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(308) 382-4400info@visitgrandisland.com201 W Third St, Grand Island, NE 68801

Dive In To Nebraska's Favorite Island

Whether you're craving the outdoors, great food and drink, live music, or an escape out of the big city and into relaxation, Grand Island has it all. Hike and bike our trails, camp, glamp, or backpack, explore local flavors, and dive into rich history—all in one wonderful place. Your GRAND adventure starts here.

Start Your Grand AdventureView Visitor Guide

Arts

Be inspired
A female artist holds up a painting that inspired her Grand Island mural.

Byways

Take a drive
A sunset along a byway in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Family Fun

Something for everyone
A child smiling as she goes down a water slide at Island Oasis Water Park in Grand Island, Nebraska.

History

Explore the past
A tepee or tipi at Stuhr Museum.

Museums

Take a wander
The mid-century Stuhr Building designed by Edward Durell Stone.

Nature

Bring your camera
Flocks of sandhill cranes take flight over the Platte River during their spring migration at a public viewing deck.

Recreation

Kick back and relax
Spring flowers create a canopy over a Grand Island hike and bike trail.

Shopping

Find your next treasure
Friends shop at a boutique in downtown Grand Island.
ARTS

Art is Our Second Nature

When you're surrounded by beauty, it makes sense that art happens.

Crane Trust gallery

The Hornady Art Gallery showcases beautiful work by regional artists and photographers with Nebraska ties and subjects.

Visit
Grand Island Little Theater

In addition to its five regular-season productions, GILT hosts a children’s theater workshop unique to this region.

Visit
HEAR Grand Island

HEAR Grand Island is a free summer concert series featuring a wide variety of musical styles.

Visit
Nebraska Art Farm

The Art Farm provides residencies for visual artists, writers, and musicians during the warm months of every year.

Visit
Stuhr Museum gallery

The gallery in the Stuhr Building hosts a variety of arts exhibits throughout the year alongside their history displays.

Visit
Wings Across the Heartland

This collection of murals around the city offer opportunities for free-flying selfies with your friends.

Visit

Cruise Along Our Byways

Roll down the windows, feel the wind in your hair, and lose yourself in the wide-open skies of prairie as far as your eye can see. This is what people mean when they talk about the "good times."

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway

This 272-mile byway cuts through the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills' grass-stabilized sand dunes, 20,000 square miles of them.

Learn More
A highway in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Lincoln Highway historic Byway

Explore the Father Road: Grand Island is rich with historic Lincoln Highway sites.

Learn More
Kensinger gas has operated in Grand Island since the 1930s.

Loup Rivers Scenic Byway

The Loup River valleys that creep northwest from Grand Island into the Sandhills offer beautiful scenery and unique rural experiences.

Learn More
Gracie Creek near Calamus Reservoir in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Fun for the whole family

We all know that sometimes the kiddos just need to run around. And then run around some more. Of course they can do this at parks which are abundant here in Grand Island, but this list offers a few other ideas for times when the weather isn't cooperating or traditional playgrounds are deemed uninteresting.

Community Fieldhouse
A classic black and white soccer ball rests on a lush green grass field. The scene conveys anticipation and readiness for a game or practice session.

The fieldhouse offers indoor volleyball, basketball, soccer, batting cages, meeting rooms, and a small playground October-April.

Visit
Stuhr Museum
A lantern and line of children at Stuhr Museum's All Hallows Eve halloween event.

This 200-acre living history museum offers static displays as well as a recreated pioneer town filled with historical interpreters.

Visit
The Happy Brush
Young child smiling while painting at a colorful table covered with art supplies. The scene is lively, with a warm, creative atmosphere.

The Happy Brush offers crafts and party spaces for adults and children including blank canvases, ceramics, wood pieces, and more.

Visit
Kids Kingdom
Wooden playground with slide towers, turrets, and a rocket structure, enclosed by a wooden fence. A leafless tree adds a whimsical touch.

This 28,000 square foot playground offers swings, twisty slides, bridges, castles, a pirate ship, and rock wall to delight children of all ages.

Visit
Splash Pads
Children play at the Veterans Sports Complex splash pad in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Beat the heat with water hoops and sprays at our park's splash pads.

