Upon closer inspection it was part of E K Yanney Heritage Park built in 1998. We immediately had to climb up the tower. There were 8 observation platforms before you came to the top floor. As I was climbing the last section of stairs a child about 8 asked me if I knew there was an elevator. The view was spectacular and gave me a chance to catch my breathe.
The park is situated on 80 acres and the grounds are beautiful. There is a amphitheater, several fishing ponds, beach, flower gardens, walking paths and two playgrounds with splash-grounds. 
The roses smelled so good.
If we have learned anything while visiting Kearney, we've learned about the sandhill cranes.
The swan boats, canoes, and fishing poles were for rent.
Next to the beautifully landscaped parking lot was the Peterson Senior Activity Center. Bill said "let's go check it out."
We were immediately welcomed.
They had a beautiful dance floor and well equipped fitness center. We were invited to stay for lunch but we still hadn't visited the Trails and Rails.
This was a reminder
of what part of the country we are in.
We had a two for one admission for the Trails and Rails Museum which cost us $5.00 and we had our own docent for the two of us.
Our first stop on the tour was a caboose which normally held 5 people and 4 beds.
This was the toilet, kind of reminded us of our trip to China.
This was an early warning tool. They put dynamite in the triangle part and blew it up as a warning device.
These windows were much higher than the photo shows.
Our docent showed us a 1930's bar code that they used to identify the cars.
We toured through the freighters hotel which is said to be haunted.
The stove was original to the house and the docent showed us all the different things it was made to do. The stove was heated by corn stalks.
This was the oldest building on the grounds circa 1840.
The docent told several different stories about the building.
This was the first school in Buffalo County.
An 1800's town wouldn't be complete without a working blacksmith shop.
The livery housed some Mormon carts and other wagons. This was a kerosene wagon.
A nearby town had this fire extinguisher.
The depot was very interesting and our docent explained the way the depot communicated with the train.
The depot had many artifacts but unfortunately not room to display them. They own the land next door and have a drawing of their future two story museum. They have collected 1/3 of the funds to build it.
Traffic in town was busier than we've seen it. There were many old and classic cars cruising the streets. There was something going on at the "bricks" as we drove by but we decided to come back home instead. Tomorrow is another day and most of the festivities are scheduled for Saturday.
Turtle Safely......
I had no idea there were so many fun things to see and do in that area. I really cracked up when the kid told you about the elevator.
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