10 Things To Do Your First Year in Grand Island, Nebraska
New to Grand Island? We've got you covered with a new-to-town bucket list.
Grand Island, NE, is a quintessential midwestern town located near the Platte River. Just 90 minutes outside Lincoln, this town of 55,000 is the perfect place to plant roots for young professionals and families. Residents have access to a variety of amenities, but the city’s strong community spirit and relaxed pace of life draw in newbies.
You’ll love living in Grand Island, because life here is grand. And once you’ve unpacked your boxes and met the neighbors, you’ll want to start exploring your new neck of the woods.
Whether you’ve just moved there, are passing through on a visit, or are a long-time resident, these are 10 of the best things to do while you’re there.
In This Article
1. Learn About Nebraska’s History and Culture
The 200-acre Stuhr Museum’s centerpiece is the elegant Stuhr Building, surrounded by a circle of water. It was designed by famed architect Edward Durell Stone, who also designed the Kennedy Center and Radio City Music Hall. The building houses rotating exhibits on Nebraska art and history. There’s a fun, interactive children’s space on the main floor and a café. For more on the area’s indigenous history, spend some time looking through the exhibits at the Gus Fonner Rotunda.
During the summer, Railroad Town comes alive as it is transformed into a prairie town from the 1890s. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the blacksmith shop, tinsmith, general store, one-room schoolhouse and more. It even has the house where Hollywood star Henry Fonda was born.
2. Marvel at the Sandhill Crane Migration
In one of the world’s most impressive wildlife spectacles, a million sandhill cranes come through Nebraska between mid-February and early April to spend time near the Platte River to fatten up before they continue north. They are most impressive as they gather in groups of thousands to roost along the river at sunset, and Crane Trust runs tours to their viewing blinds to see the mass gatherings of the noisy sandhill cranes and learn more about this ancient species.
3. Get Your Feet Wet
Island Oasis Water Park is spread over six acres and has a massive wave pool, giant water slides over 100 feet long for thrill seekers, and a lazy river for those who just want to relax. It’s also got sand volleyball, a playground for kids, and concessions. For decades, it’s been a summer-time can’t-miss for Grand Island families.
4. Enjoy Year-Round Entertainment
Fonner Park, to the east of town, is the site of several beloved annual events. Some of the highlights include Rodeo Grand Island, springtime thoroughbred horse races, and, of course, the 11-day Nebraska State Fair at the end of summer, where you can ride rides, try various tasty treats on a stick, and take in a concert or livestock show.
5. Take a Bite Out of the Foodie Scene
The Enchanted Bakery serves some of the tastiest and prettiest cakes, cupcakes and cheesecake around. At The Chocolate Bar, visitors can sample house-made chocolates and stunning desserts like old-fashioned chocolate cake with hazelnut ganache and pound cake with almond buttercream. The chic café goes beyond desserts — serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, too!
6. Sip on a Local Brew
Check out the award-winning craft beer at Prairie Pride Brewery and Taproom. They’ve got a mix of options, from amber ale to coffee stout, that pair perfectly with the pizza they make in their taproom. For a family-friendly tipple, The Chicken Coop sports bar makes its own cream soda and root beer on-site.
7. Explore Your Artsy Side
HEAR Grand Island is a 10-week-long music festival that offers free music every Friday at the Railside Plaza in the center of town. With different acts each week, there’s a real mix of music from country to rock to jazz to heavy metal. For a show of a different kind, the Grand Island Little Theatre has been putting on plays and musicals for over 50 years, and the quality of the performances is impressive! For cinema fans, the restored 1930s Grand Theatre downtown is a beautiful piece of history that shows movies on the weekends.
8. Enjoy the Endless Outdoors
Mormon Island State Recreation Area, a 15-minute drive south from downtown Grand Island, got its name from the Mormon emigrants who used the area in the 1840s when it was literally an island in the middle of the Platte River. Now, it’s a picturesque waterfront destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s got fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, kayaking and picnicking.
9. Discover Downtown
Grand Island became a railroad town in 1866 when the Union Pacific Railroad arrived as part of the transcontinental railroad project. The town was built around the railroad, and the historic downtown is now known as Railside. The neighborhood has an eclectic combination of antique shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants in restored historic buildings.
While the city has the railroad to thank for its founding and expansion, its railroad connections are hardly in the past—140 trains per day still make their way through Grand Island. If you’re a train buff, you’ll want to check out The Diamond, where the BNSF railway crosses the Union Pacific tracks at 3rd and Oak Streets, just east of downtown.
10. Fun for the Whole Family
Stop by Stolley Park on a summer weekend to take a ride on the miniature railroad line. The park is perfect for families and visitors of all ages looking to stretch out their legs. On site, there are places to play pickleball, basketball, tennis and disc golf, along with a replica of an early settler’s cabin and some incredibly scenic flower gardens.