Explore the historic frontier era at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. The celebrated museum, located in Grand Island, Nebraska, pays homage to pioneers who settled America’s Midwest. Experience it for yourself and find out why it has earned accolades and recognition from The Washington Post, Good Housekeeping and more.
Although the museum is devoted to history, its main building is iconic in its modernism. Famed architect Edward Durell Stone designed the Stuhr Building in 1963. Take a moment outside to watch the fish lazily swimming in the building’s surrounding moat. Inside, check out exhibits featuring period tools, household items, furnishings and more from the era of 1860 to 1920. Wander through galleries displaying prairie art.
Browse through items in the Prairie Treasures Gift Shop, located inside the Stuhr Building. From informative books to pioneer toys, find your own prairie treasure to remember your trip.
Follow the footsteps of pioneers in Railroad Town, an impeccably recreated 1890s prairie community. Follow costumed interpreters as they go about their daily lives, from selling and shopping in the mercantile to creating horseshoes in the blacksmith’s shop. Walk through original structures from the era, which were moved to the museum.
Travel even farther back in time at the Pawnee Earth Lodge. Explore a Pawnee teepee and see authentic Native American artifacts. Watch buffalo graze on the expansive prairie.
See an original 1860s log cabin settlement at the Ranch and Rural Farmstead. Eight original structures demonstrate homesteads built for travelers heading west or returning east.
During the summer season, grab light refreshments or lunch at the Silver Dollar Café in Railroad Town. Purchase old-fashioned candies, pickled goods and other heritage treats at the Railroad Town Mercantile. Throughout the year, get snacks and other goodies at Prairie Treasures Gift Shop.
Visit the museum throughout the year. It is open every day of the week except Mondays from January through March. Note that the Railroad Town may close after Labor Day. Find Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer a few miles southwest of downtown Grand Island. Use the free parking on the grounds.
