Tommy Gunz
CENTRAL NEBRASKA REGIONAL AIRPORT
Grand Island Nebraska Welcome to Grand Island
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Eagle Scout Park
Veterans Athletic Complex
Jackrabbit Run Golf
Days Inn
Northwest H.S.
Hike-Bike Trail
CAPITAL AVE
CAPITAL AVE
Grand Island H.S.
Railroad Hotspot
The streets in Railside were originally platted to parallel the railroad tracks. As the city grew, planners decided new roads would point true north. City lot parking is free.
STATE ST
Comfort Inn
Lincoln Pool
Sleep Inn
13TH ST
Central Catholic H.S.
Fairfield Holiday Inn Candlewood
H
CHI St. Francis
Amur Plaza
FAIDLEY AVE
Visitor Center
The Grand Theatre
City Hall
Hampton
Sorenson Fields
Pier Park
Ryder Park
Resident Suites
OLD POTASH HWY
BISMARK ST
Courthouse
Conoco Motel
Relax Inn
Island Oasis Water Park
Raising Nebraska
Pioneer Park
Suck’s Lake
Travelodge
Grand Island Casino Resort Heartland Events Center
Grand Island Library
Fonner Park
Home of the Nebraska State Fair
STOLLEY PARK RD
Island Inn Ramada Super 8 Best Western
Stolley Park
Fonner View Golf
Heartland Public Shooting Park
GI Extended Stay Mainstay Super 8
Riverside Golf
Indianhead Golf
L.E. Ray Park
Husker Harvest Days site
College Park
Central Community College
Heartland Lutheran H.S.
Boarders
HUSKER HWY
Grand Island Regional HUSKER HWY
Stuhr Museum
Comfort Suites
H
GRAND ISLAND I-80 EXIT 312
Townsley-Murdock Immigrant Trail Site (Alda & Guenther Roads)
Mormon Island
Motel 6
SpringHill Suites opening summer 2025
314
USA Inns
312
Hike-Bike Trail
Suburban Inn Quality Inn Days Inn
Hall County Park
Nature & Visitor Center
SCHIMMER DR
305
Crane Trust
Hastings and I-80 Exit 312
Doniphan and I-80 Exit 314
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7 Cover and this spread: Sandhill cranes, photographed at Crane Cabin Retreat
If we had a table of contents , we'd put it here.
But we hope the Grand Island Vibe is more of an inspiration to visit our city than a directory. Sure, it's got a lot of information in it, but if you want to know where your favorite chain restaurant or car rental place is you'll use that supercomputer in your pocket we call a phone. And we're OK with that. So take the time to peruse this publication. Don't rush it . It's not a social media feed that's going to randomly refresh and leave you wondering what that interesting image you were about to click on — and is now lost forever — was all about. And if you do happen to lose or give away your copy, we'll happily send you a new one.
City population 53,000 County population 63,000 1,841 Feet above sea level
Climate
Summer Avg. high 87°, low 64° Autumn Avg. high 64°, low 39° Winter Avg. high 32°, low 12° Spring Avg. high 62°, low 38° Annual Precipitation Avg. 24.9 inches
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Welcome to
Grand Island Grand Island is home to the Spring Migration of the Sandhill Cranes and
the Nebraska State Fair. Deeply rooted in agriculture, our city annually hosts national ag events and builds farm equipment. Weʼre proud of our 200-acre living history museum, Stuhr Museum, and Heartland Public Shooting Park, one of the finest facilities of its kind. Grand Island also offers unique shopping, dining, breweries, and the historic Railside district.
Published by Grand Island Tourism and The Grand Island Independent. For information about advertising and
distribution, call The Grand Island Independent at 308-382-1000. Visit the Grand Island Tourism office in the historic Railside district for more information about our city. 201 West 3rd Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 308-382-4400 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm VisitGrandIsland.com
Tourism Grand Island
Ramada
VisitGrandIsland.com | 11
TAKE AIM AT THE REGION’S PREMIERE SHOOTING PARK! Now managed by Hornady, the Heartland Public Shooting Park features the most complete array of recreational and competitive opportunities in the region, including: • SKEET • SPORTING CLAYS • TRAP • FIVE-STAND • RIFLE • HANDGUN • RIMFIRE • ARCHERY • REGION’S ONLY OLYMPIC BUNKER TRAP • COMPETITIVE AND RECREATIONAL LEAGUES • PRIVATE EVENTS
308.385.5048 hpsp@hornady.com
MANAGEDBY HORNADY ®
6788 W. Husker Hwy., Alda, NE HeartlandPublicShootingPark.com
GRAND ISLAND’S ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS HUB
Nationwide Simulcasting
LIVE RACING February 15 toMay 3 Fri. | Sat. | Sun. (Excludes Easter)
OPEN DAILY
HORSERACING | TRADE SHOWS SPORTING EVENTS | CONCERTS CONVENTIONS | AGSHOWS REGIONAL & NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOWS
WEDDING RECEPTIONS BANQUETS | MEETINGS FINISH LINE RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE LIVE DRAW KENO FAMILY AND COMMUNITY EVENTS 700 E. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, Ne 68801 | 308-382-4515 | www.fonnerpark.com
SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2025 | GRAND ISLAND, NE JOIN THE STAMPEDE AT HUSKER HARVEST DAYS
As the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show, Husker Harvest Days delivers a one-of-a-kind farming and cattle ranching experience tailored specifically for the agricultural community.
To learn more scan the QR code, or go to HuskerHarvestDays.com
Platinum Sponsors :
HOSTING WORLD-CLASS AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK EVENTS
DID YOU KNOW...
GILCA hosts multiple events annually that create millions of dollars of impact on the Grand Island economy and that continues to grow in subsequent years.
