Kearney is a city in Buffalo County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 32,685 at the 2020 census. It is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is the center of the Kearney, Nebraska metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Buffalo and Kearney counties. It is also the heart of the broader Buffalo-Kearney Combined Statistical Area with an estimated 2019 population of 91,132, making it the largest city between North Platte and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Kearney is located on the Platte River, in the center of the Great Plains of the United States. During the latter half of the 19th century, when the city was founded, it was the region's gateway to the wide open spaces of the west. Kearney has always been an agricultural and livestock center and is known as Nebraska's "Sandhills City".
The city was founded in 1871 by a James H. Keeler, who was interested in establishing a town near what became the town of Kearney. Keeler originally named the city "Keeler's Grove". The name was changed to Kearney for a seminal local politician, Nelson D. Kearney, who played a major role in the incorporation of the city in 1873.
In 1948, Kearney became the first city in Nebraska to adopt a commission form of government, which emphasizes cooperation between elected officials and residents.
Kearney consistently ranks amongst the safest cities in the United States and is annually nationally recognized for its public infrastructure and quality of life.
Kearney's economy is primarily based on agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and services. The top employers in the city are the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Good Samaritan Hospital, Amazon, the Kearney Public Schools and Wal-Mart.
Interesting Facts About Kearney City
1. Kearney was founded in 1871 on the banks of the Platte River and it was nicknamed “The Flying Bee” or “The Magic City of the Plains.”
2. Kearney is home to the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, a living-history museum spanning nearly two miles of highway with interactive exhibits sharing the history of the Oregon, California, and Pony Express Trails.
3. The University of Nebraska at Kearney, founded in 1905, is the state’s fourth largest public university.
4. The government of Kearney consists of a mayor-council form of government, with a Mayor-Council-Manager system with an appointed City Manager.
5. Legacy of the Plains Museum celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage and features 12 buildings with more than 20,000 artifacts from farming, ranching, and railroading.
6. Kearney has one of the largest collections of public murals in the nation, including the world’s largest outdoor mural “The Heartland,” which spans three side-by-side city blocks.
7. Buffalo County Raceway, a ¼ mile racetrack located north of Kearney, puts on races throughout the summer.
8. Kearney has numerous parks, including Yanney Park and Gibbon’s Harmon Park.
9. The Viaero Event Center is the home of the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, an Amateur Premier Hockey League.
10. Kearney hosts an annual Corral Drive in early December, where a convoy of horse-drawn wagons departs from the Kearney Visitors Center and makes its way to downtown.
What is Kearney known & Famous for
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Kearney, Nebraska is known as one of the top small cities in the United States for its vibrant, economically thriving downtown. Kearney is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is a popular destination for sports and outdoor activities with its rolling hills and riverside parks. It is also known for its annual guided sandhill crane migration viewing event, which attracts birdwatchers and photographers from all over the world.
What Is It Like To Visit In Kearney City?
Kearney, Nebraska is a great city to visit. There are plenty of places to explore, including historical landmarks, art galleries, shops, and eateries. You can also find many outdoor activities like biking, golfing, and bird watching. The city is also home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, making it an excellent place for college visits and work. There are also plenty of live music events, festivals, and a variety of cultural gatherings throughout the year. In short, Kearney is a great place to visit with something to do for everyone.
