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Mormon Island
Grand Island acquired its name because of the long, narrow island in
the Platte River here. It was a convenient landmark for the early
explorers, captivated the imagination of some Iowa investors and a
welcome respite for the Mormons on their way to Utah. The Mormon Island
State Recreation Area is situated on the island right at exit 312.
Stuhr Museum
As you drive toward the city of Grand Island on US-34/281, you will see
the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer on your right just before US-34
turns of to the right. If you also make that right turn, and turn right
again at Tech Drive, you will enter a fascinating exhibit of Native
American and early pioneer artifacts and exhibits. A very informative
multi-medial presentation help increase the understand of these exhibits
which include a full-sized Pawnee Indian earthlodge. During the summer
months, costumed guides and presenters help demonstrate life in an 1890s
railroad town (and you now have passed a few) and demonstrate such
old-time skills as blacksmithing, tinsmithing and dressmaking. It is
interesting to see how self-sufficient these pioneers were.
Children's Museum of
Central Nebraska - In Hastings, about 20 miles south of exit 312
in Grand Island, is a highly respected children's museum featuring
interactive exhibits. There are several hotels offering discounts in
Hastings in addition to the many hotels offering discounts in
Grand Island.
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Migratory
Waterfall
During
a six week stretch from sometime in February to mid-April or so, about
80% of the sand cranes on this planet, plus several hundreds other
species of migratory fowl, pause in their migration to rest in the area
along I-80 from Kearney to Grand Island. You may have noticed those ponds along the
Interstate; most of them are in special Wildlife Management Areas to
assure these thousands of birds have a safe place for their mid-journey
rest. If you would like to learn more, the Crane Meadows Nature Center
at exit 305 is a 250 acre wetland habitat with a visitors center
featuring excellent sand crane and other wildlife exhibits plus a video.
For more information, phone 1-308-382-1820.
Scotia
Happy Jack Peak
and Chalk Mine - View the only public accessible chalk room and
pillar mine in North America plus over a mile of honeycombed caverns.
For information, 1-308-245-3276.
From I-80 exit 312, head north on US-281 to NE-22. Then head west
of 22 to Scotia (about 60 miles).
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