If a getaway to Grand Island has you picturing tropical breezes, palm trees and waves lapping on the sand, you might need to tweak the picture in your mind just a bit. The Nebraska city gets its name from an island in the nearby Platte River, but you'll still find a handful of places where you can wriggle your toes in the sand and take a refreshing swim in a lake or water park. There is also more to do than enjoy the water in this city and you can discover each bit of adventure as you make your way through Nebraska.
About That Island Breeze
Spring in Grand Island gets heralded by the arrival of sandhill cranes to area waterways and racehorses to Fonner Park. Snow-melting winds average 14 miles per hour, but soon surrender to 60-degree days—ideal for family activities outside. Summer humidity gets nearly as high as the 80-degree temperatures, making opportune weather to thunder down the twisting slides at Island Oasis Water Park. Autumn's cooler days herald in U-pick pumpkin patches and a flurry of festivals. The surrounding prairies turn red and gold as winter sets in, bringing days that rarely peep above freezing and a moderate amount of snowfall.
Toes in the Sand and So Much More
Four state parks near Grand Island offer swimming beaches. Mormon Island in the city itself is one of the most developed, with restrooms and showers where you can rinse away the sand. Many visit just to see the thousands of sandhill cranes that greet the spring at the lake—you see them up close on viewing bridges and blinds at the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center. While you're there, take a peek at a herd of bison, savor the fragrance of the butterfly garden, or explore trails by the river. In Grand Island's downtown, head to the Stuhr Museum, one of the top living history museums in the country. Enjoy extensive gardens, unusual architecture and costumed interpreters at the museum's Railroad Town.
It's Probably Made Here
Although Grand Island started out as a railroad town, it's grown into a manufacturing giant. You'll find items as diverse as farming equipment, food, prefabricated housing and ammunition made within the city limits. Take the family to see how farming equipment is crafted at the Case manufacturing plant or learn what it takes to make ammunition at the Hornady plant. Call ahead for reservations and ask about any special clothing requirements—Hornady requires you to bring your own protective eyewear and wear sturdy shoes with good traction, so pack right!
Getting Around Grand Island
Fly right into the city limits when you make your destination Central Nebraska Regional Airport. American Airlines services the city with daily flights from Dallas, or you can opt for biweekly flights from destinations such as Phoenix and Las Vegas on Allegiant Airlines. Black Hills Stage Lines can get you to the city from as far away as Billings, Montana or Alamosa, Colorado. Get around within the city limits in a taxi or shuttle, or use the extensive trail system to hike or bike.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Grand Island.