kids playing in sand at the stem station building at the lincoln county fairgrounds in north platte nebraska

Lincoln County STEM

STEM Station & Planetarium Project

The Project

After two highly successful years of science activities at the Lincoln County Fair in 2024 and 2025, the Lincoln County Agricultural Society is excited to announce a permanent home for STEM education at the fairgrounds: The STEM Station.

The STEM Station will serve as a year-round hub for hands-on learning and exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math. Our vision is to grow into a space that regularly hosts engaging STEM events, inspiring students and families across Lincoln County for generations to come.

STEM Station Observatory building drawing at the lincoln county fairgrounds in north platte ne

STEM station building interior plans at the lincoln county fairgrounds in north platte ne

kid playing with foam blocks at the stem station building at the lincoln county fairgrounds in north platte nebraska

Goal

The vision for the STEM Station is to fully renovate and equip the building—inside and out—so it can serve as a comfortable, year-round learning hub for students and families. With help from the community, the space will be transformed into an interactive STEM center featuring classrooms, workrooms, hands-on learning areas, and even a planetarium and telescope balcony.

open class and 4h barn building at the lincoln county fairgrounds in north platte ne

Cost

The estimated cost for materials and supplies is $100,000–$200,000. Labor will be generously donated by community members, helping stretch every dollar further. Funding will come from a mix of grants, giving day campaigns, and direct support from individuals and businesses. Already, the project has received in-kind contributions such as furniture, educational equipment, computers, and even a commitment to purchase and install HVAC components.

family exploring the human anatomy stem education at the lincoln county fair in north platte ne

Impact

This project isn’t just about renovating a building—it’s about investing in the future of Lincoln County. The STEM Station will provide year-round opportunities for students and families to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in engaging, hands-on ways. By supporting this effort, the community helps inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

The Building

The STEM Station will be located in the former 4-H/Open Class exhibition building, just east of the new 4-H building. The structure is a 60 ft. x 90 ft. steel post-frame building with corrugated steel walls and roofing. Inside, it currently has bare concrete floors, limited electrical service, an attic fan, two overhead garage doors, three entrance doors, and several large windows.

At present, the building lacks many modern amenities such as heating, cooling, insulation, interior finishes, plumbing, and internet access. The exterior shows signs of age, and the windows and doors are in need of repair. While the space is functional, it presents challenges—hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and in need of upgrades to better serve as a year-round STEM learning center.

Planned Renovations

External Facade & Paint

Covered Patios

Windows & Doors

Flooring

Ceilings

Insulation

Interior Walls & Paint

4 Bathroom Renovations

1 Storeroom

2 Workrooms

Rolling Walls

Telescope Deck

Tables & Chairs

Lab Sinks

Counters & Cabinets

Planetarium

How You Can Help

Your support helps bring the STEM Building project at the Lincoln County Fair to life. Every gift—big or small—makes a lasting impact on our community and the next generation of innovators. There are several convenient ways to give:

STEM Station Partnership Levels

Galactic Partner

$10,000 + Sponsorship

• 4x6 Banner Inside & Out (10 years)

• Sponsor Wall (Forever)

Stellar Partner

$5,000 + Sponsorship

• 3x5 Banner Inside (5 years)

• Sponsor Wall (Forever)

Planetary Partner

$1,000 + Sponsorship

• 2x3 Banner Inside (1 year)

• Sponsor Wall (Forever)

Additional Monetary Partners & Volunteers

$1,000 < Sponsorship

• Sponsor Wall (Forever)

Become a Sponsor

Support the STEM Station Project at the Lincoln County Fair and help inspire the next generation of innovators! Both monetary sponsors and volunteers will be proudly recognized for their contribution to bringing hands-on science and creativity to our fairgoers. Contact Us to learn more.

Donate Online

Make a secure one-time gift, or set up automatic monthly or yearly contributions to provide ongoing support.

Give Now

Mid-NE Community Foundation

Direct your donation through the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation to ensure your gift is managed with care and dedicated to the STEM Building project.

Learn More

Direct Donations

Donations may be made directly to the Lincoln County Ag Society by cash or check. Please include a memo or note designating your gift for the STEM Building Project to ensure it is applied correctly.

In-Kind Support

Contributions of construction materials, supplies, tools, or volunteer time are just as valuable as financial gifts. Your skills and resources can directly help us complete the project.

Sponsor

A great opportunity for corporate and business involvement, helping bring hands-on science and creativity to the Fair. Both monetary sponsors and volunteers are recognized for their support.

Learn More