Visit
Pete’s Safari
Large moose statue in foreground, rustic building labeled "Pete's Safari" in background. Bright day, outdoor setting with grass and decorative items.

This small exotic animal safari gets you up close to 40 species, including 7 endangered animals.

Visit
Crane Trust Nature Center
A child wearing sunglasses kneels on a sandy riverbank under a clear blue sky, arranging sticks. A bridge spans the river in the background, surrounded by greenery.

The nature center offers an art gallery, static displays, a butterfly garden, a bison herd, and trails down to the Platte River.

Visit
Edgerton Explorit Center
The Harold Edgerton Education Center in Aurora, Nebraska.

This hands-on science center in Aurora will keep children entertained while educating them at the same time.

Visit
Outdoor Learning Center
Sunflowers and an information sign at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska.

This outdoor education area at Fonner Park offers opportunities for play, learning, and environmental education.

Visit
Raising Nebraska
A father points out map information to his son at Raising Nebraska.

This free, interactive agricultural experience educates children and adults every weekday about how food gets from the farm to forks.

Visit
Spring City Trampoline Park
Children navigate an obstacle course at Spring City Trampoline Park.

Jump on over to Spring City for rock climbing, obstacle courses, dodgeball and more.

Visit
Island Oasis
Two smiling girls enjoy a sunny day, floating in a blue inner tube on a sparkling lake, with water splashing playfully around them.

This water park offers six acres of family fun including a lazy river, wave pool, speed slides, a zero-depth area and more.

Visit
The Cairo Roots Museum in Nebraska.

Cairo Roots Museum

The Cairo Roots Research Museum documents the history of northwestern Hall County, Nebraska.

Read more
Art deco theater interior with ornate ceiling and colorful lighting, featuring an empty stage with a red curtain. Audience seated, calm atmosphere.

The Grand Theatre

Experience film like it was intended to be. This 1937 art deco theater shows films Friday-Sunday evenings.

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A display of Lincoln Highway road signs in Pioneer Park.

Historical Markers

View or download the Hall County Historical Society's list and map of historical markers.

Read more

Heritage & History

The central Nebraska prairies where the city of Grand Island grew up can be characterized by transportation. To read more about the history of the city click here.

Hall County Historical Society Website
Railside Walking Tour East
Railside Walking Tour West
A blacksmith in Stuhr Museum's Railroad Town.

Stuhr Museum

This 200-acre living history museum offers static displays as well as a recreated pioneer railroad town filled with historical interpreters.

Read more
An information display at the Townsley Murdock Mormon Trail Site near Grand Island, Nebraska.

Townsley-Murdock Site

See wagon ruts on a 2-acre plot of prairie that has never been plowed (Alda Road and Guenther Road, north of I-80 exit 305).

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A blacksmith in Stuhr Museum's Railroad Town.
Modern building with tall columns illuminated at night, reflecting on a calm body of water. A crescent moon shines above in a clear, deep blue sky.

Step into the story

Every museum tells a story, but Stuhr Museum puts you in the story. The Washington Post proclaimed it one of America's top 12 Living History Museums. Good Housekeeping magazine ranks Stuhr Museum as one of the top 10 places to relive America's past.

The 200 acre campus boasts spectacular architecture, gardens, and inspiring historical and artistic exhibits. This family friendly outing is sure to please!

the stuhr building

The main Stuhr Building was designed by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. The museum's 1890s Railroad Town is a recreated prairie community populated by costumed interpreters living out the lives of prairie pioneers: cooking on wood stoves, selling wares in the mercantile, crafting in the planing mill, and hammering horseshoes in the blacksmith’s shop. Festivals and holiday celebrations are abundant all year round in Railroad Town.

The museum also cares for collections of artifacts related to prairie life, Native Americans, and early farm equipment. Other exhibits include an arboretum, Pawnee Indian earth lodge, a historic church, and pioneer farmstead.

Modern building with tall columns illuminated at night, reflecting on a calm body of water. A crescent moon shines above in a clear, deep blue sky.

Stuhr Museum

This 200-acre living history museum offers static displays as well as a recreated pioneer railroad town filled with historical interpreters.

