Welcome to Stuhr Museum!

Until 1876 the Pawnee were the most influential and populous of the native peoples of Nebraska. At the time of Lewis & Clark (1804-1806) and of Zebulon Pike (1806), the Pawnee were living in two to six principal towns. The towns ranged in size from 40 to 200 earth lodges. This 38-ft. in diameter replica of an 1830s lodge would have been home to 30 to 50 people.

Visit the Pawnee Earth Lodge, teepees, and watch the buffalo grazing on the prairie for an experience in Indian life at Stuhr Museum. The earth lodge, designed in the style of the Pawnee Indian, is filled with authentic items for visitors to experience how life in the lodge existed. See how its inhabitants used the space inside the lodge to live, survive, worship, and celebrate family.

Walk along the original pioneer trail used by mountain men William Ashley and Jim Beckwourth, by military men such as Stephen H. Long and soldiers of Fort Kearny, and by missionaries Dr. Marcus Whitman and wife Narcissa. Pioneers bound for Oregon and California also traveled these trails. Wagon swales are still visible here after 175 years.

See Sampson the buffalo and his goat buddy Clyde, who live near the earth lodge.

The Pawnee Earth Lodge interior is open to visitors on weekends May 1-Labor Day. During other times, exterior viewing is welcome.

Click below to tour!

Stuhr Building

Railroad Display

Reynolds Center

Fonner Rotunda

Hornady Arboretum

Log Cabin Settlement

Farm Machinery

Railroad Town

Runelsburg & 1893 Farm

Taylor Ranch

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