Make The Most Of Your State Fair Trip: Grand Island Attractions & Restaurants Nearby

Every summer for two weeks, tens of thousands of fairgoers make their way to Grand Island for the Nebraska State Fair. They’re all there for rides, food, music, and the showcase of talents and hard work of Nebraskans. Most people choose to stay all day at the fair (or all weekend or all week…) near the fairgrounds, but should you want to venture further into Grand Island, you won’t regret it. 

Disclosure: I visited Grand Island several times, mostly as a fairgoer myself, but also while attending a travel conference where some admission to places were complimentary. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own.

I tell people Grand Island is known for two things: The Nebraska State Fair and Stuhr Museum. So, if you’re not visiting Grand Island at the end of August, and are looking for things to do, your first thought should go to Stuhr Museum. Come to think of it, you should go there when visiting at the end of August, too.

The museum is a couple miles from the state fairgrounds, and is home to several late 1800s buildings on the grounds. Explore at your own pace, stepping into most of the buildings to see how life once was inside a mercantile, hat shop, bank, homes and more. 

When I visited, there were costumed volunteers on hand to talk about the era and explain some of the things we were seeing. Keeping with the era the buildings are from, there is no air conditioning in them. 

Tip: The mercantile is also a functioning retail shop. You can purchase everything from candy and toys to jewelry and clothing there. 

Cool off at the Stuhr Museum’s gorgeous exhibit space located in the iconic Stuhr Building It’s the first building you see when you drive onto the museum grounds, so you can’t miss it. 

If it’s shopping you’re looking for, Grand Island has a lot of the big retailers like Walmart. I sought locally-owned businesses on my most recent visit, and found so charming places in The Railside District. It’s Grand Island’s downtown neighborhood near the railroad tracks…so aptly named. Head to Amur Plaza at 304 W. Third St. and from there, venture either direction on Third Street.

While waiting for my iced Americano, I asked the barista at Daily Dose Coffee for recommendations on boutiques, and she pointed me toward West Anna Boutique for clothes and gifts. I was greeted by the cutest shop dog, and a well-stocked store.

From there, I was pointed toward their sister store, Vintageleaf, a haven for plant lovers. Both spots are unique retailers I recommend checking out! I was tempted to buy a Nebraska hat and sandals at West Anna. 

Good Food & Drinks Near The Fair

Fair food is a class all its own, and far be it from me to discourage you from indulging in all the fried things. But, if you want to get away from the crowds, you need to drive away from Fonner Park.

I recommend driving toward Railside for food and drinks. Looking for coffee or a light snack? Go to Daily Dose Coffee (mentioned earlier). Iced coffee options are abundant, which will be awfully refreshing come the end of August.

You can’t miss Wave Pizza Co….mainly because there’s a shark jutting out from the building. Head inside and get yourself some tasty pizza. For a taste of something you won’t find at the fair, try Everest Indian Kitchen, an Indian restaurant with delicious masala dishes. They have several naan options, too, including the always popular garlic naan. 

For a unique experience, check if Liederkranz has a German Night or special event scheduled during your visit. One of the big events is the Craft Brew and Sausage Fest, held in mid-August each year. The German club’s special events are open to the public, and you can have a German beer or, hopefully, German food (check their events calendar before going). They also have a super cool vintage bowling alley in the basement.