Read more
Indoor exhibition with a large "Nebraska" sign above a central kiosk displaying screens. The setup includes bright lights and farming-themed displays.

raising nebraska

Raising Nebraska is a 25,000 square foot interactive experience showing how food goes from farm to fork.

Read more
The Cairo Roots Museum in Nebraska.

Cairo Roots Museum

The Cairo Roots Research Museum documents the history of northwestern Hall County, Nebraska.

Read more

One-of-a-Kind Museums, Literally

Our museums feature pioneer and Native American history, agriculture, and science.

The Harold Edgerton Education Center in Aurora, Nebraska.

edgerton explorit center

This hands-on science center in Aurora is named after Harold “Doc” Edgerton, known for inventing the strobe.

Read more
The Hastings Museum entrance in Hastings, Nebraska.

hastings museum

This museum in Hastings offers an array of temporary and permanent exhibits, a planetarium, and a super screen theater.

Read more
NATURE

Outdoors Without Borders

We know, nature can seem intimidating. It's okay! Take a deep breath, taste the freshest air you've had in a long time, feel the wind in your hair, and know everything will be better than you ever expected.

Crane Trust Nature Center
The Crane Trust visitor center along Interstate 80.

The nature center offers an art gallery, static displays, a butterfly garden, a bison herd, and trails down to the Platte River.

Visit
Platte River Prairies
A pair of hikers walk through summer wildflowers at Derr Prairie near Wood River, Nebraska.

Located between Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska, The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies are a chain of grasslands and wetlands that are managed for biological diversity with a combination of prescribed fire and grazing.  These prairies are also working laboratories for the development of innovative techniques for grassland management that restore and/or maintain the diversity of life found in high quality grasslands. Most importantly, they are full of life, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates, and plants.

Visit
Gjerloff Prairie
A couple hiking toward the education center at Gjerloff Prairie.

Situated only a mile east of Gjerloff Prairie on the Platte River Bluffs of Hamilton County, Sherman Ranch's gently rolling plateau, rugged canyons, river escarpment and expansive level lowland spread out across a broad and picturesque landscape, which, when including surrounding properties, makes it seem much larger than its 650 acres. Sherman Ranch features of particular note include one mile of Platte River frontage and lowland meadow with wetlands. The large canyon has branch canyons and several sheer cliffs, which expose a 40,000- to 50,000-year-old strata of sediment deposition, perhaps even concealing ice age mammoth fossils.

Visit
Mormon Island
A kayaker floating down the Platte River through Mormon Island State Recreation Area.

Just off Interstate 80 by Grand Island, Mormon Island State Recreation Area is a convenient place for outdoor fun. Mormon Island has accessible fishing piers, modern camping, great fishing, great swim beaches and abundant picnicking opportunities. Mormon Island West has 42 surface acres of water, and the middle island has 19 surface acres of water.

Visit
Download Park Map
Sherman Ranch
A group of hikers on the West Ridge Trail at Sherman Ranch prairie.

The fieldhouse offers indoor volleyball, basketball, soccer, batting cages, meeting rooms and a small playground.

Visit

See The Sandhill Cranes

Your headquarters for the spring migration of the sandhill cranes every March, the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is open year-round. Hike on their trails along the Platte River, rest in the butterfly garden, or enjoy wildlife-themed artwork on your visit. Located right off Interstate 80 (Exit 305) in central Nebraska, it also offers clean bathrooms and a gift shop.

10,000 acres of conservation

The Crane Trust is primarily a conservation organization, preserving habitat for endangered whooping cranes, river otters, sandhill cranes, and many other plants and animals on more than 10,000 acres along the Platte River. This includes a herd of genetically important bison. The Crane Trust's fully-functioning research program works to increase diversity in their bison herd by introducing new lineages from other North American conservation herds. This helps ensure the resiliency of the species. Currently, the Crane Trust's herd — roaming restored prairies — represents genetic lineages from Yellowstone National Park, Wind Cave, Teddy Roosevelt National Parks, as well as Fort Niobrara and Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.

North American wildlife migration

Every February, sandhill cranes begin their spring migration north from Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. Roughly 1,000 miles into that migration, they stop for a 2-3 week break on the Platte River in central Nebraska to refuel before continuing to their northern nesting grounds. While in Nebraska, they will feed in cornfields and marshes near the river. The Crane Trust offers viewing-blind tours during the month of March to experience this great North America migration up close.

