Grand Island, NE

Travel Guide

Grand Island showing a house
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer which includes interior views
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer which includes a small town or village
Photo provided by Grand Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Grand Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

The appeal of Nebraska’s central city is diverse: From wildlife viewing to historical attractions, this prairie town offers exhilarating and relaxing choices.

Located in the heart of Nebraska, Grand Island is both historic prairie town and cultural hub.

The downtown has many antique shops, boutiques and art galleries. Merchandise Mile offers bigger brand names. Relax in a downtown café or restaurant or tee up at one of the town’s 18-hole golf courses.

Island Oasis is an aquatic park that delights guests of all ages. It features water slides, wave pools and a lazy river. Take children on a historic ride aboard a mini-train at Stolley Park Railroad.

Grand Island is famous as a migratory resting spot for sandhill cranes. Study the species at Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center. The facilities offer miles of trails winding along the Platte River. Take a tour using viewing blinds to spy on birds in their natural habitat, then stroll farther down the trail to see wild bison herds grazing in the park. Afterward, head to the Visitor Center to review the facility’s wildlife exhibits and art galleries.

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer brings the region’s history to life. Head to the Stuhr Building to investigate rotating exhibits that highlight the region’s history. The Gus Fonner Memorial Rotunda is filled with Native American artifacts. The Antique Machinery Building showcases historic cars and farm equipment. Stuhr Museum’s crown jewel is Railroad Town, a village featuring 60 buildings with actors re-creating life as it was in the 1890s.

Mormon Island State Recreation Area earned its name for being a stopping place during the religious migration to Salt Lake City in the late 1800s. Today, the park features waterfront access for swimming, boating, fishing and camping.

Central Nebraska Regional Airport is located just outside town and offers services to selected cities in the U.S. Many famous scenic auto routes also pass through the area. Lincoln Highway was America’s first paved coast-to-coast roadway and Loup Rivers Scenic Byway goes through small towns and unbeatable landscapes.

Where to stay in Grand Island

Grand Island featuring zoo animals, interior views and art

Railside

While Railside isn't home to many top sights, Island Oasis Water Park and Nebraska State Fair Grounds are some notable places to visit nearby.

Railside
Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Island I-80

Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Island I-80

2.5 out of 5
7800 South Hwy 281, Grand Island, NE
$84 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$93 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grand Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Good enough to spend the night"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Grand Island I-80
Ramada by Wyndham Midtown Grand Island

Ramada by Wyndham Midtown Grand Island

3 out of 5
2503 S Locust St, Grand Island, NE
$94 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$107 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Grand Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Tracey, who worked in the restaurant, was amazing. She explained that the hotel first opened in the 60's and the different upgrades over the years. She has been there 35 years. We loved the beautiful heated pool and hot tub. The food was great and eventhough it was upgrated still had the feelings ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Midtown Grand Island
Motel 6 Grand Island, NE

Motel 6 Grand Island, NE

2 out of 5
7301 Bosselman Ave, Grand Island, NE
$73 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$81 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Grand Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (886 reviews)
"Cleanest motel 6 I have been in since 80’s"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Motel 6 Grand Island, NE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 2-bedroom apartment in the Historic Downtown Grand Island

Charming 2-bedroom apartment in the Historic Downtown Grand Island

Grand Island
Stay at this apartment in Grand Island. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Island Oasis Water Park and Nebraska ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Modern Loft with Downtown Vibe
"Great loft in a lively downtown atmosphere. The only suggestion would be to have darkening shades and or darkening curtains in the bedrooms with windows. Lots of natural lighting throughout the loft. So having the flexibility to close blinds, etc. would be nice. Would recommend this loft! Manager ..."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Charming 2-bedroom apartment in the Historic Downtown Grand Island
3 bedroom, 2 bath in a quiet neighborhood. 

Newly remodeled side of a duplex.

3 bedroom, 2 bath in a quiet neighborhood. Newly remodeled side of a duplex.

Grand Island
Stay at this vacation home in Grand Island. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Grand Island Tennis Center and Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"This was such a nice place! Very clean and it felt very homey. Aaron's communication was excellent and gave me direction when i needed it before i asked. Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

3 bedroom, 2 bath in a quiet neighborhood. Newly remodeled side of a duplex.
3 bd/1.5 bth townhome Mins from Dwntwn & Fairgrounds. Private Fenced Back Patio

3 bd/1.5 bth townhome Mins from Dwntwn & Fairgrounds. Private Fenced Back Patio

2 out of 5
Grand Island
Stay at this vacation home in Grand Island. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Nebraska State Fair Grounds and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
Grand Island stay
"We originally had a different location but there was an issue. Our host immediately got us a different accommodation. We were very pleased with our place as well as the quick response."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

3 bd/1.5 bth townhome Mins from Dwntwn & Fairgrounds. Private Fenced Back Patio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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