Kearney, NE: A Prime ‘Bleisure’ Destination
This Nebraska city, one of the top convention destinations in the state, appeals to business and leisure travelers.
With the largest meeting facility between Denver and Omaha and amenities including a new Crowne Plaza hotel with its own indoor water park, Kearney is emerging as the destination of choice for “bleisure” travelers in the Midwest.
Crowne Plaza Kearney is conveniently attached to the Younes Conference Center, which offers 70,000-square-feet of dedicated space for meetings and events. The campus is close to many of Nebraska’s top attractions.
“We’re excited to add Crowne Plaza Kearney to our growing portfolio of brands on the Younes Campus. This addition brings a new level of upscale accommodations for our leisure and business guests. Hospitality is in our name, and we continue our commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience for both our business and leisure travelers who are here for an event and also want to explore all that Kearney has to offer,” says Paul Younes, president of Younes Hospitality.
Kearney is one of the top convention locations in Nebraska, along with Lincoln and Omaha, and hosts at least one convention, trade show or other event every day.
What Is Bleisure?
It’s a form of travel where people are looking for opportunities to combine business and leisure trips. This trend is growing in popularity as professionals become accustomed to working from locations other than an office and the lines between work and play disappear.
Connect at Crowne Plaza Kearney
The new hotel features Crowne Plaza’s style designed around connection. Throughout the main areas, the spaces are flexible with a mix of private and social gathering spaces that help guests feel productive and comfortable.
The 172 modern guest rooms are designed with Crowne Plaza’s signature zoning concept to create spaces where guests can move easily. For the convenience of business and family travelers, every room has a dry bar and a refrigerator. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, and there are free internet kiosks and a printer in the lobby.
With 70,000-square-feet of space for meetings and events at the Younes Conference Center and the brand’s signature Plaza Workspace areas, Crowne Plaza Kearney is well suited for large-scale events, weddings, informal meetings and meals.
On-site amenities include a Starbucks and an indoor water park. Drivers of electric vehicles will find charging stations in the parking lot.
The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Fyre Modern Grill, provides all-day dining with a menu reflecting Midwest flavors, while global favorites are available via room service. Guests can walk to six restaurants, shops and a spa on the convention center campus, and the hotel provides free parking and airport shuttle service.
Top Attractions in Kearney
The hotel is a convenient starting point for bleisure travelers visiting the area’s attractions. There are a dozen museums and cultural exhibits in the Kearney area, including the Museum of Nebraska Art, Fort Kearny Historical Park and Nebraska Firefighters Museum.
Bicyclists will find more than 20 miles of trails. Visitors can kayak along the Kearney Water Trail or enjoy bird watching. Kearney is the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World.
Events that have reserved space in the Younes Conference Center include MarkeTech, a cutting-edge training, networking and technology showcase, the Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition and Connecting Young Nebraskans (CYN), a network that empowers young Nebraskans to lead and shape the future.
“CYN is looking forward to hosting our biennial event in the state-of-the-art Younes Conference Center North and Crowne Plaza Kearney,” says CYN coordinator Kelcey Wetzel. “This venue will offer Summit attendees a great place to converge together to share ideas, network and build relationships while enjoying a variety of on-site amenities, including a restaurant, Starbucks and water park.”
Get to Know Kearney
Want to learn more about living and working in Kearney, NE? Check out the latest edition of Livability Kearney, Nebraska.