The animal industry in Nebraska has a $13.2 billion economic footprint.
According to a recent study by UNL, the social relationships, character, exposure to competition, exposure to other cultures, knowledge and care of animals were positive outcomes of youth participation in livestock shows.
GILCA works to promote year-round use of the world-class livestock show facilities in the heart of the Midwest at Fonner Park. Situated in the thriving city of Grand Island, Nebraska, we offer all the amenities of large metropolitan areas, with the comfort and ease of small community.
American Shorthorn Association Junior National ...................................... June 22-28, 2025 American Dairy Goat Association National Show....July 11 - 18, 2025 Platte Valley Boer-Nanza ........................................... October 2 - 5, 2025 AGR Progress Show .................................................... December 2025
JANA SITTLER GILCA SHOW MANAGER 402-239-0519 jsittler@gilca.org
308.382.4515 GILCA.ORG 700 E. STOLLEY PARK ROAD GRAND ISLAND, NE 402-239-0519
Entertainment
Amplifying the Fonner Park campus as an entertainment hub, the Grand Island Casino Resort is slated to open early-to-mid 2025. Watch live thoroughbred horse races from the casino's deck February-May. Next door to the new resort, the
Heartland Events Center has new management intent on increasing the number and variety of shows in the arena.
Catch live music at the Liederkranz and new speakeasies in Railside.
New resort casino 308-675-5600, GrandIslandResort.com
Visit the Grand Island Casino Resort, a remarkable addition to Fonner Park! The resort will feature a spa, salon, and indoor and outdoor pools. East-facing rooms in the seven-story hotel will overlook the horse track. The property houses three restaurants featuring an extravagant top-floor steakhouse, a classy outlet for family dining with a casual grab-and-go option, and a sports lounge for the most dedicated sports fans. Enjoy live entertainment in the show lounge and top-tier gaming in the casino featuring 750 slot machines — all of which can be played in any denomination — 20 live table games, and a poker room. (This facility will replace the temporary location currently operating in the racing concourse. )
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t hE G rAnd t hEAtrE GrandMovieTheatre.com This 1937 Art Deco movie house is one of the landmarks in Railside. The Grand Theatre sparkles like it did on opening day, showcasing a unique cinematic experience for locals and visitors. But more than just a place to catch a movie, it's a symbol of the city's spirit and Railside's ongoing transformation. Movies can be seen every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Tickets are $5 for adults or $4 for kids and seniors (age 55 and up).
A ftEr dArk Festoon lights brighten Third Street in the Railside district where you'll find the new Archives cocktail lounge and Henry J's speakeasy. More established nightlife entertainment includes J. Alfred Prufrock's martini bar and Prairie Pride Brewing Company. Across town along Merchandise Mile you'll find axe throwing at Axeholes and a new project by B&B Theaters that will include a seven-screen theater, bowling alley, arcade, and pickleball courts.
E vEnts cEntEr HeartlandEventsCenter.com Grand Island is stoked to see what VenuWorks, the new Heartland Events Center management firm, brings to the city. Its team is working aggressively to expand the events center's concert and live entertainment options, including music, festivals, and everything in between. Returning acts in 2025 include annual favorites such as Harlem Globetrotters, Rodeo Grand Island, and a whole bunch of clowning around at the circus.
The Nebraska Springtime Tradition 700 E. Stolley Park Rd. 308-382-4515, FonnerPark.com Thoroughbred horses have raced along the home stretch toward the finish line for more than 70 years at Fonner Park. The 2025 season goes from February 15 to May 3. Bring the family out for live music, car shows, and food while watching the horses do what they love best — run at The Fon!
VisitGrandIsland.com | 19
Heritage
& history
People have traveled through the prairie that became and is Grand Island by foot, by oxen, by steam, and by gasoline. Once the largest horse and mule market in the world, the city later became a stopping point for the transcontinental railroad and Lincoln Highway. It established itself as a center
for agricultural industry with Àour and sugar mills leading to grain bins and combines today.
Stuhr Museum 3133 W. Highway 34, 308-385-5316 StuhrMuseum.org
Every museum tells a story, but Stuhr Museum puts you in the story. National publications list it as one of the top places to relive America's past. The 200-acre campus boasts a main building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone; a recreated railroad town with operating homes and businesses; and displays related to prairie life, Native Americans, and early farm equipment. Celebrate holidays with Stuhr Museum. Historic celebrations happen annually for the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas. Its glaciarium (ice skating rink) is popular during the winter.
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M EMORIALS Caring for those who have lived a life of service for our country and communities has been part of Grand Island's identity since the Nebraska Soldiers and Sailors Home was built in 1887. The 7-acre Grand Island veterans cemetery is being expanded into a Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, and a new sculpture was added to Veterans Park in 2024. The high school's Memorial Stadium was expanded and restored in 2021 honoring veterans.
W ALKING TOURS Get off the Interstate to see America! Walking tours allow you to engage with your environment, not just zip by it. Grand Island Tourism's guided and digital tours allow you to step back in time and learn about the people who built our city around the transcontinental railroad in the mid-to-late 1800s. Call Grand Island Tourism ȯ ce at 308-382-4400 for information on guided tours.
M ORMON T RAILSITE Wagon trails crossed through Grand Island and Hall County. The Mormon Pioneer Company crossed the nearEy :ood River April 2 , 1847, continuing to higher ground now marked with a granite stone and information display. Named the Townsley-Murdock Trail Site, this 2.4-acre prairie on the northwest corner of Guenther and Alda roads has never been plowed. Gentle swales — or wagon ruts — are visible on the site if you look closely.
