The Petrified Wood and Art Gallery Is One Of The Best Free Activities In Nebraska

We Nebraskans are always up for an adventure, and if we can find one at a bargain price, even better. This place may not sound like an adventure at first, but that’s the beauty of the unusual attraction.

The Petrified Wood & Art Gallery in Ogallala is deceptively plain from the outside. It looks a bit like an office building.

But once you step inside you'll be greeted by a building full of unusual art, unique artifacts, and more than half a century of dedication.

The gallery was founded by twin brothers Harvey & Howard Kenfield. They began collecting stones and petrified wood in the 1950s, polishing and turning them into beautiful little works of natural art.

Harvey and Howard also create their own unique art pieces from bits of petrified wood. These three-dimensional pictures are just one example of the type of lovely folk art they have on display in the gallery.

Pete Peters has also contributed a huge collection of Native American artifacts to the gallery. This assortment of arrowheads is seriously impressive.

These bullet slugs collected from the Ogallala area - also part of Peters' collection - are reminders of western Nebraska's Wild West history.

Displays fill cases and line the walls throughout the gallery. You'll see smooth polished slices of petrified wood...

...of many types and from all over the world.

There are also geodes, fossils, gemstones, and other examples of natural wonders.

And then there's the art. Massive sculptures like this one carved from wood...

...and this bronze masterpiece are focal points for visitors. It's easy to get lost in all of the tiny details.

Other Kenfield art pieces include this fascinating cliff dwelling...

...and these delicate sculptures that are so sweetly detailed they almost look like you could walk right into the scene.

Intricate scenes painted on slabs of stone are interesting additions to the collection. Guest artists display their work alongside the Kenfield originals.

The Kenfields’ collection was donated to the people of Ogallala in 2000, and in 2007 Friends of the Kenfield Gallery became a designated nonprofit organization. The gallery is funded and manned entirely by generous volunteers.

Admission to the gallery is free, but donations are accepted. There are also lots of wonderful items for sale in the gift shop, so if you have a bit of a budget to work with you can help support this truly amazing project and go home with a souvenir of your visit.

Visit the Petrified Wood & Art Gallery at 418 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153. It is open (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Monday through Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday noon-4pm. Visit the gallery’s website or Facebook page for more information, pictures, and news.

For more terrific reasons to visit Ogallala, read this article that’s all about the town.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

You'll Love This One Awesome Activity In Nebraska And It Won't Cost You A Cent

Delana Lefevers

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