Grand Island

CENTRAL

Central Nebraska showcases the state’s pioneer history and hosts one the world’s greatest wildlife wonders.

GRAND ISLAND

Speculation in the 1850s that America’s capital would relocate to the center of the nation spurred a flurry of new communities to spring up in the heartland. German immigrants set down roots in 1857 near an island between Platte River channels that French fur traders dubbed La Grande Isle. The community remains a grand destination today. More than 50,000 residents call Grand Island home, making it the largest community in Nebraska outside of the Metro area.

The rich pioneer history of the heartland is preserved on an island. A wide moat surrounds the Stuhr building at

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pio-

neer. This recently renovated architectural wonder is the centerpiece of the more than 200-acre museum and grounds. The museum has more than 100 structures, including the Stuhr Building, actor Henry Fonda’s boyhood home, a roller mill and an antique farm machinery building. It is one of the Midwest’s premier living-history museums.

A sign at the entrance of Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town welcomes visitors to the 1890s. The village has been the set for several movies. Annual events like Christmas Past and Present, and field trips giving students a chance to experience country school, make learning history entertaining and fun. 3133 W. U.S. Highway 34. (308) 385-5316

Grand Island is home to Nebraska State Fair, a statewide celebration of agriculture, concerts and all goodthings Nebraska. The fair runs for 10 days the last week of August and the first week of September. statefair.org

The fair is held at Fonner Park, a growing entertainment complex. The park hosts concerts and conventions at its Heartland Events Center, plus live thoroughbred horse racing at its Main Track. 501 E. Fonner Park Rd. fonnerpark.com. (308) 382-4515

Construction of a new hotel, casino and restaurant complex called Grand Island Casino Resort is slated to be built at Fonner Park. The first stage should be complete and open to the public in 2023 or 2024.

Nebraska Danger is an indoor football team with its home turf at Grand Island’s Fonner Park. (308) 382-4515

Also at Fonner Park, Raising Nebraska showcases agriculture in interactive displays and activities to teach visitors where food comes from. Open year-round. (308) 385-3967

Grand Island is an old railroad town. The oldest part of the downtown is rebranded as Railside entertainment district. Loft apartments, new businesses and renovations are giving the area a distinctly trendy look and feel. Railside Plaza is adorned with public art sculptures and hosts outdoor concerts. 224 W. Third St. (308) 398-7022

At 57-acres, Conestoga Mall is touted as the largest mall between Lincoln and Denver. The mall anchors Grand Island’s growing Merchandise Mile shopping district along Highway 281. 3404 W. 13th St. (308) 382-7463

Island Oasis Water Park offers 6 acres of cool summer fun. Fountains, slides and walkable lily pads make this more than a swimming pool. 321 E. Fonner Park Rd. (308) 385-5381