Only 48 Hours in Grand Island, Nebraska? Here’s How to Make Every Minute Count!
Home to the Nebraska State Fair, the annual Sandhill Crane migration, horse races, and so much more, Grand Island, Nebraska has a wide variety of year-round activities to offer. While this city might not be at the top of your bucket list yet, I’ll show you just how much there is to do in this two-day itinerary.
I spent a few days in Grand Island this March for the annual Sandhill Crane migration and enjoyed a jam-packed itinerary, even in the colder winter months. If you love good food, beautiful parks, and fun shops, you’ll have a blast in Grand Island!
In this post you’ll learn more about Grand Island and everything that you can do in 48 hours in this unique city.
When you make purchases through the links in my post, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As always, I only provide links to products and services I recommend. Read my full disclosure here.
Background on Grand Island, NE
About Grand Island
Grand Island, coined ‘Nebraska’s Only Island’, was actually once an island although it is no longer one today. Once the Platte River was dammed to prevent seasonal flooding, the island disappeared and connected to the mainland.
Driving through the city, you’ll see a mix of neighborhoods, corn fields, restaurants, and more.
Today, Grand Island has a diverse population of over 52,000 with a large meat packing facility providing many jobs.
Where is Grand Island?
Grand Island is situated along the Platte River just ninety minutes west of Lincoln, NE.
How to Get to Grand Island?
There is no airport in Grand Island so you’ll need to determine whether you want to fly into Omaha or Lincoln and rent a car, or road trip from your original destination. I chose to road trip from Madison, Wisconsin which was about an 8-hour drive.
Where to Stay in Grand Island?
You have plenty of affordable lodging options during your visit to Grand Island. I stayed at the Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn & Suites and had a wonderful stay.
Here are additional Grand Island hotel options:
– Ramada by Wyndham
– Springhill Suites by Marriott
– Hampton Inn
2-Day Grand Island Itinerary
Day 1
Breakfast at Tommy’s Family Restaurant
1325 S Locust St, Grand Island, NE 68801
Breakfast at Tommy’s Family Restaurant does not disappoint! It’s a diner-style eatery serving breakfast, brunch and dinner with breakfast options including classic egg plates, omelets, and waffles.
Tommy’s also has a daily selection of homemade pies that you will definitely want to save room.
Explore the Stuhr Museum
3133 W US Hwy 34, Grand Island, NE 68801
The Stuhr Museum is a living history museum sharing the collective experience of building the community along the Platte River.
The main attraction of the Stuhr Museum is the Stuhr Building which was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone in 1967 and refreshed in 2015.
Railroad Town is open during the summer months (May 1 through mid-September) and represents an 1890s-era prairie town. The Silver Dollar Cafe is located in Railroad Town and serves sandwiches, drinks, and ice cream during the summer months.
You can also see over 150 antique tractors, cars, and farm equipment in the Farm Machinery Building.
The museum is open seven days a week and admission is $14/adult, $13/senior (60+) and $12/youth (5-12).
Dinner at Kiko’s Cantina
101 W 3rd St, Grand Island, NE 68801
Grand Island is home to a large Hispanic community, and you’ll find some delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine in the city. Kiko’s Cantina not only serves delicious food and drink, but provides a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
Start your meal with a pretty and flavorful margarita (NA options available) and complimentary chips and salsa. I ordered chicken street tacos and Sam enjoyed a huge serving of gluten-free steak and seafood fajitas.
The restaurant has ample seating for small and large parties, along with a large bar.
Day 2
Breakfast at Hotel
Relax in the morning and enjoy the continental breakfast at your hotel or I’d recommend heading back to Tommy’s. It’s seriously that good and the menu is large so you can try something new!
Visit the Crane Trust
9325 S. Alda Rd, Wood River, NE 68883
No matter what month you visit, head to the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center to learn about the more than 1.2 million Sandhill Cranes that stop along the Platte River each year.
Although the cranes migrate through the area in March/April, the Nature Center is open year-round to educate on the majestic birds, provide access to nature trails, and care for the herd of bison that live on-site.
It’s free to visit the Nature Center, although donations are accepted. The Crane Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization that strives to protect the habitat for migrating cranes.
Brews at Prairie Pride Brewing Co.
115 E South Front St., Grand Island, NE, 68801
Before dinner, grab a beer at Prairie Pride Brewing Co., a brewery local to Grand Island that serves locally crafted beer, pizza, and pretzel bites. They also host fun events throughout the year like cornhole tournaments and grill outs.
The taproom is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4pm until 10pm and Friday through Saturday from 4pm until 12am.
Dinner at Double V
520 W 3rd St, Grand Island, NE 68801
Tasty food, good drinks, and a peaceful environment – need I say more? Double V is actually two restaurants in one: Victory Bar and Grill on one side and Valiant Restaurant on the other.
I ate at Victory Bar and Grill which is more of a sports bar and has the menu to go along with it. Valiant Restaurant is an upscale, full-service restaurant that also serves a wonderful Sunday brunch.
Sam and I enjoyed our meal of a margherita flatbread and salad at the bar, and the food was fast and delicious!
Conclusion
I can’t wait for you to explore ‘Nebraska’s Only Island’ and to experience the nature and history that this city has to offer.
