Where is Kearney, Nebraska, USA?

Written and fact-checked by | Reviewed by WhereIG Editorial Team | Last updated: August 14, 2026, 18:45 ET

Where is Kearney Located? - Kearney is a city located in the Buffalo County of Nebraska, United States. Kearney lies between 42.9713889 Degrees North latitudes and 110.9555556 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Kearney, Nebraska

Where is Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney Map, Nebraska, USA

Where is Kearney?: The Google Map showing the location of Kearney in the U.S. state of Nebraska.

Where is Kearney Located?

Kearney is a city located in the Buffalo County of Nebraska, United States. Kearney lies between 42.9713889 Degrees North latitudes and 110.9555556 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Kearney city is 33790 people and the city has a total area of 14.46 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Kearney, Nebraska Quick Facts

PropertyDetails
CityKearney
CountyBuffalo County
StateNebraska
State CapitalLincoln
US RegionMidwest
Latitude40.6995° N
Longitude99.0815° W
Elevation2,133 ft (650 m)
Land Area14.01 sq mi
Water Area0.18 sq mi
Total Area14.19 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)33,790
Population DensityAbout 2,412 per sq mi
ZIP Codes68845, 68847, 68848, 68849
Area Code308
Time Zone StandardCentral Standard Time (CST, UTC−06:00)
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−05:00)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code31-25795
Congressional District3rd Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Kearney

CategoryDetails
Airport NameKearney Regional Airport
IATA CodeEAR
PortNo commercial seaport; inland freight connections via rail and highways
Major HighwaysInterstate 80, U.S. Highway 30, U.S. Highway 183, Nebraska Highway 10
Train ServiceUnion Pacific freight rail; Amtrak service available nearby in Holdrege or Hastings
Local Bus/Transit ServiceKearney Area Local Transit (KALT)
  • Interstate 80 makes Kearney a major transportation hub across central Nebraska.
  • Kearney Regional Airport provides commercial passenger service with connections to larger U.S. airports.
  • U.S. Highways 30 and 183 offer convenient regional travel throughout Nebraska and neighboring states.
  • Kearney Area Local Transit (KALT) provides public transportation within the city.
  • Union Pacific Railroad supports freight movement and regional industrial activity.

Top Places to Visit in Kearney, Nebraska

Landmark NameType
Great Platte River Road Archway MonumentHistory Museum
Yanney Heritage ParkCity Park
Fort Kearny State Historical ParkHistoric Site
Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)Art Museum
Trails & Rails MuseumHistory Museum
Rowe SanctuaryWildlife & Nature Preserve
Big Apple Fun CenterFamily Entertainment Center
Kearney Area Children's MuseumChildren's Museum
Cottonmill ParkRecreation Area
Classic Car CollectionAutomobile Museum

Driving Distances from Kearney, Nebraska to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
Grand IslandNebraska4340 min
LexingtonNebraska3735 min
HastingsNebraska4650 min
HoldregeNebraska3030 min
North PlatteNebraska1001 hr 30 min
ColumbusNebraska921 hr 25 min
LincolnNebraska1302 hr
OmahaNebraska1852 hr 45 min
McCookNebraska1171 hr 50 min
YorkNebraska841 hr 15 min

Colleges and Universities in Kearney, Nebraska

Institution Name Type Level Notable For
University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Public University Teacher education, business, health sciences, and liberal arts programs
Central Community College – Kearney Center Public Community College Career training, workforce development, and continuing education
University of Nebraska Medical Center – Rural Health Education Building Public Medical Education Center Healthcare education and rural medical training
Hastings College Private College Liberal arts, business, and professional studies
Nebraska Methodist College Private College Nursing and allied health education

Waterbodies in Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney is situated along the Platte River, one of Nebraska's most important waterways. Other nearby water features include the Wood River, Cottonmill Lake, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area lakes, Johnson Lake, Buffalo Creek, and several wetlands that provide habitat for migratory sandhill cranes and other wildlife.

Golf Courses in Kearney

Golf enthusiasts in Kearney can enjoy several nearby courses, including Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, Awarii Dunes Golf Club, Kearney Country Club, Indianhead Golf Club, Centura Hills Golf Club, and Lakeside Country Club.

Kearney, Nebraska — Key Historical Facts

  • Kearney was established in 1871 as the Union Pacific Railroad expanded westward across Nebraska.
  • The city was named after nearby Fort Kearny, an important military post on the historic Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.
  • Its location along the Platte River helped Kearney become a regional transportation, agriculture, and trade center.
  • The establishment of the University of Nebraska at Kearney strengthened the city's role as an educational hub for central Nebraska.
  • Today, Kearney is recognized for higher education, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and as one of the nation's best locations to witness the annual sandhill crane migration.

References

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