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
Stuhr 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 MuseumsHall 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 RegisterSt. 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 ChurchesSt. 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 ChurchesFonner Park
Fonner Park, located in the heart of central Nebraska in southeast Grand Island, operates seven days a week. A "live" thoroughbred-racing season is conducted from mid-February through mid-May while the facility televises nationwide simulcast horse
Grand Island, NE RECREATIONCrane Trust Nature and Visitor Center
The Crane Trust is a habitat conservation nonprofit organization located on the beautiful Platte River in South Central Nebraska. In addition to offering tours of one of the greatest migrations in the world, the Trust works year-round to protect and preserve nearly 10,000
Wood River, NE Nature CentersHotel Yancey (Yancey Motor Hotel)
National Register of Historic Places
Named for its proprietor, William L. Yancey, the hotel was begun in April of 1917
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERSoldiers Memorial
Located on the South lawn of the Courthouse the memorial reads, "IN MEMORY OF THE DEFENDERS OF OUR COUNTRY, 1861-1865 and the Spanish American War, 1898-1900"
Erected by the city of Grand Island, 1913
Grand Island, NE MemorialsFort 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
Island 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
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 FESTIVALSMrs. H.J. Bartenbach House
National Register of Historic Places
The house is a distinct and significant example of a Nebraska dwelling designed in the Moderne style of the 1930s, a style never widely popular in the state. The original house, a one-story Victorian dwelling constructed in 1893
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTER