Educational Programs at theContact for Available Tours:
Lewis and Clark
Cart ActivityPretend you are a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they trek up the Missouri River.
History Learning CenterBe a history detective. Investigate Nebraska's past in this hands-on room for people of all ages.
Nebraska Time Traveler Question and Activity Cards are self-guided options available for all grades in school and for the four permanent exhibits - First Nebraskans, Nebraska Joins the Union, Building the State, and What Did You Do in the War.
Field Study Guides (3rd-12th grades) develop critical thinking and inquiry skills as students analyze photographs of objects from Museum exhibits. To request these pre- and post- activity guides please call the museum at (402) 471-4754.
Education Program FAQ's
How do I make reservations for programs?
Call (800) 833-6747 or (402) 471-4754, Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please complete the Reservation Information prior to your call.
Reservation Information:
Tour Date; Alternative Date
Tour Time; Alternative Time
Arrival and Departure Times
Group Name
Group Mailing Address (Street, City, State, Zip)
Name of Contact Person
Phone Number
Grade or Age Level(s)
# of Students
# of Adults
Possible exhibits you may want to see
Special needs of your group
Are guided tours available?
Yes. We have a team of wonderful docents to lead you through any of the above exhibits. In order to receive a guided tour, you should book the tour at least one month in advance.
Are self-guided tours available?
Yes. People are welcome to visit the exhibits on their own. Educators may also choose to lead their own groups.
If you would like a bit of direction, consider using the Nebraska Time Traveler question and activity cards. These have been developed for all grades in school for the four permanent exhibits - First Nebraskans, Nebraska Joins the Union, Building the State, and What Did You Do in the War. Make as many copies as you need for your group.
Do self-guided groups need to make reservations?
Yes. We request that groups larger than ten make reservations. If you would like to use the Time Travelers, you need to make reservations, no matter the size of the groups. Docent-led tours have priority in the exhibits.
What is the largest group that can take a guided tour?
The largest group is 120 people. Please note that only about twenty people can comfortably fit into one exhibit's guided tour. Therefore, if your group is larger, it will likely be split into smaller subgroups, each led by a docent.
How long are tours?
We recommend 45 minutes per exhibit or activity. However, you are welcome to design your own tour length with the help of museum staff.
When are tours available?
January - December: Tuesday - Friday, 9 - 4:30. The museum is closed on all state holidays, except Arbor Day.
Will I receive a confirmation packet?
Yes. Confirmation packets are sent via U.S. mail one month prior to your visit.
How do I prepare for a visit to the Nebraska History Museum?
Carefully read through the information you receive in your confirmation packet. Call the museum, (800) 833-6747 or (402) 471-4754, if there are changes or questions.
What does it cost to visit the museum?
There is no fee to visit the museum. A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
Where do we park?
The loading/bus-parking zone is on 15th St. (Centennial Mall North) in front of the Museum. If you arrive in vans and park in the bus parking area, you must ask for dashboard signs at the Museum's Security Desk that identify your vehicles as school buses. Handicapped parking is available at the south end of Centennial Mall near 'O' Street. Metered street parking or parking garages are available for a fee for cars.
Does the museum offer programs other than tours?
Yes. Throughout the year, there will be several special events and/or programs. Please check the website for details, usually announced on the What's New webpage.
Lewis and Clark Cart Activity
Objects, stories, and role-play bring the details of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to life.
History Learning Center Photos
People of all ages are welcome to investigate Nebraska's past in the History Learning Center - a fun, hands-on learning environment. This active learning center connects children and adults to evidence they can use to make their own discoveries: historic documents, photographs, artifacts, places, and the wisdom of elders. In this room generations can interact directly without the distraction of electronic media.
Your are invited to visit the four permanent stations in this room:
- At the Native American Tipi, learn how the Omaha, Lakota, Pawnee, and other Plains tribes made these mobile dwellings home.
- Pack Your Wagon and learn about the decisions overland tral emigrants made as they packed for their journey west.
- Build a Town and decide what buildings and businesses you need and where they should be located for your community to prosper.
- Hit the highway 1920s-style and set up an Auto Touring Camp. Compare these forms of transportation and housing with the Lakota and the trail-travelers.
Mobile Investigation Stations on topics such as Lewis and Clark and What Is This? are available for scheduled group tours. Discovery Boxes offer visitors a variety of fun activities and games.
As you explore Nebraska history, our colorful timeline will help you learn when things happened and a giant 1915 map of Nebraska will help you pinpoint where.
The Investigation Station is open Tuesday through Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Scheduled school tours can schedule tours of the Investigation Station during regular museum hours. You may call (402) 471-4754 or 1-800-833-6747 to ensure the room is available for your visit. Call at least one month in advance to schedule docent-led tours.
We invite you to come discover for yourself how we know what we know about the past:
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