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Grand Island is a city of about 53,000 people in central Nebraska, the seat of Hall County and one of the state's largest cities. It was founded in 1857 by German settlers near a large island in the Platte River and grew when the Union Pacific Railroad arrived, becoming a busy rail, farming and trade center on the Great Plains.
The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is the top attraction, with a striking main building and Railroad Town, a re-created 1890s prairie town that includes the birthplace home of actor Henry Fonda. Downtown's Railside district has restored brick buildings, local restaurants and the historic Grand Theatre, while the domed Hall County Courthouse rises nearby. The city also hosts the Nebraska State Fair each summer at Fonner Park.
In spring, Grand Island is a base for watching the sandhill crane migration, when hundreds of thousands of cranes gather on the Platte River. The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center and Mormon Island State Recreation Area lie just south along I-80.
A large museum of pioneer life on the plains, with a main building designed by Edward Durell Stone, Pawnee and settler exhibits, and Railroad Town, a re-created 1890s town with dozens of historic buildings including Henry Fonda's birthplace. Railroad Town is open in warmer months; allow half a day.
A nature center just off I-80 south of Grand Island with exhibits, trails, a bridge over the Platte River and prairie with bison. In March it runs guided crane viewing from blinds at dawn and dusk. Blind tours sell out early, so book well ahead, dress warmly and stay quiet.
Nebraska's state fair, held each year in late August and early September at Fonner Park, with livestock shows, carnival rides, grandstand concerts, fair food and agricultural exhibits. It runs for about 11 days. Weekdays are less crowded; check the concert lineup and buy grandstand tickets early.
A racetrack and event complex with live Thoroughbred horse racing in spring, a casino, exhibition buildings and the Heartland Events Center, which hosts concerts and shows. It is also the home of the state fair. Check the racing calendar; spring weekends are the liveliest.
Grand Island's downtown district beside the Union Pacific tracks, with restored brick buildings housing restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques, plus murals and events on the plaza. Trains rumble through regularly. Visit for a meal or a summer street festival and a walk past the old storefronts.
A historic downtown movie theater restored as a community arts venue, hosting films, concerts, comedy and local performances under its classic marquee. It is a fun evening out in the Railside district. Check the schedule online, as events vary from week to week.
A Beaux-Arts county courthouse completed in 1904, with a central dome, columns and a restored interior rotunda, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still a working courthouse, so visit during business hours and expect security screening at the entrance.
A city-run outdoor water park with water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and play areas for young children. It is the go-to spot for families on hot summer days. It is open from early June to mid-August; arrive at opening time to grab shaded seating near the pools.
A large city park with old shade trees, a playground, a small train ride in summer, picnic shelters and walking paths. It is named for William Stolley, one of the city's founders. It is a pleasant stop for families, and it is close to the Stuhr Museum and Fonner Park.
A small state recreation area at the I-80 interchange south of Grand Island, with a sandpit lake for swimming, fishing and paddling, plus campsites and picnic areas. It is handy for road trippers and crane watchers. A Nebraska park entry permit is required for vehicles.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Visit Grand Island, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: SharonPapierdreams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
