Alexandria is a peaceful, scenic recreation area encompassing 55 acres of land with two lakes totalling 46 acres of water. The area is fairly level with mature trees for shade and offers fishing, picn
This beautiful estate in Nebraska City was home to J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. From its beginning in 1855 as a four-room frame house, the magnificent mansion grew to 52 rooms through sev
Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen a major stopover on the Oregon and California trails and prompted prehistoric Indians to use it, too. Ruts etched by west-bound w
Nearly 12 million years ago, volcanic ash engulfed this ancient watering hole, entombing innumerable animals. National Geographic has called it the Pompeii of prehistoric animals. Because of its scien
Blue River State Recreation area is a day-use only area that provides walk-in pedestrian river access for anglers. Common carp, channel catfish and flathead catfish are among the species present in th
This 742-acre area has great spots for picnicking and camping, as well as a lake, making it a perfect place for a close-to-home getaway. Anglers especially enjoy Bluestem, which has a 325-acre lake. P
Bowring Ranch near Merriman is a Hereford demonstration ranch, donated by former U.S. Senator Eve Bowring in memory of her husband. The ranch house displays fine antique china, crystal and silver, as
Box Butte Reservoir SRA encompasses 2,212 acres on the west edge of the Sandhills, 9 miles north of Hemingford. It includes a 1,600-acre lake. The area is a good spot for fishing, camping and picnicki
Branched Oak State Recreation Area features the largest lake in eastern Nebraska and has long been a popular spot for fishing, boating and camping. Approximately 1,800 acres of water, along with well-
Those looking for shady campsites and sandy beaches will enjoy a visit to Bridgeport State Recreation Area, a relatively small but popular spot for power-boating and non-motorized water sports, campin
Home of famed showman scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park at North Platte recaptures the life and career of the famed Pony Express rider, Army scout and buff
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area offers camping and hiking right next door to the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which makes it easy to tour the ranch house and barn that Col. Willi
Located in Nebraska’s beautiful sandhills, Calamus State Recreation Area is among the most popular places for camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking in the state. Features of the area includ
Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park was founded in 1921 and is nestled among the distinctive buttes and canyons of Nebraska’s Pine Ridge. Since its founding a century ago, it’s remained a
Cheyenne is a small state recreation area with a 15-acre pond near the community of Wood River. The area offers fishing, camping and picnicking. There are no designated campsites, though tent campers
Conestoga is a 230-acre reservoir surrounded by 486 acres of land. The area offers boating, picnicking, hiking and biking trails, camping and fishing. Located just two miles north of Denton in rural L
Peaceful and secluded, Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area includes a 60-acre Sandhills lake surrounded by 180 acres of rolling hills. The area is partially forested and offers power boating, fishin
Danish Alps State Recreation Area comprises a 219-acre lake surrounded by 520 acres of parkland. The area is named for the early Danish settlers in the area. Kramper Reservoir, named for Vince Kramper
Located north of Scribner on Highway 275, Dead Timber is a 200-acre area with opportunities for camping, fishing and non-powered boating. The area offers offers peaceful seclusion for an afternoon or
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, one of four areas known collectively as the Southwest Reservoirs, is a combination of recreational and wildlife lands, with the additional dedication of a porti
This modern state park is the perfect year round destination for a family escape. Families can visit the aquatic center and indoor playground, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, adventure th
One of the earliest U.S. military posts west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson was established in 1820 on recommendation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Located at Fort Calhoun, the fort was imp
Located near Elyria, Fort Hartsuff is typical of Plains infantry outposts. It stood as a buffer between settlers and Native Americans, and to protect the Pawnee from the war-like Sioux, in the North L
Originally a safe haven for Overland Trail travelers, Pony Express riders, and gold prospectors, Fort Kearny established in 1848, is now a state historical park preserved by the Nebraska Game and Park
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers 186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes. In the spring, the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl gathers in the central Platte River vall
Stunning Fort Robinson State Park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling Old West history, exceptional lodging, scenic camping and the park’s own buffalo and long
One of eastern Nebraska’s most popular recreation areas, Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area has about 40 land acres and nearly 300 water acres in 20 sandpit lakes. Located three miles west of Fremont
Gallagher Canyon is a 400-acre irrigation impoundment with 24 acres of recreation land adjacent in a secluded and beautiful setting. Although a challenge to get to, Gallagher Canyon offers outstanding
Named for the large sandstone cave within the park, Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the mighty Missouri River. The park is well known for its beautiful camping and picn
Excellent camping, fishing and water sports are hallmarks of this popular area, just 10 miles south of Lexington. This recreation area packs a lot of outdoor fun in 68 acres and provides three access
Keller Park State Recreation Area, northeast of Ainsworth on Bone Creek, is one of the few spots where anglers can pursue both rainbow trout and warm water species. Nestled amid rugged tree-covered bl
Lake Maloney is just six miles south of North Platte is a great getaway spot for outdoor-lovers. Lake Maloney is popular for boating, fishing, water sports, camping and family fun. The 1,000 acre lake
Nearly everything about Lake McConaughy is big. At 30,000 surface acres it is Nebraska’s largest reservoir, its dam is among the largest of its type in the world and its fish grow to trophy proportion
At 2,158 acres, Lake Minatare SRA is the Panhandle’s largest body of water, attracting thousands of anglers, campers, water skiers and swimmers each year. Lake Minatare boasts excellent outdoor recrea
Located on the east side of Kingsley Dam and massive Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is known as “the little lake.” Chilled by the massive surface of Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is a well-known fish
Nebraska’s second largest reservoir, Lewis and Clark straddles the state’s northeast border with South Dakota. The lake draws its name from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which camped nearby during t
Long Lake State Recreation Area is made up of 30 acres of rolling sandhills and a 50-acre natural sandhill lake. The area offers fishing, camping, and limited hunting access.
