A trip to Hall County spans pioneer history and prairie town life, as well as interactive exhibits, wildlife watching, and nature trails. Which stops you put at the center of your trip depends on whether you are most interested in historic traces, agriculture, or outdoor activities.
Pioneer History and Prairie Town
Murdock Site lies on the south bank of the Wood River, two miles south of present-day Alda. The site covers 2.4 acres; the ruts there were made by wagon wheels, livestock, and pioneers traveling on foot. The Mormon Pioneer Party crossed Murdock Site on April 29, 1847. The visible ground features thus sit alongside a clearly dated event in pioneer history.
Railroad Town at the Stuhr Museum offers a different historical perspective. The site recreates the experience of an 1890s prairie town: historic buildings, working crafts, and living-history interpreters are all part of the presentation. Railroad Town is fully open and staffed every day from May 1 through mid-September each year. Because seasonal programs may change, check visitor information before your trip.
The Cairo Roots Museum preserves the history of Cairo and northwestern Hall County. Its collections include historic objects and information about the history of Cairo and the surrounding region, from the 1870s to the present. The museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon; appointments are available for other visiting times. So if you would like to visit outside Saturday morning hours, arrange your visit in advance.
Agriculture and Seasonal Experiences
At Raising Nebraska, you can experience agriculture interactively. The “Drive a Combine” exhibit lets visitors experience harvesting crops in a realistic simulator. The “Walkable Map” is a large topographic map of Nebraska that you can walk across. Raising Nebraska is free and open to the public Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Check these opening hours before your visit.
The Nebraska State Fair is also worth considering when planning your trip: it lasts eleven days and ends on Labor Day. Check the annual dates and program for your travel year. Live thoroughbred horse racing is the main attraction at Fonner Park. The Finish Line Restaurant also broadcasts live horse races from across the United States—another way to watch races, rather than at the venue itself.
Wildlife Watching and Trails
The Crane Trust offers ten miles of nature trails through the prairie and along the water. In March, guided crane-watching tours are available with expert guides. If cranes are your main interest, plan your visit around this seasonal offering and check the dates in advance. The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center is in central Nebraska at Interstate 80 Exit 305, the Alda exit.
Mormon Island State Recreation Area offers good opportunities for wildlife watching throughout the year, especially along the Platte River. For time on the water, there is a no-wake lake for canoeing and kayaking; boat ramps are located at Lakes 1 and 2. Visitors who want to fish will find an accessible fishing pier at Lake 1. The options here are distinct: wildlife watching along the river, paddling on the lake, or fishing from the designated pier.
Hall County itself also has a growing network of hiking and biking trails. Some parks and schools are connected and accessible via the trails. This offers another way to experience the region, beyond individual nature areas and historic sites.
Discover more destinations: Grand Island, Dundy County, Adams County, Sheridan County, Garfield County, Dodge County, Keith County, Brown County.
For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.
