Hall County, NE
Was there really an island in Hall County, Nebraska? Yes, there was . La Grande Ile was named by early French fur traders in the 1700s and formed by a narrow channel branching off the Platte River approximately 28 miles upstream from the present city of Grand Island and rejoining the main river about 12 miles downstream from the city. La Grande Ile was the largest inland island and estimates of its size range from 40 to 70 miles in length and 1 1/2 to 3 miles wide.La Grand Ile was an important plain's landmark for the fur traders and pioneers. 1857 brought the first settlers to Hall County and the city of Grand Island incorporated in 1872. In Grand Island and Hall County you are at the crossroads of America.
As you travel Interstate 80, Route 30, 34, and 2, you parallel the early days' trails that passed through the immediate area. The Mormon Pioneer Trail, the California Trail, the Omaha and Fort Kearney Road, The Nebraska City Cutoff Trail, the Oregon Trail, the Ox Bow Trail, and the Pony Express went through the heart of Hall County. The Platte River is a braided river and one of only two in the Northern Hemisphere.
Hall County contains history of epic proportions from early occupation by the Sioux Indians, the arduous journey of the persecuted Mormons along the Platte River to their haven in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the numerous markers and monuments of pioneer hardships and settlements along the famous overland trails. A self guided tour of over 75 historic sites throughout the county has been prepared by the Hall County Historical Society and can be requested by calling.
Explore Hall County
Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival
Join us at this two-time award winning Ethnic Festival in the downtown Grand Island on the weekend of July 27-29. Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the world, all in one location as we celebrate our ethnic diversity. You too, can celebrate your ethnic heritage
Grand Island, NE FESTIVALSSt. Stephen's Episcopal Church
This landmark English Gothic structure opened for worship on July 7, 1889. The church was constructed with red granite from Colorado and trimmed in gray sandstone from Wyoming. The stained glass windows were imported from Europe. In 1903
Grand Island, NE Historic ChurchesGlade-Donald House
National Register of Historic Places
The Glade-Donald House is a distinctive example of the Shingle style. The house is completely sheathed with wooden shingles, and incorporates many bay and oriel windows, including two prominent bow windows on the front facade. The house was built about 1905
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERLiederkranz
National Register of Historic Places
Liederkranz means "a wreath of songs." In 1870, German settlers met to organize a German singing society to provide musical and social entertainment and to cultivate the member'
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTEROscar Roeser House
National Register of Historic Places
The Oscar Roeser House was built in 1908
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERStuhr Museum
Experience the authentic lifestyle of America's prairie heritage at one of the nation's top ten Living History museums ... Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer!
Stuhr Museum is located on 200 acres
Grand Island, NE MuseumsWilliam Stolley Homestead
William Stolley was one of a small band of German immigrants who came to the central Platte Valley of Nebraska Territory in 1857. Stolley filed the first squatter's claim in the county. He helped organize School District 1
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERIsland Oasis
LOOKING FOR SUMMER FUN? Island Oasis is the COOL place to be this summer. The only water park of its kind between Lincoln and Denver.
Grab you sunglasses; throw on your swimsuit and discover a day of summer fun at Island Oasis Water Park.
Grand Island, NE RECREATION
Hamilton-Donald House
National Register of Historic Places
The house was constructed by Henry Falldorf in 1905 for Ellsworth D. Hamilton, cashier of the Commercial State Bank of Grand Island. In 1908
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERHall County Courthouse
One of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts Classicism architecture in the Midwest, the Hall County Courthouse was formally accepted in January, 1904. Note the central section'
Grand Island, NE National RegisterFort O.K. Cannon
The cannon located on the South lawn of the Courthouse is dated 1853 and with the forged stamp of AMES CO. FOUNDERS, CHICOPEE, MASS.
"This cannon was left at Fort O.K. August 22, 1865 by Major J.R. Curtis 'for the protection of the settlement against attack by Hostile Indians'."
Grand Island, NE Landmarks
St. Mary's Cathedral
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - National Register of Historic Places
St. Mary's Cathedral is one of the finest Late Gothic Revival churches in the state, constructed in 1926-28
Grand Island, NE Historic Churches