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 off 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 Centre. 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. Stroll further down the trail to see wild bison herds grazing in the park and head to the Visitor Centre 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 artefacts. 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.
Check out Fonner Park between February and May to experience one of Nebraska’s major horseracing tracks in action. Head to the Heartland Public Shooting Park and choose from an extensive variety of shooting ranges, from skeet and trap ranges to sporting clay and rifle ranges.
Central Nebraska Regional Airport is located just outside town and offers services to selected cities in the U.S. Drive through the area via the Sandhills Scenic Journey Byway, a popular route that trails through sand dunes and prairie grasslands. Lincoln Highway and Loup Rivers Scenic Byway pass through small towns and unbeatable landscapes.