Sandhill cranes roosting on the foggy Platte River near Grand Island.
A sandhill crane with gray plumage and a striking red crown stands gracefully by a blurred water background, conveying calmness and elegance.
A sandhill crane with gray plumage and a striking red crown stands gracefully by a blurred water background, conveying calmness and elegance.

Recreation For Days

Enjoy our city's recreational facilities whether you're doing this, doing that, or doing nothing while simply watching your friends and family have the time of their lives.

A golfer teeing off at Jackrabbit Run in Grand Island.

Golf Courses

Indianhead Golf Club
Jackrabbit Run Golf Course
Wood River Golf Course
Riverside Golf Club
Centura Hills Golf Club
Fonner View Golf Course
A group at the sporting clays range in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Heartland Public Shooting park

Now managed by Hornady, the Heartland Public Shooting Park features the most complete array of recreational and competitive opportunities in the region.

A mom and her daughters bicycle along a trail in Grand Island.

Grand Island Trails

Hall County has a growing network of hike/bike trails criss-crossing the community and providing access to some of the parks and schools. A map and list of trails are available.
An aerial view of the water park in Grand Island, Nebraska.

island oasis water park

This water park offers six acres of family fun, including a lazy river, wave pool, speed slides, a zero-depth area and more.
Three college students in the lake at Mormon Island State Recreation Area.

mormon island

Just off Interstate 80 by Grand Island, Mormon Island has accessible fishing piers, modern camping, a swimming beach, and abundant picnicking opportunities. This park is expanding significantly; look new recreation opportunities in coming years.
A young boy wearing a helmet jumps at the skate park in Grand Island, Nebraska.

skate park

A new concrete skate park was installed in 2025! This $900,000 investment has been lauded by locals and a professional BMX rider who has experience shredding skate parks all across the world.
A young woman walks her German Shepherd puppy at L.E. Ray Lake in Grand Island.

dog park

The dog park at L.E. Ray Park and Lake has separate fenced areas for large breeds and smaller breeds. The smaller breeds have access to an obstacle course, and larger breeds get to play on the beach.
The fieldhouse in Grand Island, Nebraska, set up for soccer.

grand island fieldhouse

The Community Fieldhouse is a 70,000 square foot facility that includes indoor batting cages, turf sports fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, meeting rooms, and a children's playground.
A child runs through colorful hoops spraying mist at a Grand Island park splash pad.

Grand Island parks

Grand Island offers 34 parks totaling 437 acres and encompassing 26 ballfields, 43 playgrounds, and 15 pickleball courts. City recreation manages a fieldhouse, water park, pool and splash pads, golf course, and summer programs.

Hall County Park is a favorite place locals to walk and has a nice campground as well.

hall county park

This park is a favorite place for walkers, offering a paved loop as well as nature trails through the trees. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, and both tent and RV camping are also available.

Veterans Athletic Complex

This park not only plays host to softball, pickleball, and soccer tournaments, it also happens to be next to a lake for fishing surrounded by a paved trail, playgrounds, and splash pad.
Attractions

Attractions

Boredom? What's that?

Central Nebraska’s Entertainment Destination

Fonner Park is a 200-acre campus offering a wide variety of activities and events. Originally built as a home for the Hall County Fair, it now also hosts the Nebraska State Fair and other national livestock shows. It's home to live thoroughbred horse racing every February through May, concerts and sporting events at the Heartland Events Center, the Raising Nebraska agricultural experience, and the Grand Island Casino Resort.

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Website: Visit the Grand Island Casino Resort

Phone: (308) 382-4515
Address: 700 E Stolley Park Rd

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Thoroughbred Horse Racing
Racehorses with jockeys in colorful silks charging forward on a dirt track, kicking up dust. Trees and a fence blur in the background, conveying speed.

Live thoroughbred horse racing at Grand Island's Fonner Park is Nebraska's springtime tradition! From mid-February into early May, the ponies compete for purses like they've done since 1954. Bring the family out for food and fun

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Website: Visit Fonner Park

Phone: (308) 382-4515

‍Address: 700 E Stolley Park Rd

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View: Live Racing Calendar

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Raising Nebraska
Exhibit titled "Nebraska is not as flat as you might think" shows elevation changes. Visitors observe related displays on a large, illustrative wall.

