Kearney Welcome Center opens, aims to be launching point for visitors

KEARNEY, Neb. — It starts with art, builds to nature and covers about everything.

The new Welcome Center in Kearney aims to be a launching point for visitors. 

“People can come here first, they can get the information, they can learn about Kearney," Visit Kearney marketing director Bobbi Dickerson said. "If they like nature and cranes, or if they like shopping and downtown, sports and events — they can get that information here and then they can go out and explore.”

Dickerson and the her colleagues worked with a Chicago firm to add subtle touches, like cranes suspended in the air, and obvious staples like a giant map of the area.

“So people can use it for way finding, but have some fun with it too," Dickerson said. "Already, we’ve had some kids in and they can’t help themselves — and adults too.”

It includes parts of the city’s history like actual brick pavers.

“These were all from downtown Kearney streets," Dickerson said. "They were part of downtown Kearney at some point.”

It leans into the city’s big tourism pull as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World.

“We’re hoping they make this their first stop to learn about the migration, learn what else Kearney has to offer so they really can get the most of their stay,” Dickerson said.

But uses its 2,000 square feet to showcase all the area’s offerings.

“So really, we’re just able to show and highlight so much more of Kearney and of this area than just a few brochures would offer,” Dickerson said.

Launching visitors into a city full of sights.