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Hall County, NE

Hall CountyWas 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 FESTIVALS

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 REGISTER

Glade-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 REGISTER

Fort 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

Hall 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 Register

Mrs. 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

Andrew M. Hargis House

National Register of Historic Places.

Built in 1898, the Andrew M. Hargis House is a fine example of the Queen Anne style and also incorporates Neo-Classical Revival detailing in its design. Hargis founded the Grand Island Business and Normal College in 1885

Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTER

Hotel 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 REGISTER

Soldiers 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 Memorials

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

Fonner 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 RECREATION

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 Museums

Explore Hall County