Encompassing 192 acres, Louisville State Recreation Area boasts five sandpit lakes with approximately 50 surface acres of water. Surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, this inviting area offers picn
Located in a peaceful and scenic spot, Medicine Creek is a great hidden outdoor getaway. Four two-bedroom fully furnished lakeside modern cabins are available for outdoor lovers. Camping, fishing, swi
Memphis State Recreation Area consists of 163 peaceful acres of land with a 48-acre lake. The area offers tent and RV camping, fishing, hiking and non-powered boating.
Located in a picturesque valley of the Snake River 26 miles southwest of Valentine, Merritt Reservoir offers some of Nebraska’s best fishing, along with boating and camping. It is a deep lake with exc
Just off Interstate 80 by Grand Island, Mormon Island State Recreation Area is a convenient place for outdoor fun. Mormon Island has handicap-accessible fishing piers, modern camping, great fishing, g
Situated at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers on Nebraska’s northeastern border, Niobrara State Park offers visitors a wide array of outdoor experiences. This scenic, tranquil park of
North Loup State Recreation Area is a 13-acre area adjacent to the Loup River. It has two ponds with a total of seven water acres. The area offers fishing, picnicking, and primitive campsites.
Olive Creek State Recreation Area has 612 acres of land and water available to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Although small, the 175-acre lake supports a variety of fish species. Other activities in
Pawnee State Recreation Area features 2,544 acres, 740 of which are water acres. Diverse recreation opportunities on this area draw anglers, boaters, hikers, hunters, shutterbugs and anyone else who e
Pelican Point State Recreation Area is a small, scenic area made up of 36 acres adjacent to the Missouri River. It offers fishing, river access, picnicking and camping.
Quaint Platte River State Park is nestled halfway between Nebraska’s two largest cities – Lincoln and Omaha. Before it was a state park it was two separate camps – Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp
Situated in the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River, one of two pictu
Some of the finest fishing and hunting in the state are found at Red Willow SRA, and the area has excellent facilities for camping and water-oriented recreation. Red Willow SRA offers 4,320 acres of l
Riverview Marina State Recreation Area is a 47-acre site adjacent to the Missouri River that offers electrical and primitive campsites with a shower house. The area offers camping, fishing and picnick
Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area is a 50-acre lake on Rock Creek with 54 acres of land. This area offers camping, hiking, boating, fishing and picnicking, as well as primitive camping.
Rock Creek Station was a stage and Pony Express station established in 1857 that become notorious one fateful day in 1861. On that July afternoon, James Butler Hickok killed David McCanles there and b
Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area is a 40-acre campground adjacent to Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. Campers can enjoy the beautiful campground and the adjacent historical park visit
Rockford State Recreation Area consists of approximately 300 land acres around a 150-acre lake. The area offers boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming and camping.
This recreation area provides great opportunities for fishing, floating, kayaking, and primitive camping. Sandy Channel is a popular fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and yellow p
Visitors refer to Schramm Park State Recreation Area as a hidden gem nestled among the rolling hills of the Platte River valley. The historic site of the state’s first fish hatchery boasts well-mainta
Known for its great fishing opportunities, Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area boasts a 2,845-acre lake and 4,721 land acres. Primitive camping includes 360 non-pad sites. Other facilities include
Scenic Smith Falls State Park is home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall, also called Smith Falls. The state park is a popular destination for campers, as well as canoers, kayakers, tubers and others who
Summit Lake State Recreation Area is a 190-acre lake, surrounded by 345 acres of land. The area offers fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming and camping, among other activities.
Sutherland State Recreation Area is a 3,017-acre lake with 37 acres of land. The area offers quality fishing, power boating, primitive camping and a swimming beach. Sutherland Reservoir is convenientl
Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area is the largest of four recreation areas in the southwest part of the state. Located near Trenton, Swanson consists of a 4,974 acre lake and 3,957 acres of land.
As one of the most popular recreation areas in the state, Two Rivers is a great spot for fishing, camping, swimming and picnicking west of Omaha in Eastern Nebraska. Perhaps the most unique draw of th
Verdon State Recreation Area offers a 45-acre lake and 30 acres of land. The area offers primitive camping and picnicking, though the highlight is angling opportunities in the spring-fed lake.
Established in 1925, Victoria Springs State Recreation Area is the third oldest area in Nebraska’s state park system. Located 6 miles east of Anselmo or 7 miles north of Merna, Victoria Springs has ju
Wagon Train State Recreation Area comprises 746 acres of land and a 315-acre lake two miles east of Hickman. The area offers boating, fishing, picnicking and a swimming beach.
Perhaps best known as the home of the Walgren Lake Monster, this northwestern Nebraska attraction on the edge of the Sandhills offers a wide variety of activities in a serene setting. Whether or not y
War Axe State Recreation Area comprises nine acres of land and a 16 acre lake just off Interstate 80. The area offers boating, fishing and picnicking, as well as non-powered boating.
Whether you become captivated by indoor interactive displays, interpretive programming, shooting sports or from the exploration of 1,094 acres of wilderness, you’re sure to gain a deeper appreciation
Located 1 ½ miles southwest of Pierce, scenic Willow Creek State Recreation Area draws its name from the meandering stream that feeds the Elkhorn River in Northeast Nebraska. The 1,633-acre area inclu
Windmill State Recreation area is one of the jewels of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in the state’s unique chain of lakes along Interstate 80. Situated at the Gibbon Interchange between Kearn