1 2 3 Notable historic markers Stolley Park 2103 W. Stolley Park Rd. A historic home & monuments Martin brothers Platte River Rd. ʙ Alda Rd. A captivating prairie story
O.K. Store ʙ Corral 700 E. Stolley Park Rd. Marking the original town
A short history of Grand Island
P r ior to 1 7 0 0 , approximately 60,000 Pawnee lived throughout what would become the central United States, although disease from Europe soon decimated their numbers. In 1803, the United States bought the land that would become Nebraska from the French — who had claimed it in 1682 — as part of the Louisiana Purchase. From 1840-1870, wagon trains followed the Great Platte River Road through the prairie that would Eecome Grand Island. In 2, /a Grand Isle, the island in the 3latte River for which the city is named, was estimated to be 52 miles long with an average width of 1.75 miles. The Nebraska Territory was established in 1854, extending northwest from Kansas up to the Canadian border. G r and I sland C ity w as f ounded in 1 8 5 7 by 36 German settlers from Iowa. They built cabins out of the few available trees on the prairie. The city was a business venture, speculating the railroad would come through within a few years. However, the bank supporting the
venture was EanNrupted Ey a financial crisis later that same year. Most of the original settlers decided to stay anyway. That same year, the Pawnee ceded their remaining land to the government. In 2, The 2... Store opened as the first Eusiness in Grand Island City and included a post ȯ ce, stagecoach barn, stockyard, hotel, and a garden. In 1866, the Union 3acific Railroad platted a new Grand Island a few miles west of the original settlement. I n 1 8 6 9 , th e tr anscontinental r ailr oad w as com p leted , largely bringing a halt to wagon trains. A few years later, the %urlington Railroad also arrived in Grand Island making the city a hub for travel. The city of Grand Island was booming in the 1880s with more than 100 brick buildings and 7,500 residents by 1890. Learn more about the history of the area at Stuhr Museum ( Stuh r M useum . or g ), where a living history town and extensive collections share Grand Island's story.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 21
Community
fabric
Travel, as Rick Steves puts it, is about "connecting with people, places, and cultures in a meaningful way." The threads that bind a community together are probably never simple or few, so it's best to explore a city at a leisurely pace.
That said, there are certain places, events, and ideas that stand out in shaping its identity. These two pages aim to give you a sense of the weave that makes Grand Island unique.
German heritage The original Grand Island city settlers were German descendents, and it's not hard to see that heritage around town in 2025. Visit one or both of two German clubs: The Platt Duetsche with its bar, ballroom, and baseball fields, or the Liederkranz. The Liederkranz is remaking itself around its historic building which includes a ballroom, two vintage bars, dining rooms, a courtyard, and a basement bowling alley. The courtyard hosts an annual Craft Brew & Sausage Festival, and family friendly bands play twice a month in the ballroom.
And, not surprisingly, Stuhr Museum offers up a lot of German heritage, including a German-language church service during its July 4th celebration.
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A GriculturE RaisingNebraska.net
h istoric doWntoWn ArriveRailside.com If you're looking for the unique architectural fabric of a city, it's often stitched together by the downtown area. Grand Island is no different. Every generation can be seen strolling the streets of historic Railside: Young kids painting at The Happy Brush and retired folks eating lunch at Coney Island, chic boutiques selling jeans and antique shops peddling nostalgia. It's tied together by the plaza, home to Hear Grand Island's ten free Friday concerts every summer.
E ntErtAinMEnt district The Grand Island Casino Resort, opening in the first half of 2025, amps up Fonner Park as an entertainment destination. Events such as horse racing, the state fair, and shows at the Heartland Events Center have long drawn people to this sprawling campus. The resort's year-round presence will offer families and gamers opportunities to relax or seek excitement together. The neighboring Island Oasis Water Park adds to the experience, making it a great weekend getaway.
Agricultural industry is a part of Grand Island's identity. Get to know it a little better at Raising Nebraska, a 25,000-square-foot interactive display highlighting farming and ranching in Nebraska. Right outside is a garden and native prairie display. See the latest ag tech at Husker Harvest Days every September, and visit Fonner Park for periodic livestock shows — including the Nebraska State Fair at the end of August into September.
Fabulous Fourth Street
Adjacent to Railside is 4th Street, with a collection of cultural experiences central to Grand Island's identity. Latin restaurants and shops offer fares from Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico, and more. The Fourth Street Festival brings in Mexican wrestling, mariachi bands, and even more food to
satiate your taste for tacos. (Pictured: Fred's Flying Circus)
VisitGrandIsland.com | 23
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Stuhr 2
3133 W US Hwy 34 • Grand Island, NE 68801 • (308) 385-5316 • stuhrmuseum.org
Airport 2
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Amish Furniture 2
Furniture You’ll Love Family owned, American made, and built for generations to come!
Events Center 2
DISCOVER What’sNew
Elkhorn, Grand Island www.AmishFurnitureofNe.com
VisitGrandIsland.com | 25
Family fun
Flashy destinations are fine and all that, but they aren't required for family fun and good memories. Explore with the family, even unconventional places. Visit the library — yes, the library — and
see how its more than just books. Visit a park without your smartphones just to see what happens! Create your own adventure in Grand Island.
Water play Island Oasis Water Park 321 E. Fonner Park Rd.
All of the family will love the wave pool, lazy river, six big slides, and kiddie area. Take a break at the snack bar, or challenge your friends to a game of sand volleyball. Splash pads GIParks.com Water play can be had at the Veterans Sports Complex and Stolley Park. Or visit the wading pool at Pier Park.
Wood River Aquatic Center 13801 W. Wood River Rd. (Wood River) This waterpark includes a tube slide, zero- depth entry pool, water walk, and diving boards.
