What to Do
There’s a lot going on around here!
Minden has a plethora of cultural and recreational opportunities for you to enjoy!
- Take in a concert, play, or art show at the Minden Opera House.
- Enjoy delving into history at Pioneer Village
- Revel in the beauty of the Sandhill Cranes at the Rowe Sanctuary
- Camp or fish at Ft. Kearny State Recreation Area
- Utilize our swimming pool, library, parks, and bike trails
- Shop, work out, or bowl local
Recreation
Swimming Pools
The Minden Municipal Swimming Pool, a heated Olympic-sized facility, opens every year on Memorial Day with Splash Day. Splash Day provides free admission to the public on the first day of the swimming season. The pool is open until mid-to-late August. Call (308) 832-2605 for more information.
Axtell also has a heated swimming pool open through the summer months. Call (308) 743-2212 for hours and admission prices.
Wilcox’s pool is operated by the school and is open to the public, providing swimming lessons, adult swim times, and water aerobics. Call 308.478.5510 for information.
Municipal Parks
The community of Minden has three parks with playground equipment, picnic shelters and tables, and restroom facilities, as well as five baseball and softball fields, one tennis court, and two school playgrounds.
Minden Country Club sits on the north edge of the city between the airport and the Harold Warp Pioneer Village. It is an open 9-hole course with a scattering of trees and well-cared-for fare ways and greens that are some of the best in the state. The club operates under seasonal hours. For availability, please call (308) 832-1965.
Outdoor Classroom
The Outdoor Classroom is a wonderful addition to the Minden landscape and is located just west of the CL Jones Middle School. The pond is encircled by a hike/bike trail that winds gracefully over a bridge and back around the park’s perennial flowering plants. There is a lookout deck over the pond and several picnic tables and benches available.
Fort Kearny Recreation Area
For a variety of outdoor recreation, be sure to visit Fort Keaney State Recreation Area in northern Kearney County. Campers will find south-central Nebraska’s Fort Kearny State Recreation Area much to their liking. The attractive 152-acre area is located 3/4 mile east and 1 mile north of Fort Kearney State Historical Park. The park has fishing ponds, hiking trails, a swimming beach, and access to the Platte River. Call (308) 865-5305 for more information.
Sacramento-Wilcox Wildlife Management Area
Although the Sacramento-Wilcox WMA is located just outside of Kearney County, it is only about 2 1/2 miles west of Wilcox. Accessible by paved road from Holdrege and Wilcox, “Sac” serves as a waterfowl refuge and as a public hunting area. Approximately 500 of its 2,313 acres are designated as a refuge, leaving 1,800 acres open to hunting all other game birds and animals.
The Harlan County Lake reservoir offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and sightseeing. There are project lands operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A state park permit is not required. Active boat ramps provide access to Nebraska’s second-largest lake. A permit is required for boat launch. Upgraded electrical sights and group shelters are available. There is a small camping fee if you plan to stay overnight.
Attraction / History
Constructed in 1891, this historical tribute to area arts and culture was completely renovated in 1999-2000 to serve as an attractive community center for theatrical productions, concerts, art shows, and much more. Fully renovated in 2000, the Minden Opera House has also won the community much acclaim. Hosting acts from all corners of the United States, this beautiful facility also serves as the home of the Minden Community Players. Catch a show here and it will be a performance you won’t forget!
You have to see it to believe it! The largest private collection of Americana anywhere! The Pioneer Village complex comprises 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value, restored to operating order. Home to the world-famous Harold Warp Pioneer Village, Minden has welcomed visitors from all across the globe. It is well worth your time!
Every spring, the Platte River Valley is filled with visitors, both the human and the bird varieties. Almost 500,000 sandhill cranes, or 90 percent of the world’s population of birds, migrate through the region, and people from all over the world come to view the spectacular animals. Cranefest takes place during the month of March when the spectacular migration of the Sandhill cranes is in full swing. Many crane-themed activities take place during this festival including an art walk, contests, and a “Feathered Friends Finale.”
Rowe Sanctuary offers guided trips to view the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes from observation blinds on the banks of the Platte River in south-central Nebraska. With hiking trails and telescopes and beautiful landscaping, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time in this remarkable location!
Fort Kearny Historical Park
Ft. Kearny was the first military post built to protect the Oregon Trail immigrants. The Fort remained an important wayside throughout the homesteading period. Many pioneers purchased food at the Fort, and nearly everyone took advantage of the Fort’s reliable mail service. In late May as many as 2,000 immigrants and 10,000 oxen might pass through Fort Kearny in a single day.
Kearney County Historical Museum
Located in the County Seat of Minden, the Kearney County Historical Museum has a wealth of information on the history of the county, as well as the specific towns in Kearney County. Many school pictures, general interest pictures, books, magazines, and school rosters can be viewed, as well as four preserved historical buildings: Minden Schoolhouse, Kearney County Store and Post Office, Railroad Depot from Keene, and a Country Schoolhouse. Located just one block east of Hwy 10 or one block west and one block north of the city square. Admission is free of charge and the museum is open daily from 1:00 – 4:00 pm June 1 – September 15 or by appointment. For information call (308) 832-1789 or (308) 743-2223.
The Christmas City
Minden is the place to be at Christmas time. Since 1915 the stunning County Courthouse has been adorned with colored lights to celebrate the season and has been known as “The Christmas City.” In addition, presented annually on the Courthouse Square, Minden’s “Light of the World” Christmas pageant has been a tradition for over 60 years. The performance culminates in the lighting of over 10,000 Christmas lights around the square. The lights can be seen nightly beginning Thanksgiving weekend. The “Light of the World” performances are held Saturday evening of Thanksgiving weekend and the first two Sundays in December.
Jensen Memorial Library
Jensen Memorial Library is a happening place! Not only do they offer books, DVDs, and other resources you can check out—they also have a lot of activities happening right at the library: story hours, activities, crafts, games, snacks, a book club for middle schoolers, teen nights—and more! View the Jensen Memorial Library’s website to gain information on local services and upcoming programs. Feel free to give us a call at (308) 832-2648 to learn more.
Shopping / Local Entertainment
- Anderson Jewelry
- 349 E. 4th St, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 832-2876
- Auto Way Bowl
- 344 E. Hwy 6, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 832-1935
- The Corner Nook
- 439 N Colorado Ave, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 830-1279
- Cozy Corner Catering, Christmas, Cocktails & Creating
- 441 N Colorado, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 830-3441
- Hissy Fit Boutique
- 439 N Colorado Ave, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 832-1007
- Hidden Treasures, Antiques & More
- 330 East 3rd Street, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 528-1040
- Minden Floral & Gifts
- 302 E 5th St • PO Box 84, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 832-2355
- LT Pedley Drug
- 419 N. Colorado Ave • PO Box 108, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 832-2815
- Minden Opera House
- 322 E 5th St., Minden NE 68959
- (308) 832-0588
- Minden Country Club
- 233 US HWY 10, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 832-1965
- Midwest Meats
- 1150 33 Road, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 304-3842
- Windmill Studios
- 521 N Colorado, Minden, NE 68959
- (308) 293-6725
Minden Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 375
325 N Colorado Ave
Minden, NE 68959
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