School days
- 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10
- Register before Feb. 28 by emailing Julia Plugge.
Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo
Enjoy free, family-friendly activities for people of all ages at the annual Fort Kearny Expo!
About the Expo
The annual Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo showcases the state’s vast number of fun outdoor activities at beautiful Fort Kearny State Recreational Area. This free event is open to the public and is designed to meet the needs of anyone interested in an outdoor lifestyle, regardless of age or experience.
Those who attend can try fishing, archery, kayaking, backyard games and outdoor cooking, among other activities. They can also see, touch and learn more about Nebraska fish and wildlife species from wildlife biologists.
2024 Outdoor Expo dates
Public day
- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Sign up to volunteer
It takes a community of outdoor enthusiasts to make the Expo happen. We’re currently seeking volunteers to help during all three expo days. Sign up to teach kayaking, archery, help with the shotgun range, escort special needs student between activities, and more!
Expo activities
Enjoy these free, family-friendly activities available to people of all ages at the Fort Kearny Expo!
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Archery
- Aquatic touch tank
- Bowfishing
- Teddy Roosevelt reenactment
- Outdoor cooking
- Target shooting
- Camping skills
- S’more making
- Snakes of Nebraska
Public day activity schedule
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 9:30 a.m. | Teddy Roosevelt reenactment | Heritage Encampment |
| 10:30 a.m. | Snakes of Nebraska | Partners Tent |
| 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (while supplies last) | Gourmet s’mores | Campfire Pit |
| 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (while supplies last) | Hot dog roast | Campfire Pit |
| 11:30 a.m. | Teddy Roosevelt reenactment | Heritage Encampment |
| Noon | Hunting with falcons | Falconry Display |
| 12:30 p.m. | Snakes of Nebraska | Partners Tent |
| 1 p.m. | Teddy Roosevelt reenactment | Heritage Encampment |
2024 sponsors
Platinum Sponsor: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Gold sponsors
Fairbury Brand
Bayer
Grocery Kart
Nebraska Muzzleloaders Association
Silver sponsors
City of Kearney
Sayler Screenprinting
Whistling Edge Farm
Kearney Whitewater
Kearney Visitors Bureau
Bronze sponsors
- Hyvee
- John G. Lowe III Trust
- Mason Motors
- P-Town Tractor Club
- Panera Bread
- Sara Lee/Earth Grain
- US Fish & Wildlife
- Walmart
- Valentino’s
Copper sponsors
- Ace Irrigation & Manufacturing
- American Legion Post #52
- Anderson Wrecking
- Apple Market
- Budda’s Meats
- Beerbohm Insurance
- Boogarts
- Bow & Arrow Boutique
- Buffalo County Emergency Management
- Culligan
- Daylight Donuts
- Family Fresh
- Gail’s Funnel Cakes
- Hellman Main Coslor & Kathol PC.
- Stuart Johnson
- Kearney Boy Scout & Cub Scout Troops
- Mason Lammers
- Mid-States Irrigation of Kearney
- Pat McLaughlin
- Roger Jasnoch
- Richardson Concessions LLC/Tropical Sno
- Scott Bazata
- Target
- The Mexcellent Grill
