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.