We stopped by Fonner Park on our way to Kearney to catch some live thoroughbred racing, and it made…read morefor a fun and memorable spring stop. A few quick tips: admission is free, gates open at noon, and races usually start around 1:30 PM. There is a hut looking thing at the gates where you can pick up a program for $1 but it's not necessary if you're not bidding. Now, something I think more people should know: horse racing isn't as fancy as it sometimes looks on TV. The horses are beautiful, and yes--you can dress up and lean into that vibe--but the setting itself is pretty casual and real. Think concrete floors, the smell of horses, smoking, and plenty of people enjoying drinks while they watch the races. It's more laid-back, community hangout than polished event--and honestly, that's part of the charm. We arrived early and visited the paddock first--it's a great spot to see the jockeys prepping the horses and gives kids (and first-timers) a closer look at the action. The paddock area is fairly simple (just an enclosed space on the lower level with a wall of windows), but still worth checking out. On this floor, you'll find concessions, picnic tables, and access to the paddock. The upper floor is where the indoor seating and restaurants are. Seating can be a little confusing at first--there's a mix of benches, first-come spots, and reserved sections--but if you stay flexible and ask questions, you'll figure it out. We ended up watching races from the outdoor area on the lower level, which we preferred. The crowd is a mix of all ages, and it felt very family-friendly overall. We grabbed lunch at the on-site Finish Line Restaurant. The food was just okay, but the service really stood out--our servers were busy but one gal went above and beyond for our kids (the applesauce and cookies were a nice touch). We stayed for a couple of races and headed out, but it's easy to see why this is a go-to spring tradition for a lot of people. Whether you're there for the horses, the atmosphere, or just a casual day out, it's a unique Nebraska experience.

Race tracks. This one draws packed houses on a regular basis. Live races run in the spring. Bar…read morefood, bud lights, and bad bets flow freely. If you are into horse races, come and try it. I am not, so I am a bit dazed and confused by this all.

Great place to visit, especially if you are here during Sandhill Crane Migration…read more Lots of interesting and informative exhibits, nice gift shop, walking trails, etc. Parking Lot, building, restrooms and such are very accessible. The volunteers are extremely helpful and are obviously very devoted to the cranes, other birds, and the natural environment here. I spoke with Cyndi, warm and enthusiastic, who made my visit here even more special. There are blinds here that you can reserve and ideally can give you an excellent viewing opportunity at dawn and dusk to see the cranes. You have to make reservations for these a LONG time in advance, we hadn't done that so we went to a different viewing area for the dusk return-to-the-river. Our GPS took us on a really roundabout route - absurdly so, really. Which honestly was not a problem, as it routed us on rounds along the cornfields and that's where the cranes are during the day. But if you are in a hurry to get here you might want to see what route your GPS has planned for you.

Came screaming down I-80 with purpose and propulsion this past summer, putting another 8500 miles…read moreon the old odometer. Somewhere in Nebraska, the kids were getting antsy in the back seat, and we needed a place to stretch our legs and eat a little lunch anyway. A poor cell signal revealed we were relatively close to Rowe Sanctuary, and after a couple of wrong turns and the acceptance that things on roads out here are always farther than they look on maps, we found it. Evidently, this place is quite a zoo when the beautiful sand hill cranes migrate through here in early spring (March-April). Really no one here during our visit in July, but enough natural beauty in the restored Platte river habitat, framed by some promising cumulonimbus clouds (we love summer thunderstorms... we don't get much of that in SoCal.) We walked a bit on a trail towards a marshy looking area that was pretty dry considering, then found a shady spot on a bench to eat a picnic lunch. As a card carrying member of the Audubon society, I always appreciate seeing little places like this designed to protect our natural resources.

I've been going to this gymnastics for about nine years, this place is amazing for new gymnastics…read morebeginners. They have great service, great stuff, very nice equipment. They're always adding new things like the new gym that was just built for the new were levels. Overall this place is amazing great staff great people very nice and clean. I've been going to this gymnastics for about nine years, this place is amazing for new gymnastics beginners. They have great service, great staff, very nice equipment. They're always adding new things like the new gym that was just built for the newer levels. Overall this place is amazing great staff great people very nice and clean. They could work on the bathrooms a little the stalls some of the handles are broke and it is hard to close some of the stall doors. Overall very good.