The Nebraska agriculture showplace! Open year-round, Raising Nebraska is an agricultural experience detailing how our food goes from farm to fork. Its museum-quality, interactive displays include a walkable map, a touchscreen dining table, a full-size center pivot section, and an adjacent 1-acre educational garden. The full presentation kitchen hosts cooking demonstrations, workshops, and training.


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View Website: Raising Nebraska

Phone: 308-385-3967

Address: 501 E Fonner Park Rd, Suite 100

Heartland Events Center
A basketball player in a white jersey shoots a jump shot as a defender in a blue jersey attempts to block. The scene is energetic in a crowded indoor arena.

The Heartland Events Center is home to concerts, rodeo, monster trucks, sporting events, and trade shows. Square in the middle of the Fonner Park campus, the 30,000-square-foot Eihusen Arena hosts everything from banquets to basketball tournaments. Family entertainment such as concerts and monster trucks visit the arena as well. Check the Heartland Events Center calendar for your next date night or outing with friends or family. 


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View Website: Heartland Event Center

Phone: 308-675-8060

Address: 690 E Stolley Park Rd

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Nebraska State Fair
A vibrant carnival scene at sunset, featuring a large, brightly-lit Ferris wheel and colorful booths. The sky is a gradient of orange to deep blue.

Celebrate Nebraska! The Nebraska State Fair features a variety of concerts, a fantastic midway, and agricultural competitions in some of the most modern fair facilities around.


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Entertainment is spread across the grounds and includes exotic animals, stunts, and musicians. A variety of concerts in numerous genres are scheduled outdoors and in the Heartland Events Center.

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View Website: State Fair

Phone: 308-382-1620

Address: 501 E Fonner Park Rd, Suite 200

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Roadside wonders

This diner has been around since the 1930s in downtown Grand Island, Nebraska.

Coney Island

The Katrouzos family has operated this lunch counter since 1933.
104 E 3rd St
Fred's Flying Circus on Fourth Street in Grand Island, Nebraska, is a unique roadside attraction.

Fred's Flying Circus

Stop along fabulous Fourth Street and have a gander and the gaggle of flying cartoon cars.
503 E 4th St

Kensinger Service & Supply

This full service gas station along the historic Lincoln Highway has been open since 1936.

1810 Lincoln Highway
The train at Stolley Park in Grand Island Nebraska is a favorite for families.

Stolley Park Railroad

A significant remodel of this family favorite is in the works!

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The Stuhr Building

This example of modern architecture was designed by Edward Durell Stone.

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The flyover in downtown Grand Island, Nebraska, is a hot spot for train lovers.

Railroad Hot Spot

The flyover in Grand Island's Railside district is a must-see for train enthusiasts.
East Third St
GREAT SHOPPING SPOTS

Shopping

In the past 10 years, Grand Island has grown into a more significant retail hub than ever before. Shoppers will find a high concentration of boutiques and antique shops in the Railside District. The old malls along Merchandise Mile have been renovated into modern shopping centers with new places to shop. Whether you're looking for weekly groceries or Christmas gifts, Grand Island's shopping options are here for you.

Railside District

Railside is Grand Island's historic downtown. It is known for its antique shops, but other boutiques have popped up in force over the past 5 years.

Visit Us
A young woman sits in an antique chair while shopping at boutiques in Grand Island, Nebraska's, historic Railside district.

Merchandise Mile

Merchandise Mile follows Highway 281 on the west side of Grand Island. National retail chains and restaurants line both sides of the highway.

Two women carry bags of clothing they purchased at the Conestoga Marketplace in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Western wear

Grand Island's roots run deep in agriculture, and the cutest cowboy boots can be found at local stores.

A young woman tries on a cowboy hat at a western wear store in Grand Island, Nebraska.

simply gRAND for all

Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay ahead with Grand Island Tourism.

View our Visitor Guide

Our visitor guide is the best way to navigate our simply GRAND city. View now.

See the Sandhill Cranes

This once-in-a-lifetime experience won't come to you! Book your stay, bring your binoculars, and see the birds!

Request a physical Brochure

Drop us your details and we'll send you your new favorite travel companion.