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I NDOOR RECREATION Spring City Trampoline Park will let the Nids Eurn off some steam on a rainy day, and around the corner is Axeholes axe throwing and arcade. The Community Fieldhouse sports an indoor playground. Imagination City Children's Museum is a great place for littles to romp in inclement weather.
P ETE ' S S AFARI )orty different species fill this little wildlife safari, including seven endangered species. See the critters up close, feed them, or hear from the owners, whose love for their animals is evident. Occasionally the animals go on the road to schools or events, and the facility can be rented for birthday parties. Look for hours on their Facebook page.
O UR BIG BACKYARD Other kid-centric activities are plentiful nearby including the Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora (20 minutes east) and the Hastings Museum. Hastings Museum (20 minutes south) is a natural and cultural history musuem with a planetarium and super screen theater.
2 3 Itinerary: Give your kids the run around Spring City 2300 N. Webb Rd. Trampoline park Stolley Park 2103 W. Stolley Park Rd. Big playground & train rides 1
Island Oasis 321 E. Fonner Park Rd. Big slides & an obstacle course
EPIC Discovery Center Not just for kids, this will be a space that encourages both active and contemplative play focusing on hands-on, STEAM- based activities. EPIC Discovery Center is renovating the old armory Euilding in Ryder 3arN, a central location and activity hub in Grand Island. The opening is anticipated to take place in late 2025 or early 2026.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 27
Natural
& outdoorsy
It's natural that the outdoors would Ee a defining feature of Grand Island. Known for the incredible sandhill crane migration, the region also boasts a deep connection to the Platte River and nearEy prairie conservancies. Here, you can hike through native grasses and wildÀowers, immersing yourself in the beauty of the area's landscape.
Mormon Island rec area I-80 Exit 312
3ull in, start a campfire, and EreaN out the marshmallows for a relaxing weekend at this recreation area along Interstate 80. Mormon Island has easy access to modern camping facilities, swimming, no-waNe Eoating, and fishing. A significant e[pansion of this rec area is Must beginning. When completed, it will encompass some 550 acres and is set to transform the park into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Future planning and public input is determining what the final space will looN liNe, Eut a maMor piece of land will be preserved for public access and be a destination that will serve Nebraska for years to come.
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N ATURE CENTER See the genetically pure herd of bison roaming restored prairies along the hiking trails. The Crane Trust 1ature Center is right off Interstate 80 (Exit 305), your gateway to the 3latte River and HQ for the spring migration of the sandhill cranes. Rela[ in the art gallery, hike, or check out one of the trust's guided birding excursions.
L OCAL FISHING City laNes include /.(. Ray, (agle Scout Lake, and Suck's Lake, which is stocked with trout twice a year. Just outside of town are Mormon Island and Cheyenne State Recreation Area. 'rive north for larger bodies of water with Eoating, hunting, and more fishing opportunites at Sherman and Calamus reservoirs.
C ONSERVATION While most land in Nebraska is privately owned, significant riverfront and prairie conservation efforts are thriving nearEy. The Crane Trust manages 10,000 acres of 3latte River frontage. 3rairie 3lains Resource Center and the Nature Conservancy have restored around 2,000 acres of prairie east and west of town respectively.
Prairie hikes C r ane T r ust CraneTrust.org Miles of river trails with occasional views of a bison herd. D er r House p r air ie Nature.org/Nebraska Nature Conservancy's local prairie trails (pictured). P r air ie P lains p r air ies PrairiePlains.org +iNe the restored GMerloff and Sherman prairies. 1 2 3 Itinerary: Breathe deep the prairie G˝erloff Prairie 2206 N. M Rd. (Marquette) Hike hills along the river Outdoor learning 700 E. Stolley Park Rd. Groundwater & conservation
Crane Trust 9325 S. Alda Rd . Hike along a bison pasture
VisitGrandIsland.com | 29
Recreation
Grand Island's recreation opportunities are growing! This is most notable with the planned expansion of Mormon Island State Recreation Area, which should add a significant number of camping, kayaking, and hiking options just outside the city. Other increasingly popular options include pickleball
and disc golf. Disc golf courses can be found at L.E. Ray Park and Stolley Park.
Public shooting park 6788 W. Husker Hwy., 308-385-5048 HeartlandPublicShootingPark.com The 420-acre Heartland Public Shooting Park is unmatched for 1,000 miles in any direction. It boasts an incredibly wide range of disciplines available to shooters including lighted skeet ranges, lighted trap ranges, a 10-station sporting clay range, archery ranges, and complete rifle and pistol ranges from 25 to 600 yards. An Olympic bunker trap range was added in 2018. The park plays host to regional and national events every year. Hornady Manufacturing, headquartered in Grand Island, took over management of the park in 2023. Heartland Public Shooting Park is available for recreational shooters as well as large events.
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B ALLFIELDS Opportunities for league play and pick-up games are plentiful around Grand Island. The Veterans Sports Comple[ offers the city s newest fields and picNleEall courts. Ryder 3arN s 5 acres offers softEall fields, batting cages, and tennis courts. Pickleball courts can be found at Stolley Park and the Veterans Sports Complex.
G ROWING ALL SPORTS Grand Island's Good Life District is an exciting new development that promises to transform the area with a mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. The district's 875 acres will feature a state-of-the-art sports complex, an aquatic community center, and a dynamic blend of housing and mixed-use developments.
H IKE - BIKE TRAILS Grand Island 3arNs and Recreation hike-and-bike trails are growing: A new 3-mile loop connects Prairie Commons with the St. Joe Trail along Stuhr Museum. The paved trails move along parks, ponds, and fields, and more trails are in the works for coming years.
