Jefferson County Museums

District 10 School Museum

Fairbury City Museum

District 10 School Museum

Located 1/2 mile and 1 mile south of Alexandria State Lakes, northwest of Fairbury.  Three monuments grace the grounds of this country school, a red granite Oregon trail marker, with legend inscribed on it; a Pony Express marker with plaque, and a Mormon marker to a company who went through this county on their way to reach the Mormon Trail on the north side of the Platte river. Their captain died in 1855 and was buried near this marker.  Names of some of the others in the same company, who died between Atchison, Kansas and Fort Kearney are also listed on the plaque.

The school house was built in 1898,and is now the property of the Jefferson County Historical Society.  It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  The school house is open to the public Sundays 2-4p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Fairbury City Museum

1128 Elm Street (2 blocks south of Hwy 136 on Elm Street)

Open at 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday.  Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m-4:00 p.m.

This museum has been located for many years on the west side of the downtown square in Fairbury.  It has acquired a new home and is now at our new location at 12th and Elm.

The museum's mission is to preserve, display and promote Fairbury as well as Jefferson County's history. Rotating exhibits are planned as well as stationary exhibits such as Fairbury businesses frozen in time.  School and Group tours are welcome anytime.  Please call (402)729-3707 or (402)729-5253 for more information or to schedule tours.

Rock Island Depot Railroad Museum

Once used as a passenger and freight depot for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad as well as the headquarters for the railroad, it was restored for use as a railroad museum in 1997. Other facilities include a gift shop, the Burlington depot form the community of Kesterson and Rock Island motor car No. 9147. It is owned and operated by the Jefferson County Historical Society and hours are 1pm to 5pm. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is located at 910 Bacon Road, 729-5131

Rock Creek Station State Historical Park

Established as a state historical park in 1983, Rock Creek Station offers a look at the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express through a museum and interpretive center. It is owned and operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and located at 57416 710 Road. 729-5777.

Smith Lime Kiln and W.C. Smith House

This abandoned stone lime kiln was used in the late 19th century for burning lime to be used in mortar for home and foundation construction. The stone home was built by Woral C. Smith, owner of the lime kiln,  in 1874 and offers a visitor's and interpretive center. Owned by the Jefferson County Historical Society, it is open from 2pm to 4pm. on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day or by appointment. Located four miles northwest of Fairbury at 56535 River Road, 729-5131.