Grand Island, NE

Known as the retail heart of central Nebraska, Grand Island has no problem attracting residents and tourists alike. In fact, this city provides jobs and entertainment for the more than 30 small rural communities that surround Grand Island. Its population has steadily increased since its incorporation in 1872, and the number of residents now stands at about 45,000. Considering this city's natural scenery, which changes with every season, it is no wonder that the fourth largest city in Nebraska continues to grow each day.

America's Promise Alliance recently named Grand Island one of the country's 100 Best Communities for Young People.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Employment in Grand Island centers primarily on retail and manufacturing jobs. There are 84 manufacturing plants in Grand Island, employing more than 7,000 people. Many workers are employed in the health-care industry, thanks in part to Saint Francis Medical Center. The workforce is made up of both residents and commuters from the rural areas that surround the city. Most jobs are located within the eight main industrial areas in the city, all of them near highways or railroads for easy commuting. Some of the largest private employers in the city include Swift &Company, Chief Industries, and CASE IH.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Grand Island accommodates more than 17,000 homes, with more than 16,000 of them occupied. Roughly 62 percent of residents own their homes. The city offers predominantly detached single family dwellings, as well as some townhouses, condominiums, executive homes, and apartments.

The Historic Downtown District features many buildings from the early-20th century. Many have been renovated to accommodate residential housing. The Yancey, for example, was built in 1923 as a hotel. Today, the Renaissance Revival period structure houses stylish condominiums and office space. Downtown is also home to the Historic Grand Theatre, an art-deco style theatre built in 1911.

GETTING AROUND

Highways: Grand Island is accessible from myriad major highways, including Interstate 80 and U.S. Highways 281, 30, and 34. Nebraska's own Highway 2 is another way to get around near the city.

Air Travel: Central Nebraska Regional Airport serves Grand Island, using Allegiant Air and Great Lakes Airlines. There are a limited number of flights each week, and both airlines fly only to nearby states.

Bus Travel: Greyhound operates buses in this city.

FAMILY FUN

Parks: Grand Island has 16 parks that encompass more than 300 acres total. Most parks have basketball courts, baseball fields, ice skating, and fishing and boating opportunities. Some parks also have outdoor pools, tennis courts, and sledding areas.

Island Oasis Water Park: This park includes a large wave pool, several water slides, beach volleyball, a lazy river, and more outdoor water activities.

Golfing: Grand Island Municipal Golf Course is a nearly 200-acre public course. Among the city's private courses are Fonner View and Indianhead Golf Course.

Fonner Park: This park is known for hosting shows, expos, and events, including thoroughbred racing every spring.

Skate Park: Grand Island offers its youth residents a number of entertainment options, including this skate park, which includes ramps meant for both beginning and advanced skaters.

Heartland Public Shooting Park: Those who want to practice their shooting skills visit this park, which offers a skeet range, a clay range, loaner shotguns, ammunition, ear and eye protection, and shooting classes. The park is planning to add campgrounds and more than 20 miles of trails in the future.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer: This is the place to go to learn more about Nebraska's history-exhibits focus on past pioneer communities. The museum even has exhibits outside, including its train cars from the early 20th century.

Grand Island Little Theatre: This small community theater has been providing big entertainment to Grand Island for more than 40 years.

Art in the Park: Held in Stolley Park, this fine arts show provides fun for people of all ages. Art sales, unique cuisine, and live music entertain visitors for the day.

Harvest of Harmony Parade: For more than 60 years, the first weekend of October has been the time for school bands from the entire state to make music at this parade.

EDUCATION

Grand Island's school system has been rated among the best in the state of Nebraska.

Central Community College: This school is known for offering two-year degrees, or the opportunity to transfer to a local four-year college, on a flexible schedule. Many students take night or online classes. This campus was founded in 1976 and offers 16 different programs.

Doane College Grand Island: This is a branch of Doane, a private liberal arts and sciences school. Established in 2003, this campus is located on Highway 34 and offers hands-on training in the real world in addition to classroom studies.

Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center: This school proudly trains future law-enforcement officials from around the state, helping them eventually obtain jobs in nearby cities.

SHOPPING

Grand Island Mall: Built in 1973, this recently updated mall is more of an outdoor shopping center than an indoor mall. Its location near U.S. Highway 281 makes it a convenient destination.

Conestoga Mall: Also located just off U.S. Highway 281, this mall features more than 50 stores and a movie theater with 7 auditoriums. Kiddie rides keep children entertained on long shopping days.

Isle de Grand Shopping Center: Located close to Grand Island's other shopping areas, this center makes it easy to continue a day of shopping uninterrupted.

FUN FACTS

Famous residents of Grand Island have included actor Henry Fonda and puppeteer Bil Baird.