Boys Town offers a variety of ways to explore: the Hall of History Museum tells the story of the community, the Father Flanagan House Museum offers a biographical perspective, and the chapels, garden and campus round out the picture. Before your trip, consider whether you’re most interested in exhibitions, places of remembrance or exploring the campus at your own pace.
History at the Museum and Former Residence
The Hall of History Museum presents the history of Boys Town in permanent exhibits featuring audio and video presentations. One notable exhibit is the Best Actor Oscar awarded to Spencer Tracy for his portrayal of Father Flanagan in the film “Boys Town.” The award offers a tangible connection if you’re interested in the film’s depiction of Father Flanagan.
The Father Flanagan House Museum is located in the former home of Father Edward Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town. Its furnishings and decor depict the year 1929, when Father Flanagan would have lived there. The two museums offer different perspectives: the Hall of History focuses on the history of Boys Town and the Oscar, while the House Museum focuses on the former residence and its furnishings as they would have appeared in 1929.
Chapels and the Garden of the Bible
At Dowd Memorial Chapel, visitors can pay their respects at the grave of Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town. Visitors are welcome to attend services at Chambers Chapel throughout the year. Paying respects at the grave and attending a service are different reasons to visit. If you’d like to attend a service, check the specific dates and times in advance, as service details may change.
The Garden of the Bible was established in the summer of 1989 and covers three acres with plants, trees and flowers. This peaceful green space provides young people with a place for solitude and reflection in nature. Here, the landscape takes center stage, while the museums convey their subjects through exhibits, an artifact and the furnishings of a former residence.
Explore the Historic Campus
Visitors can walk around the historic campus in the Village of Boys Town and explore the 1,310-acre campus at their own pace. You can take a self-guided tour or join a tour led by a student guide. This lets you choose between exploring on your own and taking a tour with a student guide.
The “Boys Town Visitor Tours” app is intended for visitors who want to tour the Village of Boys Town at their own pace. App availability may change, so check whether it is available before making plans. If you value setting your own pace, the app is a good way to tailor your tour.
Plan a Meal
Visitors can have breakfast and lunch at the Overlook Café in the Boys Town Visitors Center. If you’re planning to eat at the café, check the latest operating information in advance. This lets you make dining a distinct part of your visit, alongside the exhibits, campus or a service.
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