Indoor recreation facilities Tennis Center 2204 Bellwood Dr. Indoor and outdoor courts
1
2 3 Fieldhouse 525 E Fonner Park Rd. Indoor fields and courts
YMCA 221 E. South Front St. Courts, pools, and classes
Golf courses Riv er side G olf C lub 2820 Riverside Dr. (private; pictured) J ackr ab b it Run 2800 N. Shady Bend Rd. I ndianh ead 4100 Husker Hwy. C entur a Hills 312 Centura Hills Dr. (Cairo) F onner V iew 2224 S. Stuhr Rd.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 31
Destination
parks
Grand Island Parks & Rec are as busy as summer bees buzzing around the 20,000 plants installed annually in city flower beds. The Parks part of the department manages 34 parks totaling 437 acres and encompassing 26 ballfields, 43 playgrounds, and 15 pickleball courts. The Rec folks manage
a fieldhouse, water park, pool, golf course, special events, and summer programs.
Stolley Park 2103 W. Stolley Park Rd. One of Grand Island's largest parks, Stolley Park offers a wide variety of activities. Pictured here is the Stolley Park Railroad, a popular summer ride for kids. A capital campaign to raise money for an expansion of the railroad, Kids Kingdom playground additions, and some bike tracks is underway. The park's gardens are also getting a refresh, including the construction of a large pavilion. Sporting facilities in the park include pickleball courts, a disc golf course, basketball court, and soccer fields. Still more of the park includes a splash pad, historic home and markers, a sweet shop, and a large picnic shelter.
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L.E. R AY P ARK & L AKE 3405 S. Blaine St. This 0-acre laNe offers deep water and some of the Eetter fishing in the city. A dog park is situated on the peninsula in the middle of the horseshoe-shaped lake, with an obstacle course for smaller dogs. A playground, picnic shelter, and 9-hole disc golf course complete this popular park.
R YDER P ARK 211 Piper St. Known for Tornado Hill — a
H ALL C OUNTY P ARK 2447 W. Schimmer Dr. <ou might see turNeys or foundations of old cabins in this wooded parN offering trails for hiking. In what used to be a shallow lake 100 years ago, you can now picnic or park your camper right across the hike-and-bike trail from Stuhr Museum. The natural setting attracts walkers and joggers every
popular sledding spot — a new 27,000-square-foot inclusive playground was added in 2024. This 45-acre park in the middle of the city also sports a lot of Eallfields and will be home to the new EPIC Discovery Center children's museum, now under contruction.
Grand Island parks scavenger hunt Statue of Liberty A miniature Lady Liberty lives in one of Grand Island's parks. A friendly bear Don't worry, this big bear won't bite.
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2 3
RC race track RC cars race as trains roll by the edge of this park.
Eagle Scout Lake 2820 N. Broadwell Ave. A sunset jog around the lake is a popular prospect at Eagle Scout /aNe and parN. Resting on the north edge of Grand Island, the laNe is a popular fishing spot with a paved trail around it. Newer pickleball courts, a splash pad, and a large playground are set south of the lake among the Eallfields of the Veterans Sports Complex.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 33
Scenic & historic byways
Roll on into — or out of — Grand Island on one of three designated byways. One of the byways is labeled as historic, while the other two are referred to as scenic, including the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway. The late journalist and author Charles
Kuralt called the Sandhills Journey one of the most beautiful roads in the United States. Enjoy the drive.
Lincoln Highway Historic Byway U.S. Highway 30, LincolnHighwayNebraskaByway.com A historic byway known as The Father Road crosses from sea to shining sea. (pictured) Loup Rivers Scenic Byway Nebraska Highways 91, 11 Rolling farmland surrounds the scenic Loup River, giving way to the Sandhills to the west. This byway is home to the Nebraska Junk Jaunt, outdoor activities at two reservoirs, and the Happy Jack Chalk Mine. Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Nebraska Highway 2, SandhillsJourney.com Highway 2 rolls 272 miles through the Nebraska Sandhills, the largest area of grass-covered sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere. The World Wildlife Fund likens the ecological importance of the Sandhills to places like the Amazon rainforest.
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r AilsidE Quaint shops line the streets of this historic downtown district along the transcontinental Union Pacific rail line. Shop at boutiques, antique shops, and unique eateries under the festoon lights along Third Street. Three local coffee shops offer your caffeine fix, and the Art Deco Grand Theatre shows movies every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.
M ErchAndisE M ilE This 2-mile stretch of Highway 281 is Grand Island's hub for large national retailers. Interspersed are smaller independent businesses. In this retail district, you can find sporting goods, home decor, clothing, and the reimagined Conestoga Marketplace. The Marketplace brings another breath of fresh air to this shopping district.
W EstErn WEAr Grand Island is a staunchly agricultural community.
Surrounded by fertile farmland and ag-related industry, itʼs no surprise there are some great western shops in the city. Along Merchandise Mile, Western Edge is a large retail roundup of the latest styles, and Fourth Streetʼs Old Town Boot Barn will sell you new kicks or repair your favorite pair.
Destination shopping
Conestoga Marketplace 3404 W. 13th St. A destination in itself, the
Conestoga Marketplace is rising out of the ground. Shops new to the marketplace include Old Navy and Carter's. Under construction in 2025 is Target and a B&B Theatres location that will include bowling, pickleball, and a restaurant in addition to the movie screens.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 35
Large
events
Grand Island is a city used to hosting big events. The 240-acre Fonner Park campus is primed for them, with more than 500,000 square feet of Àat Àoor space. +usNer Harvest Days trade show also uses more than 200 acres, and farms for demonstrations an additional 700+ surrounding its site. The Heartland Public Shooting Park facility is unrivaled for 1,000 miles in any direction.
