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Nebraska: A State of the Arts

Art of the West in North Platte

By the time you reach North Platte, there’s no doubt about it: You’ve crossed from the Midwest into the West. This railroad town has serious Western credentials — it was home to the famous showman Buffalo Bill Cody — and groups on the hunt for art will find a uniquely Western museum at the Fort Cody Trading Post.

One of the state’s largest, most eclectic gift shops, Fort Cody Trading post is a retail store, a living-history site and a museum all rolled into one large attraction. Among the most interesting aspects is the Old West Museum, which features Western art and artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights include Native American crafts and a series of six murals that depict moments in Cody’s life.

Perhaps the most unusual display is “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West in Miniature.” This exhibit features a full re-creation of Cody’s famous Wild West Show comprising more than 20,000 hand-carved miniature figurines.

While you’re there: North Platte is home to a massive rail yard, as well as the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, which tells the story of the railroad and its impact on the area. The tower serves as an observation platform elevated 100 feet and offering 360-degree views of Bailey Yard below.

www.visitnorthplatte.com

Petrified Art in Ogallala

In west-central Nebraska, not far from the Colorado border, Ogallala is an Old West town that offers a unique twist on art. The Petrified Wood Gallery showcases the collection of twin brothers Harvey and Howard Kenfield, who amassed dozens of pieces of petrified-wood art over 50 years.

The Kenfield brothers donated their collection to the Western Nebraska Community Foundation, which runs the museum. Visitors see hundreds of pieces of petrified wood — many found within 25 miles of Ogallala — as well as an array of artwork created from the material. Highlights include pictures, music boxes, polished rocks, spheres and other carvings.

Volunteer guides at the gallery teach groups about petrification and the art created from the petrified wood. They also point out the various Native American arrowheads and artifacts on display. Souvenirs and other gift items are available for purchase.

While you’re there: At the Front Street and Cowboy Museum, visitors can relive the Old West action of Ogallala’s early days. In addition to a tour, groups can have a Western-themed lunch and catch some live action at the Crystal Palace Revue and Shoot Out.

www.visitogallala.com

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.