Catering to Local Visitors: Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Visitor Center

All museums strive to better serve their audience, whether it is through new exhibits, programs, or preservation of their collection. However, depending on the time of the year, it is not unusual to focus on serving a specific part of the audience such as local visitors. During the spring and summer months, museums will advertise their exhibits or events to a larger area; travel conditions are better, and visitors tend to come from a farther distance. However, in the winter time, the cold and difficult road conditions tend to keep potential visitors closer to home. From January through March, many of Nebraska City’s museums will be offering programming specifically targeting Nebraska City area visitors. While the events tend to be smaller in scale compared to summer events, they offer an excuse to get out of the house and learn something new.

Nebraska City’s Lewis and Clark Center is kicking off the 2017 winter season with several informal events. The events begin on first day of the year. On Sunday, January 1st, the Center is cooperating with Waubonsie State Park by opening its trails for the “First Day Hike”. "First Day Hikes" are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to get people outdoors, with over 400 hikes scheduled this year in all 50 states. Following the event; on Friday, January 6, and every Friday following through February, the Center will be hosting its “Brown Bagging with the Birds”. This informal event is held from 12:00 – 1:00 on the Center’s main level. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch and enjoy watching our winter birds from the comfort of inside the Center. A local bird watcher will be on hand to assist in identifying our feathered friends.

So while many spend their winter months hibernating, for those of you who enjoy what nature offers when it is cold and snowy; the Lewis and Clark Center has events planned just for you. As we get closer to February and March, I will showcase more events the museums are planning to serve our local visitors.

IF YOU GO
Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Center
100 Valmont Lane
Nebraska City, NE
402-874-9900
Winter hours begin October 1 and end April 30. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sundays.
During the winter months of December, January and February, the Center is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but can open on those days by appointment.
www.mrb-lewisandclarkcenter.org