Nebraska State Fair August 22-September 1, 2025 A celebration of Nebraska agriculture and innovation, the state fair is an 11-day festival of family fun. Bring the kids and grandkids along for cute critters, the whirly midway, and fantastic fair foods. Laugh at the strolling entertainers, including Oakley the Tree Man in 2025. Other entertainment slated for 2025 includes Agri-Golf, the Sea Lion Splash, a Cowboy Circus, and the return of the Foam Zone. Concerts will be announced beginning in March. Popular returning events include a demolition
derby, tractor pull, and combine rides. Visit StateFair.org as summer nears for more details about the 2025 state fair.
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H EAR G RAND I SLAND Friday evenings, summer 2025 )ree live music in Railside %ring your lawn chair or sit in the beer garden, but don't miss these 10 summer concerts on the plaza. %ands of many different genres perform, from folk to metal and rap to jazz.
H USKER H ARVEST D AYS September 9-11, 2025 Gain priceless insights into modern farming at the world's largest, totally irrigated, annual farm show. For more than 40 years, Husker Harvest Days has shown farmers and non-farmers about the latest agricultural technology.
F OURTH S TREET F ESTIVAL Summer, TBA Join 13,000 other people in celebrating the collection of cultures along Fourth Street here in Grand Island with live mariachi music, boxing matches, Mexican wrestling, activities for kids, and of course food.
1 2 3 Motoring events Weekend of Wheels March 1-2, 2025 Automotive extravaganza Grand Car Show August 2, 2025 Annual Railside gathering
Sandhills Open Road August 5-9, 2025 55-mile rally-style race
Spring Migration Mid February to early April SeeTheCranes.com Experience a great wildlife migration up close. More than 1 million sandhill cranes, each standing around 4 feet tall, will spend two to three weeks on the 3latte River in central 1eErasNa. The peak of the migration is usually the second half of March, and the cranes are joined in the sky by millions of ducks and geese.
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VisitGrandIsland.com | 37
Niche
events
Fonner Park Campus, with its wide open Àoor spaces, attracts a wide variety of popular and industry-specific events every year. 2ther venues nearEy offer interest-based shows, such as the Celebrate series in Wood River or +all County +istorical Society's Voices of the Past series. Scan the 4R code
below for a more complete calendar of events.
Nebraska Bigfoot Conference April 25-26
3arade ȯ cials waved frantically for him to catch up to the marching band further up the street, but children — and adults — lining the sidewalks shouted with excitement, “It’s Bigfoot!” (Or, “It's Chewbacca!”) and kept stopping him to snap a selfie with the Eig fella. Admit it, you're just as excited for the Nebraska Bigfoot Conference as the Harvest of Harmony parade goers were when Brad the Bigfoot gave the parade ȯ cials heartEurn. Save the date to hear 10 bigfoot and cryptid experts expound
Event dates and times subject to change.
on these mysterious creatures while mulling around their trade show.
Scan for a current calendar.
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T RI -C ITY C ON March 29-30, 2025 Celebrating all things pop culture, science fiction, fantasy, anime, gaming, and comics, this event takes the place of the beloved Grand Comic Fest. Special guests include the likes of artists Bob Hall, and Phil Hester, alongside many other vendors.
C RAFT B REW F EST Late summer, TBA 2025 'ust off your lederhosen and dirndls for this event's 10th year. Live music, local sausages, and craft Eeers fill the /iederNran] courtyard late every summer for the annual Craft Brew & Sausage Festival. Proceeds preserve and enhance the historic building.
K ITE F ESTIVAL ʽune 27-29, 2025 Be one with the breeze. This
relaxing and fun family-friendly event is free. A night Àight with /('-lighted Nites will NicN it off on )riday. 3rofessional Nite Àyers will bring colorful custom creations, some potentially as large as a semi- truck.
1 2 3 Other specialty shows AKC Dog Show May 10-11, 2025 Dolled up dogs take the stage ZenFest March 21-22 Magick, healing, & discovery
Dairy Goat Show ʽuly 10-18, 2025 A national show with cheese
Nebraska's Junk Jaunt September 26-28 ʽunkʽaunt.com This 300-mile-long garage sale extends into the Nebraska Sandhills along the /oup River and Sandhills Journey scenic byways. Help farmers clean out their barns, pick up unique crafts, and eat homemade pies and cinnamon
rolls as you roll along collecting treasures.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 39
Grand Island has great facilities for competitions, as evidenced by the events that keep coming back to the city year after year. The Veterans Sports Complex is great for Eallfields. :restling tournaments love Fonner Park. The Heartland Public Shooting Park's wide variety of disciplines makes it one-of- a-kind for 1,000 miles in any direction. Sporting
events
Rodeo Grand Island February 28-March 1 SuttonRodeo.com/rodeo-grand-island
Entertainment for the entire family gallops into the Heartland Events Center each winter when Rodeo Grand Island comes to town. /ight shows, clowning around, and 3RCA competition fill the arena. (vents include EareEacN riding and bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping, and barrel racing and tie down, not to mention perennially popular bull riding. More than 400 competitors — including world champions — will vie for prize money and the chance to compete in the 2025 1ational )inals Rodeo.
Event dates and times subject to change.
Come for the rodeo, come for the clowns, or come for the specialty acts. Tickets available now.
Scan for a current calendar.
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N ATIONAL 4-H S HOOT ʽune 22-27, 2025 For more than 10 years, the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships has called Grand Island's Heartland Public Shooting Park home. Teams from more than 40 states shoot in all disciplines, and some of the competitors have gone on to become Olympic gold medalists.
H EARTLAND H OOPS February 2026
C HEER & D ANCE February 19-21, 2026
Heartland Hoops Classic brings great basketball to Grand Island each March. This tournament pits high school teams from different classes around the state against each other, culminating in a match between a top Nebraska program and a top national program.
