And now, for something completely different.....

Maybe, because most of the spectacular natural wonders occur further west, the midwest conjurs up wonders of its own. There must be quite a bit of state-generated peer pressure, so to speak and as we make our way back east, the first example we encounter is The Arch in Kearney, NE. This was actually recommended by a gentleman at the Welcome/Info Center at the western border and he was right. It was pretty incredible. One enters the log structure, receives headsets, rides a LONG escalator up through projected video of folks walking alongside covered wagons and the entire 'tunnel' is room after room of similar dioramas, cleverly done with sound, video, statues, models, sound and light effects, you name it.

Kearney has the distinction of being the location where several famous westward bound trails intersected, so some smart Nebraskan decided to create a way to exploit that fact. Fortunately, NE did it with intelligence and taste. At the end of the tunnel is this room dedicated to American travel in the 50's, complete with diner, murals and a window overlooking I-80, over which this structure arches, with semis and cars steaming beneath it.

Kinda like this, actually.

And now, moving right along to the next midwestern state... Wouldn't you know it....we were just in time for the 150th anniv. of the Pony Express. Missed the re-ride by a month, dang it, but got a pretty good reminder of what it must have looked like by this exhibit in one of the original way stations, where the ride originated. Very well-done museum, with lots of kid activities, as well. The Pony Express ran less than a year, out-moded by the development of the telegraph and then the railroad, but what a cool way to get your mail..the first e-mail (equine!?)

Of course, the farther east we go, the more bizarre the museum offerings become. This was the Glore Psychiatric Hospital, now a museum and this was one of the cheerier displays. There were printed disclaimers advising that it might not be ideal for kids, but there were several kids there. Their parents were proud their offspring were not freaking out....yet. Bet there were some pretty dramatic nightmares at home that night.

On a lighter note, this was the music therapy room and I was pleased to see the handbell set. Of course that's why handbells were so successful in the mental, er, middle school.....it's rather schizoid there, too!

Art therapy was another brighter therapy and these are actual examples of patient art.

Gotta love the midwest.....of course, no privvy diggers. Maybe they were the patients.