to attract a wider audience. In a time when museums are expected to offer not just information but also a dynamic experience, the Archway falls short. While the Archway Monument stands as an impressive architectural feat, it represents a missed opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of American history, including the often-overlooked stories of Native Americans during the era of westward expansion. For those planning to visit, it’s a chance to reflect on what history is told and whose stories are left out. If the monument can embrace a more comprehensive and engaging approach, it might not only enhance its appeal but also provide a richer educational experience for future visitors.