Itinerary: 2 Days in Grand Island

Visit for changing art and history exhibits housed in more than 100 structures on 200-plus acres—including the "Gem of the Prairie" Stuhr Building, fresh off a $7-million renovation. The museum is open year 'round, but May 1 through Labor Day, step back in time at Railroad Town, when Stuhr's living history community is staffed with costumed interpreters. 

Find the tasting room under soaring cathedral ceilings and try something to drink. Then, sit by the 15-foot-tall stone fireplace or relax on the deck overlooking this family-owned vineyard. Open April through mid-December, Friday through Saturday, 1-6 p.m.

With brews like Wild Prairie Blonde and Wind Devil, a Red IPA, Prairie Pride is big on flavor. Check their calendar for special nights featuring everything from wings to trivia to craft projects. 

Take a walk through this 34-acre park and you'll discover a playground, wading pool, disc golf course, arboretum and 19th-century buildings including the log William Stolley House. In summer, take a ride on the Stolley Park Miniature Railroad (open Tuesday through Sunday). Park open daily year 'round from dawn to dusk. 

Families love Island Oasis' giant water slides, thrilling speed slides, wave pool, lazy river and sand volleyball courts. A children's play area and full concessions make it easy to spend a day or an afternoon. Open daily Memorial Day through August.

Maybe a meeting or trade show at the Heartland Events Center has brought you to Fonner Park. If not, check out the adjoining facilities at Fonner Park Race Track and the state-of-the-art livestock and exhibition buildings constructed for the Nebraska State Fair. (Thoroughbred horse racing takes place February through May.)