Central Nebraska's Hidden Gem City Offers Incredible Entertainment And Miles Of Shopping

Travelers who aren't curious about visiting Nebraska are missing out on some incredible hidden gems. Across the state, you can explore destinations like the underrated city of Kearney and the bizarre Carhenge roadside attraction. Around an hour and a half from the capital city of Lincoln, adventurous travelers can also discover fascinating places like Grand Island.

Home to over 52,000 people as of 2023, Grand Island has developed from a 1700s hub for French fur trappers into Nebraska's third-largest city. Today, sightseers here can wander through museums, enjoy the arts, shop local artisans, embrace the outdoors, and even join in on fun events. If you've heard of this charming community before, you might know it for hosting the yearly Nebraska State Fair, a summer tradition that lives up to the hype. While the fair is an amazing Grand Island experience, there's more to the region than this one event. Dig deep into the wonders of Grand Island, and you'll learn about everything from its impressive world of entertaining attractions and shopping districts to its inspired creative initiatives and serene natural areas.

Start your introduction to Grand Island with one of the best things to do: the Stuhr Museum. Dedicated to documenting the history of Nebraska's Platte River Valley communities, this museum earns acclaim for its exhibits on prairie life and its beloved Railroad Town. A sort of history theme park like Williamsburg, Railroad Town takes visitors back to the 1890s for a taste of pioneer life. About 10 minutes from the Stuhr, Raising Nebraska welcomes you into an interactive education center showing how food goes from farms to family dinner tables.

From there, travelers can depart for the Nebraska Sandhills, where birds like prairie chickens and sandhill cranes thrive. Grand Island visitors have a window of six weeks in spring to catch a glimpse of sandhill cranes migrating through the area. To enjoy activities like the Sandhill Crane Bicycle Tour, plan to visit Grand Island during peak crane season, typically mid-February to late March.

No matter when you visit Grand Island, check for local events to liven up your vacation itinerary. While you're in town for crane season, stop by Rodeo Grand Island for a few days of fun in late February. During spring, cryptid hunters can converge on the Nebraska Bigfoot Conference. By summertime, the Nebraska State Fair and Craft Brew and Sausage Fest arrive with food, drink, live music, and games. In autumn, Grand Island's artsy side shines during the Harvest of Harmony Parade, when local high school marching bands show off their skills. Even winter promises excitement thanks to offerings like the Stuhr Museum's "Christmas Past & Present" exhibits.

When you're ready to shop, few places in Grand Island rival the unique Railside district. Described by Visit Grand Island as "the heart of the city," this bustling neighborhood centers around West 3rd Street, where visitors can find a plaza, an art walk, and plenty of storefronts. Before your shopping spree begins, fuel up with a shaken espresso or matcha lemonade from Daily Dose Coffee. Just steps away, you'll discover A-LIST Boutique, a must-visit store focused on women's fashion. Walk a block to peruse more clothes and accessories at Queen Bae. If you prefer bookstores over boutiques, hit up The Tattered Book nearby for shelves full of stories.

While these stores offer tons of great finds, Railside really shines with its antique shops. Prepare for a treasure hunt at spots like Railroad Towne Antique Mall and the Heartland Antique Mall. Full of vintage goods and curious collectibles, these shops give eagle-eyed visitors the chance to snag deals on everything from furniture and home decor to clothes and jewelry.

Even after you're all shopped out, enjoy more of Railside with a self-guided walking tour of its Sculpture Walk. Part of the state's larger Sculpture Walk Across Nebraska project, Grand Island's Railside Sculpture Walk showcases 13 public artworks. The stroll begins with the "Benedictine Doves" statue by artists Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby, passes Sondra Jonson's "Once Upon a Time," and ends at Bobbie Carlyle's "Aviator" sculpture. Art appreciators can download the Otocast app for an audio tour of the Sculpture Walk featuring comments from featured artists.