When people think of Nebraska, which is not often if you are not from here, they tend to think flat, boring, corn etc. Driving for five hours on Interstate 80 this past week I tend to agree. I 80 is a flat asphalt ribbon that cuts a rather straight path entirely through Nebraska. This wide expanse does not vary much in scenery but at exit 272 is something to see. The Great River Road Archway cannot be missed. The structure is built over the four lanes of I 80. Due to the speed limit being 75 mph and that it is a well known fact that hardly anyone goes just 75 mph the exit for the museum is approximately a mile from it. Exiting safely and winding your way back towards the museum you will pass life size metal buffalo sculptures with vines growing on them. My first impression was that they looked like random Midwestern Chia Pets. The parking lot of the museum is ample and well laid out with a maze and a giant buffalo sculpture that you surely will want your picture taken in front of.
Inside the museum we were greeted by authentic looking ''mountain men'' who played their parts very well. Adding a touch of authenticity with their throwback pioneer dialog and prop guns.
I was completely surprised at the size of the museum. From the outside it does not appear that large. The museum is home to the second largest escalator in Nebraska. Ok, that fact did not surprise me. Where in Nebraska would one need a mammoth escalator? Getting back on track, the museum has wonderful exhibits with twenty four life size figures along with paintings, quilts, lights, video and vehicles depicting a span of 150 years in America such as goldrushers, pioneers and drive in movie theaters. The museum is built at the only place where the Oregon, California and Mormon trails intersect. Those trails were the ones most often used by westward heading pioneers.
The museum is open seven days a week and also boasts a large and eclectic gift shop. Inside the museum is the Chuckwagon restaurant which is open six days a week.
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