20 Exciting Things To Do In Grand Island, Nebraska

1. Spend Some Time At The Happy Brush

Do you know The Happy Brush? This "no experience needed" walk-in arts center encourages people of all ages and levels of creativity. It provides an energetic environment for art exploration.

You can choose from canvases, pre-drawn pictures, glazed and fired bisque ceramics, spoon racks, or seasonal door decor. There are plenty of options to get creative!

However, for ten years and older participants, there's also a glass room where 3D Arts can be created! Only groups of 8 walk-ins are accepted without booking, making it just the right place to stop for some unplanned fun and art.

2. Dive Into Fun At Island Oasis Water Park

Are you fond of playing in water parks? Well, Island Oasis Water Park, located in Grand Island, Nebraska, offers wet and dry fun for all ages! Get ready to splash across six acres of water, featuring a gigantic artificial wave pool with 350,000 gallons, or simply float in a 750-foot lazy river.

Adrenaline seekers can take on two six-story high-speed slides and four enormous 150-foot slides, full of thrills and excitement that have no boundaries! For toddlers, there is a zero-depth zone with spraying water fountains and the wet otter slide. Plus, you can also build sandcastles, cross questionable lily pads, and walk on logs.

3. Savor The Brews At Prairie Pride Brewing Co.

Among various things to do in Grand Island Nebraska visiting this renowned Prairie Pride Brewing Co. is one of the great choices. Prairie Pride's motto, "Flavor favors the bold," truly reflects the unique and adventurous flavors of their creations.

Their mascot, Hopffalo, perfectly embodies their passion for craft beer and their love for their homeland. From inventive brews to classic styles, Prairie Pride's beers are as daring as the Great Plains themselves. It's a place where bold brews come to life, and every pint tells a story of pride and connection to the land.

4. Show Your Creativity At Fairbanks Pottery Studio

For those in search of pursuing some art literally with their hands, Fairbanks Pottery Studio is the best place to visit. This pretty studio encourages visitors to venture into the world of ceramics and provides pottery lessons for all ages and abilities.

No matter if it is your first time working with clay or you are training yourself to make the perfect piece, this place will be helpful for you. Here, you can enjoy creating your personalized masterpiece or just come for the precession of molding and glazing.

Fairbanks Pottery Studio is centered on the people and their creativity, and thus this studio gives one creative experience of art.

5. Enjoy Golfing At Jackrabbit Run Golf Course

Central Nebraska also features the unique experience that you can find at the Jackrabbit Run Golf Course. This championship course measures 6700 yards and plays to a Par 72 and is fun for all level golfers.

Here, you can also find unique golf courses and junior camps in the Grand Island area and beyond. Moreover, enjoy new food options, club fitting services, and excellent golf lessons. You can easily make reservations to play online or check out season pass rates at Jackrabbit Run, the perfect spot for golfers.

6. Stop By Mckinney's Irish Pub Grand Island

In downtown Grand Island's Third Street stands McKinney's Irish Pub, which combines the best of Irish and American food decently. Do you want an Irish stew or a regular burger? Well, the kitchen serves food at its usual deliciousness from 11 am to 10 pm.

This spirited ambiance of the pub spills over to the bar which runs until 1 am, with 22 beers on tap and 45 varieties of Irish whiskey. The visitors speak fondly of the cheerful staff, scrumptious cuisine, and refreshing beverages. One can relax, laugh, in short, enjoy an Irish pub and all it has to offer.

7. Catch A Show At Grand Theatre

Located in Grand Island, Nebraska, Grand Theatre offers gorgeous old-style interiors and a warm ambiance reminiscent of the classic movies' glory. Watching a film or live performance or attending an event, one can guarantee Grand Theatre is a different experience for all.

Due to the comfortable seats and old-fashioned style, it is the ideal venue for taking in one's surroundings. Make sure you visit this little-known delicacy that artistically integrates fun and the past, the essence of Grand Island's arts and culture.

8. Immerse Yourself In Fred's Flying Circus

One wouldn't naturally imagine a place like that in Grand Island, Nebraska named Fred's Flying Circus. However, this diverse collection though colorful and whimsical is rich with old-fashioned, vintage pieces.

Located on the roadside is an amusing sight that gives a good look at quirky sculptures, creative art installations as well as assemblages made from junk. There, giant robots and flying pigs greet visitors, and the children in them are enthralled by the art of imaginary beings.

Great as a break during bus tours or photo expeditions, Fred's Flying Circus allows visitors to walk around, take funny pictures, and enjoy the strange artwork.

9. Take In The Sights At Eagle Scout Park

Eagle Scout Park is an ideal hideout for families, nature lovers, or anyone who simply wants to have a relaxing time. Because of its beautiful lake, visitors can fish, paddle board or simply enjoy a calm afternoon with family by the water.

The park's well-maintained paths are good for walking, cycling, or even looking at different species of animals. There is also a play area for children and lots of green land where different games and activities can also be played to have a nice family time. Therefore, this park is one of the Grand Island Nebraska attractions that shouldn't be missed.

10. Check Out St. Mary's Cathedral

St. Mary's Cathedral is one of the historical sites that Grand Island, Nebraska has and offers to visitors through its anticipated architecture and history. This beautiful cathedra was recognized in the National Historic Places Register in 1982 and is one of the best attractions in Grand Island Nebraska.

