7-26 to 7-28, Aurora,NE

When researching places to stay near Aurora I came across a blog post detailing a FREE camping area with water and electric hookups. 

I was skeptical until we arrived and read the regulations on the sign at Streeter Park.  Guest can stay up to 4 nights on a donation basis.  We were quite surprised that there were so many sites available especially since the County Fair located a couple miles away was scheduled to begin the next day.

We attended the fair on the opening night.  Monte checked out the farm equipment.

 

 

I enjoyed all the farm animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also visited the Plainsman Museum that focuses on history of the settlers and their descendants in the central Nebraska plains region.  The museum consists of a complex of buildings housing various items demonstrating the everyday life of the plains settlers along with agricultural history.

The main center for the museum holds the bulk of the museum’s collections that include a replica sod house and log cabin, along with reproduction miniaturized Main Street giving a glimpse into late 19^th and early 20^th century life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the shops included on display are the hardware store, a doctor’s office, town jail, a saloon and a bank.  Inside the building are further collections of historic interest. 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee Grinder 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty parlor instrument of torture? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biggest collection of barbed wire I have ever seen 

 

 

 

 

 

The Agricultural Building directly behind the main building, houses an actual homestead and a large collection of farm machinery and vintage autos.

Miniature replicas of local buildings 

 

 

 

 

 

A one-room schoolhouse, The Fairview School, was moved to the museum in 1981. 

 

 

 

 

 It displays authentic 19^th century educational tools and desks.

 

 

Directly across from the school is a 19^th century home called the Bates House. 

Unfortunately the house was closed due to unsafe conditions.

A blacksmith shop was also moved to the property and serves as a demonstration place during events and school trips.