Boys Town: Discover its History and Campus

Discover Boys Town through its history, memorial sites, and historic campus. The Hall of History Museum presents the area's history in permanent exhibits with audio and video displays. The Father Flanagan House Museum is located in the founder's former home. Other highlights include the Garden of the Bible, two chapels with different visitor offerings, and opportunities to explore the campus on foot or on a tour. You can tailor your visit to the topics that interest you most.

History in the Museum and Home

The Hall of History Museum presents the history of Boys Town in permanent exhibits with audio and video displays. One specific exhibit is the Best Actor Oscar awarded to Spencer Tracy for his role as Father Flanagan in the film “Boys Town.” The Oscar connects the film's history with Tracy's portrayal 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 represent the year 1929, when Father Flanagan would have lived there. While the Hall of History Museum explores the area's history through exhibits, the house museum focuses on a specific year and a former residence. These two distinct focuses give you different ways to engage with the history of Boys Town.

Campus and Tours

Visitors can stroll around the historic campus in the Village of Boys Town. The 1,310-acre campus is open to explore at your own pace. Its size gives the grounds a spacious feel, making a walk around the historic campus a different kind of visit from exploring individual museum exhibits.

You can choose between a self-guided tour and a visit with a student guide. The “Boys Town Visitor Tours” app is designed for visitors who want to take a tour of the Village at their own pace. This lets you choose between an independent tour and a visit with a student guide. Check whether the app is available before planning your visit, as its availability may change.

Garden and Chapels

The Garden of the Bible was established in the summer of 1989 and spans three acres, with plants, trees, and flowers. As a peaceful green space, it offers young people a place for solitude and reflection in nature. Unlike the exhibits, the garden focuses on the opportunity to find peace and reflect.

The chapels also offer different experiences for visitors. Inside 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 year-round. If you plan to attend a service, check the latest information in advance.

Breakfast and Lunch

Visitors can have breakfast and lunch at the Overlook Café in the Boys Town Visitors Center. If you plan to include either meal in your visit, it's a good idea to check the latest information about the café beforehand.

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Go to the regional travel overview: Douglas.