The Nebraska State Cheer & Dance Championships have been contested in Grand Island's Heartland Events Center for more than 15 years. More than 200 teams totalling almost 3,000 dancers and cheerleaders from across the state perform every year.
1 2 3 Pinned on the Prairie: Wrestling in Grand Island ˈSA Wrestling March 14-16, 2025 State folkstyle tournament Under the Lights ʽune 2025 Wrestling in Railside
Flatwater Fracas December 19-20, 2025 Teams from four states
Cornhusker State Games
The Cornhusker State Games will bring three competitions to Grand Island in 2025. The Adventure Race comEines running, cycling, and orienteering. For the first year the shooting sports competitions move to the state's premier shooting facility, the Heartland Public Shooting Park. All disciplines will compete in July.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 41
Celebrations
Who doesn't love a party? From holidays to harvests, you can celebrate in Grand Island. Experience small-town parades while eating pie, honor servicemen and -women with reverent events, or revel in big entertainment at the Nebraska State Fair, which at its core is a celebration of Nebraska agriculture.
Christmas for the family Christmas Past and Present First weekends of December A lantern-lit, 1890s Christmas celebration at Stuhr Museum. (pictured) Grand Island City Singers Early December Get into the spirit of the season with this annual Christmas concert. La Camerata Madrigal Singers Just after Thanksgiving Enjoy this group's horseplay and jovial singing a la medieval times (may include some crude humor) . Railside Christmas Toward the end of November A large and growing city celebration in the Railside district kicks off the holidays.
Event dates and times subject to change.
Scan for a current calendar.
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H ARVESTOF H ARMONY October 4, 2025 It's all about the marching bands on the first Saturday of 2ctoEer. Harvest of Harmony has marched through Railside for more than 0 years and set the Guiness Book of :orld Records record for the most marching bands in a parade in 1996 with 130 musical ensembles.
T OAST N EBRASKA TBA (see ToastWineFest.com) The 2025 TOAST Nebraska: Holiday event brings a bunch of wineries into the Pinnacle Bank Expo Building at Fonner Park every autumn. Get into the holiday spirit with vendors, wine tasting, and live music at this annual event.
A LL H ALLOWS ' E VE October 10-11, 2025
Come in costume to All Hallows Eve, one of Stuhr Museum's most popular events. Spooky yet family- friendly, you can try apple ducking and fill a Eag with candy from the treat trail, all while looking out for old-fashioned spooks and hooligans.
1 2 3 Harvest time (aka "Events about corn") Cornhusking Contest September 27, 2025 A traditional competition. Cornstalk Festival ʽune (Cairo) A small-town celebration.
Popcorn Days August (North Loup) A short drive away.
Fourth of July ʽuly 4, 2025 Pie eating contests, three-
legged races, and if you're lucky frozen pickle juice are part of this old-fashioned Independence Day celebration your family can experience at Stuhr Museum. All the local citizens of Railroad Town will Ee in their stores or workshops ready to regale you with stories of life in the 1890s, and the event also includes a parade.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 43
Grand Is- land Region- al 2
Cornhusker games 4
Crane Trust 4 THE HOME OF NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST WILDLIFE MIGRATION Spring Crane Migration Tours Photography Experiences
Pollinator Garden • Hiking Trails Community Programs • Field Trips Art Gallery • Gift Shop • Bison Herd ... and more!
cranetrust.org
Save the Date: July 10–20, 2025
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center 9325 S Alda Road • I-80 Exit 305
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HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GRAND ISLAND
Downtown Development Tour April 5 th
Hear GI Concerts Friday Nights June-July
Grand Theatre CarShow August 2 nd
Spirit Tours October 3 rd & 4 th
railside 4
Chamber of Commerce 4
Harvest of Hamony Parade October 4 th
Railside Christmas November 21 st
Sculpture Walk Year-Round
ARRIVERAILSIDE.COM 201 W. 3rd St. Suite 2 · Grand Island, NE · 308-398-7022
Inspire and Strengthen Our Community by
GI Library 4
EDC 4
USHwy 281
I-80
FINE FREE DIVERSE LIBRARY FOR ALL!
Free Programming and Online Resources for All Ages Children’s Discovery Centers Teens-Gateway Makerspace Switch Gaming Area Computers & Free Wi-Fi Makerspace and Digital Lab
Outreach & Homebound Service Genealogy, Book Clubs,Art Exhibits Author & Humanities Nebraska Programming Seed Library Book Sale Area
Library: 1124 W 2nd St | 308.385.5333 Foundation: PO Box 1364 | Grand Island 68801 giplf.org | gilibrary.org
VisitGrandIsland.com | 45
Music &
the arts
These pages list some of the more prominent places to experience the arts, but sometimes the best experiences are in smaller spaces. So in addition to keeping tabs on the concerts at Heartland Events Center, be sure to search for other shows that might interest you. Some of these might include the Celebrate :ood River performances,
performances in local parks, or live theater productions.
Hear Grand Island HearGrandIsland.com
Ten free summer concerts, each featuring three bands performing a wide variety of musical styles, fill the Amur 3la]a every )riday night June to August each year. And it s not Must music. A Eeer garden offers adult drinks, and food trucks serve up grab-and-go meals for those who didn't have a chance to sit down in a nearEy Railside restaurant Eeforehand. 2ther activities are often brought in for kids and families such as skateboarding demonstrations or collaborative art projects. Regular performers throughout the summer include local favorites Rascal 0artine], The Killigans, and Whiskey Bent.
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S culpture walk A walking tour of revolving artwork is installed every spring in Railside, turning the sidewalks of this historic area into a summer gallery. Stop into the Grand Island Tourism visitor center for a self-guided map or to ask about guided tours of the works. Download the Otocast app to listen to the words of the artists as you explore the installation.
