Trailside Museum of Natural History facts for kids
|
Army Theatre
|
|
|
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
|
Trailside Museum of Natural History
|
|
 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Crawford, Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | Army Corps of Engineers |
| Part of | Fort Robinson and Red Cloud Agency (ID66000442) |
| MPS | Opera House Buildings in Nebraska 1867-1917 MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000930 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 7, 1988 |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 15, 1966 |
The Trailside Museum of Natural History is a super cool place to explore! It's located inside the historic Army Theatre building. You can find it at Fort Robinson State Park, which is about three miles west of Crawford, Nebraska, right on U.S. Route 20.
The Story of the Army Theatre
This historic building started its life as a theater and gym for the soldiers at Fort Robinson. It was built way back in 1904. The theater hosted all sorts of fun events. Soldiers could watch boxing matches, enjoy dances, and even see early moving pictures.
By 1917, cars and movie theaters became more common outside the fort. This meant soldiers could find entertainment elsewhere. So, the building was then used only as a gym.
Years later, in 1955, the University of Nebraska took over the building. They opened the Trailside Museum at Fort Robinson in 1961. The building was recognized as an important historical site in 1988. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It's also part of the larger Fort Robinson and Red Cloud Agency historic area.
Amazing Exhibits Inside
One of the most exciting things to see at the museum is a pair of huge mammoth skeletons. These mammoths were enormous, standing 14 feet tall! Their skeletons were found nearby. Scientists believe these two giant beasts got their tusks locked together in a fight. Sadly, they couldn't get free and starved to death.
The museum also has other cool fossils from the ice age. These exhibits show what Nebraska was like millions of years ago. You can learn about animals that lived here long ago.
There's also a special exhibit about ancient animals. It was created by Mark Marcusson and Gregory Brownde. You can see fossils of creatures like the Daeodon and the three-toed horse. These animals once roamed Nebraska's lands.
Explore More
See also
In Spanish: Museo de historia natural de Fort Robinson State Park para niños
