Free Admission Day: Celebrating America's 250th!

Date and Time

• Saturday, Jul 4, 2026  9am - 4pm

Location

Category

Family

Details

Admission is free on Saturday, July 4th, at the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln, Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center, Fort Robinson History Center, Senator George Norris State Historic Site in McCook, and Neligh Mill State Historic Site in Neligh.

Sponsored by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, historic sites will have special programming for the whole family to enjoy in celebration of America's 250th birthday!

Nebraska History Museum

• Open 9 am to 4 pm
• Explore the new Our Nebraska: The Place, Its People, & Their Impact exhibit and the 250 years of layered, interconnected histories. Then ask yourself, who is a notable Nebraskan in your life? What makes them notable?
• View a screening of The American Buffalo, a documentary by Ken Burns, presented in partnership with Nebraska Public Media. Episode One begins at 10 a.m. and Episode Two at 1 p.m., plus a chance to explore touchable bison artifacts and learn more about the history and impact of the American bison.
• What is your wish for Nebraska/USA in the next 250 years? Write, draw, or share YOUR vision on the national Wish Wall.
• Find an artifact to represent you, then create a mini puzzle of Nebraska to take home!
• Play bingo while discovering how Nebraskans helped shape the state and nation through agriculture, inventions, and more!
• Create a meaningful community paper chain by writing a thank-you note to our sponsor, the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

To explore more programming statewide at NSHS historic sites, visit https://history.nebraska.gov/event/free-admission-day-celebrating-americas-250th/