Pp erforming artsS giTheatre.org
Pp ublic art In the past decade, projects
have spread new paintings and sculptures around Grand Island. Murals have brightened alleys and sidewalks in the Railside district. Large new sculptures invite visitors into the community and the library. Smaller more meditative bronzes were placed at the courthouse and inside the airport's terminal.
To be or not to be putting the dates for the Grand Island Little Theatre's 2025 shows on your calendar. With full stage productions in Feburary, April, June, October, and December we strongly recommend you be saving the dates right now.
Have some fun, make a mess The Happy Brush 305 W. 3rd St. Drop-in painting and crafts
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Arts & Drafts 1480 Diers Ave. Creative events & drinks
Library makerspace 1124 W. 2nd St. 3D printing, Cricut, and more
Liederkranz Live Live music fills this club's
ballroom twice a month. These Railside district shows are for all ages and open to the public in the historic Liederkranz building. In an interview with their booking agent, Redbeard the Hippie pointed out how Grand Island is a melting pot of musical styles, mentioning
that he'd been to rap shows, rock shows, Latino shows. Liederkranz Live bears witness to this variety.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 47
Beverages
([perience the liTuid Àavors of our city and its surrounding vineyards. Grapevines love Nebraska soil. They like rolling hills with water far below, but within reach, and brisk winds to keep unwanted intruders away. Grand Island's Railside district has a long history with breweries. Prairie Pride Brewing continues that tradition, and other pubs and restaurants around town offer more 1eErasNa microbrews.
Wine and spirits M iletta V ista W iner y 1732 ˈ.S. Hwy. 281 (St. Paul) This vineyard and restaurant has exquisite views, food, and wine. M oonlig h t Ridg e 8150 ˈ.S. Hwy. 281 A vineyard with a large outdoor pavilion used regularly for weddings and parties. P r air ie C r eek V ineyar d & W iner y 1600 16th St. (Central City) Experience Prairie Creek wines with a great meal at their restaurant. L oup Riv er D istilling 503 Howard Ave. (St. Paul) Spirits lovingly distilled from corn on the local family farm.
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A LCOHOL - FREE Experience the joy of missing out with mocktails from local pubs and specialty Ears in Railside and along Merchandise Mile. Not only that, you can get fantastic, locally brewed root beer and cream soda at The Chicken Coop Sports Bar & Grill. ( Alcohol free options are available in most bars but may not be listed on the menu; be sure to inquire. )
T HE OTHER BUBBLY 3ham s Coffee %oEa now has two locations in Grand Island, serving EuEEle teas, Vietnamese coffees, and pandan wä es. %oEa on South /ocust Street also offers a large drinN menu. Restaurants along Fabulous Fourth Street serve up drinks such as the beloved Mexican mangonada.
P RAIRIE P RIDE B REWING 115 E. South Front St. Brewing up beers in the historic Railside district, 3rairie 3ride Brewing Co. has a game room and is adding a rooftop patio. Enjoy its microbrews in one of its many unique indoor or outdoor spaces — including a ground-level patio for those with acrophobia.
New drive-through coffee locations Baribal Coffee 314 N. Walnut St. Opens in March in Railside 7 Brew 1480 Diers Ave. Custom coffee combos
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Barista's Coffee House 3545 Innate Ln. Charming local standard
Evening spirits For a nightcap or a night out with friends, Railside serves up Henry J's speakeasy (pictured) or the new cocktails and social lounge, The Archives. InFuse and J. Alfred Prufrock's martini Ear are Railside s other estaElished mi[ology offerings. Travelers Taproom is a new Merchandise Mile bar along Highway 281 with 60 drink choices on its tapwall.
VisitGrandIsland.com | 49
ANESE STEAK HOUSE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE
HIBACHI AND SUSHI
Sure Stay 4
2603 S. Locust Street Grand Island, NE
308.384.4380 www.BestWestern.com
Fuji 4
Monday-Thursday: 11am-2:30pm & 4:30pm-9:30pm
Friday: 11am-2:30pm & 4:30-10pm Saturday: 11am-10pm • Sunday 11am-9pm
• Free Hi Speed
• RV or Truck Parking • Indoor Pool • HBO and Cable • Fitness Center • Located near Heartland
Wireless Internet • Complimentary Hot Breakfast • Guest Laundry Facilities • Suites Available • Pets Allowed w/Fee
FUJI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE HIBACHI & SUSHI BAR 1004 Diers Avenue ~ Ste 200, Grand Island, NE • (308) 381-1888 www.grandislandfuji.com Lunch Specials: Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, Sat. 11 am to 4 pm
Events Center, Grand Island Resort Casino & Island Oasis
Heartland An- tique Mall 8 Intriguing Antiques for the Discriminating Buyer to the Casual Collector!
216 W. 3rd St Grand Island, Nebraska 308-384-6018 OPEN: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun1-5
Grand The- ater 8
• Quality housekeeping services • Meeting room available • Mon.-Thurs. Manager Reception 5:30-7:00 • Business Center • Extended stay rates • Spacious Suites
• Your own fully equipped kitchen • Free hot breakfast • Flat-panel TVs with premium movie channels • On-site exercise facilities • FreeWiFi • Cabinet for things I use at home • On-site guest laundry facilities
SHOWING QUALITY MOVIES AT REASONABLE PRICES EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT 7:15 P.M. ADMISSION PRICES: $5 ADULTS • $4 CHILDREN (12 & UNDER) $4 SENIORS (OVER 55) 316 W. 3rd Street • Downtown Grand Island 308.381.2667 • grandmovietheatre.com
MAINSTAY SUITES 3051 S. Locust Grand Island, NE 68801 308.382.9280 MainStaySuitesgi.com
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