Its high towers, detailed window paintings, and calm atmosphere contribute to the perfect retreat for anyone who loves history and for those in need of inner peace. St. Mary's Cathedral will be an unforgettable place that everyone who likes Romanesque architecture or comes to church will remember admiringly.

11. Learn At City Of Grand Island - Public Library

From Grand Island Public Library you can borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs, and music CDs from this library. Moreover, it is also equipped with activities and events, provides technology, and has nice places for studying or lounging.

The variety of family activities available to patrons; from story time to craft sessions makes it a Buzzing Centre for every age group. Whether you are looking for a suspenseful piece of literature, an old classic, or just a social hub, the Grand Island Public Library has all the ingredients to spice up your day.

12. Have A Blast At Westside Bowling Lanes

Westside Bowling Lanes is a great destination for everyone where the old-fashioned fun blends with a cool retro experience. Bring your game with the right friendly competition on the lanes that are in perfect condition with a lane for both advanced and beginner bowlers.

In addition to bowling, the facility includes a warm relaxing lounge serving delicious light refreshments and drinks which makes it perfect for family meetings, outings, or even dates.

Interestingly, weekly events such as the cosmic bowling where there are enough neon lights and club music to keep anyone dancing enhance the experience even more.

13. Admire The Hall County Courthouse

The Hall County Courthouse located in Grand Island, Nebraska, is both historical and cultural plus it is architectural in structure. The picture of this building is a classic example of a neoclassical design with a high dome, which narrates some stories about the history of the city.

Gaze upon the elaborate stone designs and massive pillars that illustrate the art of workmanship as it was at the beginning of the 20th century. There are also beautiful paintings and wooden carvings presented in the court, all showing the art of that period. A visit to this place is not limited to just a courthouse; it is a stroll into the past.

14. Visit L.E. Ray Dog Park

At the L.E. Ray Dog Park located in Grand Island, Nebraska dogs are allowed to have fun in the pet-friendly area that has been purposely made for dogs to run around and have fun! This well-kept park is designed in a way that large and small dogs have separate sections, so every breed can enjoy playing without any problems.

With shady areas, benches, and a lot of areas for running about and mingling, this place is popular with both canine and human patrons. Aside from having water for the visiting canines, the place is also enclosed which makes it safe for dogs to play around.

15. Get To Know Raising Nebraska

Although vacationing is primarily about having fun, it is also important to appreciate the aspect of knowledge as well. Raising Nebraska is ideal for people who wonder where the food they eat comes from.

The exhibits present in this place are interactive and help to facilitate the understanding of a given subject, which in this case is agriculture. Find out technical and modern methods employed by Nebraska's food production industries and how it is possible to grow or keep edible products.

There is always something interesting here that encourages people of all ages to visit and learn more about agriculture, its modern developments, and its importance in everyday life.

16. Admire The Architecture Of St Leo's Catholic Church

In Grand Island, Nebraska, St. Leo's Catholic Church is an inviting place to experience local faith and community welfare. This beautifully built church is a symbol of peace, drawing everyone in with its breathtaking stained glass, peaceful interiors, and exquisite altar designs.

The stillness of the church provides an opportunity to contemplate or join Mass with the friendly parishioners present. While many churches offer only Sunday worship, St. Leo's welcomes visitors for social activities, which adds to the vibrancy of the church community in Grand Island.

A tour of this area reveals more about the town's churches and the culture of its people.

17. Tour Conestoga Mall

The Conestoga Mall is a shopping center for shoppers in Grand Island, Nebraska. Being a formally arranged shopping location, this mall consists of both chain-based stores and individual stores for every customer's shopping and gifting.

Besides that, you may also eat in the food area, or watch a film in the cinema. Whether you choose to walk around as you look for modern outfit ideas or spend time with relatives, Conestoga Mall is everything you can imagine and more.

The great thing about it is that everything you want in terms of shopping, eating and even the environment is found in one easy-to-access place!

18. Explore Stuhr Museum

Do you enjoy looking into the past to admire the great history of the pioneers of the state of Nebraska? Then, the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is where visitors can experience the exhilarating period of the settlement of the American plains in the 19th century.

Here, you would appreciate the sights of various brilliant pieces of architecture, such as the real train station and the model of a pioneer town, all set within scenic grounds covering 200 acres.

While walking around the displays, it will be interesting to learn about those courageous people and watch films showing the period of their settlement in the West.

19. Discover The Nebraska State Fair

Every year, the Nebraska State Fair is organized in the city of Grand Island to show what the people in Nebraska practice in terms of Agriculture. The visitors will be able to witness beautiful displays of livestock, crops, and artworks accompanied by rides and games.

On this occasion, one can expect several performances including concerts featuring country musicians, shows performed by local artists, and access to many food outlets serving an assortment of fast foods and local specialties.

Be it enjoying greasy meals, learning about the history of agriculture in Nebraska, or simply the ambiance, the Nebraska State Fair aims to provide unending enjoyment.

20. Venture Through Fonner Park

Fonner Park is a fantastic place to visit filled with endless entertainment. Besides horseracing, there exist many more events for all categories of persons. No matter if you're an enthusiast of horse races or events or a spectator Fonner Park is the place for you.

However, there are other events including; live concerts, car exhibitions, and festivals. There is also a large gaming area within the venue.

Ideal for family trips or a pleasurable vacation, this park guarantees a picture-perfect experience that is filled with thrill, fun, and a lot of different things to do in Grand Island NE.