Explore the fun-filled variety of things to do in Grand Island and in nearby towns.

DO & SEE

Stuhr Museum

Step into Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town and step back in time. The faux community recalls many similar locales that sprouted up beside train tracks across Nebraska. Walk among costumed interpreters who represent people from the late 1800s. The museum’s 200-plus acres hold treasures like a Pawnee earth lodge, an 1890s farmstead and a train display.

The centerpiece is the Stuhr Building (above), which is surrounded by a pond and full of artifacts, as well as an art gallery, exhibit space, a café and gift shop. During April, Railroad Town and the historical interpreters will be open in a limited capacity (only open on weekends and select sites open); daily operation will resume May 1.

Raising Nebraska

Nebraska is an agricultural state that produces food that’s enjoyed around the world. This enormous exhibit (above, reopening June 1) on the Fonner Park grounds tells that story. Inside, you can walk a map of Nebraska, drive a combine, control an irrigation system and learn how food goes from the farm to the supermarket. Outside, you’ll find space dedicated to planting responsibly, home gardening and enjoying the great outdoors.

Fonner Park Horseracing

This marks the 70th year of live horseracing at Fonner Park (above), and the excitement runs through May 4. Be sure to check out the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame in the concourse that includes memorabilia from Fonner Park’s early years and Omaha’s former Ak-Sar-Ben Race Track.

More Things To Do Nearby

Take a short drive up or down to explore more Nebraska gems. A half-hour north in St. Paul, the Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball is dedicated to the careers of the 140-plus natives who played in the MLB. A half-hour south is the Hastings Museum (above). Among its three floors of displays is space dedicated to the creation of Kool-Aid. The museum also has a planetarium and a giant-screen theater.

EAT & STAY

Kiko’s Cantina

When you get hungry, be sure to visit Kiko’s Cantina (above), a Mexican eatery that opened about a year ago. It expanded on a restaurant formerly operated by the Azteca Market next door. Kiko’s is ready to fill you up for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hotel Options

You don’t have to worry about finding comfortable and welcoming places to stay in Grand Island. There are four AAA Three Diamond and five AAA Approved lodgings to choose from. All of them are part of national chains with names you can trust.