We took a weekend trip to Kearney, NE for a military event. It was a quick trip, but we were able to fit in a few family activities while we were there. Saturday was planned out for us due to the event we were attending there. However, we were able to fit in a few fun activities as a family. Our total cost for this trip was $713.93, which is broken down to each location below.
Friday
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
Dinner at Angus Burgers and Shakes
Water park at the hotel
Saturday
Breakfast at Fyre Modern Grill
Dinner at San Pedro's Mexican Restaurant
Water park again
Crowne Plaza - Kearney
For our weekend in Kearney we stayed a the Crowne Plaza - Kearney. This hotel was close to where our event was being held and had a nice water park for the kids to play at in the evening. We stayed for 2 nights in a King bedroom with a pull-out sofa for a total of $459.12. This is a new hotel (Jan 2022 opening) so the amenities were all up to date, the hotel was clean, and everything was welcoming. Upon check-in, the staff were courteous and helpful and were able to accommodate a floor request for us (we prefer upper levels in hotels). The lobby was bright and provided ample seating with or without tables. There was also a well-stocked market that provided some small travel essentials, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), snacks, and candy.
The highlight of the hotel for our entire family was the water park. I would say that this water park is ideal for families with kids aged 10 and under. In the pool area was a 4 ft pool with basketball hoops, a hot tub, a water playground (including a dump bucket), and 2 big water slides. Our 6 year old had a blast in the 4 ft pool and on the big water slides, he did spend some time on the water playground, but not much. Our 2 year old loved playing on the water playground and was able to go down all the slides it had. She had just as much fun hopping like a frog in the zero-entry pool the playground was in.
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
Having lived in Nebraska my entire life and having been to and past Kearney dozens of times, this was the first time to the museum for all of us. This museum is housed in a beautiful bridge that spans the width of Interstate 80 on the east side of Kearney. As you pull up to the museum you see several statues in front of the museum, a bridge over a creek leading to a walking path, and the bridge over the interstate. The statues and walking path are both open to the public without a ticket to the museum.
The statues outside tell the story of a pioneer family putting down roots in the area and each statue has a small plaque telling their point of view on their situation. While the information is time accurate it is written in a way that our 6-year old was able to read and understand most of the plaques. The walk across the creek bridge lead to a walking path that connects to almost 10 miles of biking and hiking trails. While we did not walk the entire trail (2 year old legs don't go that far), the half mile or so that we did explore had several informational signs and additional sculptures.
Once you are inside the museum, you pay for your guided self-tour before heading up the escalator. Our total was $36.38 for one military, one adult, and one child (our youngest was free). Then you start the journey through the history of the West - from pioneers to the railroad being laid, to the interstate system being created. While some of the early topics might be a bit heavy for younger ears, the environment of the museum gave enough to look at that our 6-year-old didn't get bored. As you progress through the museum there are "main story" tour stops that start automatically as you approach the trigger. There are also "side story" stops that you can activate if you want to. Another way to take in the story is to read the posters/art on the walls and with the artifacts.
If you are in the area, take the time to visit this incredible museum that I have missed so many times. I am already looking forward to my next visit there where I will hopefully be able to hear a little more of the self-guided tour and read the enormous amount of information on the walls.
Angus Burgers and Shakes
We had all had plenty of time in the car on the way to Kearney so we opted to find something close enough to the hotel to walk to. Angus Burgers and Shakes fit that bill and had great reviews so we decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint! The burgers were juicy and flavorful and the toppings on the ones we tried were matched perfectly.
The kids had a grilled cheese sandwich with fries and a cheese burger with fries. Kevin had the Nebraska Farmer Burger: topped with cheese, tomato, bacon, an onion ring hash browns, mayo, and an over-easy egg. The egg was perfectly cooked and was contained within the onion ring which helped keep the burger together while eating.
I ordered the Nebraska Rancher Burger: bacon, cheddar cheese, onion straws, smoky BBQ mayo, braised beef, and BBQ sauce. The fries with everyone's meal were crispy and perfectly seasoned. We didn't have any shakes while here, so I can't speak to that part of their name. The service was prompt and accurate. Our total bill was $85.87 - including all of our meals, 2 beers, 1 mixed drink, and the tip. I would definitely recommend checking out these burgers if you are in town!
Fyre Modern Grill
We grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant Saturday morning for convenience. Kevin and I both had the breakfast tacos (bacon for me, chorizo for him) and the kids shared pancakes and bacon. The kids enjoyed their pancakes and bacon, but how hard are pancakes? Kevin and I both thought that breakfast tacos were only okay. We each got 3 small (5-inch tortillas) tacos with the equivalent of maybe 1.5 eggs and some meat. They were topped with a sweet sauce and red cabbage. Altogether, it was an interesting taste. At $62.56 for 3 meals, 2 kids drinks, and a coffee for breakfast, it cost more than we typically spend on a breakfast out. We will probably not be eating at Fyre Modern Grill again.
San Pedros Mexican Restaurant
After looking online for good options for dinner, and getting a positive local review from someone at a park we were at, we opted for San Pedros Mexican Restaurant. I ordered the chicken fajitas, Kevin ordered the daily special (Super Chimichanga), our son ordered the kids chimichanga, and our daughter had the kids taco with rice and beans.
The kids enjoyed their meals but, unfortunately, that's where the good ends with this restaurant. The chicken fajita was more like grilled chicken with onions and peppers, there was very little (or no) seasoning on it. I also had to ask for the sides/toppings (tortillas, rice, beans, sour cream, etc.) to be brought out. The Super Chimichanga Kevin ordered was "mediocre at best" to use his words. It was a little bland with no sides because there was "a little rice and beans inside" according to the waiter. Kevin also ordered their margarita, which was "weak and disappointing."
On top of the mediocre food, the service was not impressive either. We were seated and had chips and salsa quickly, but our waiter was slow to take our drink orders, seemed in a rush to get away from the table, and delivered wrong drinks. Once taking our food order, the food came out quickly but was incomplete. At one point, our son dropped his fork and we asked young lady who was clearing a table if we could get another one, after a pause, she shook her head and looked away. We did eventually get another fork after having to ask another employee.
For the price of $64.74 (all meals, 1 margarita, 1 drink) + tip, San Pedros was not worth the cost for the quality of food or service we received. With the number of delicious restaurants that we have had in the past, will be skipping San Pedros next time we are in Kearney.
Final Thoughts
We have been to Kearney several times in the past and will be back in the future for work and family. I'm glad to have found a new restaurant to go back to this time. We all had a great time the entire weekend and are looking forward to next time we go through town.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure. Comment below with your favorite local-to-you museum or restaurant and why it's your favorite.
See you next time!
Sami
Comments