Branched Oak State Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Branched Oak State Recreation Area |
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Branched Oak Lake marina
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 Branched Oak State Recreation Area
Location in Nebraska
Branched Oak State Recreation Area
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lancaster, Nebraska, United States |
| Area | 5,595 acres (22.64 km2) |
| Governing body | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) is a fun outdoor spot in Nebraska. It is located about 2.5 miles north of Malcolm, Nebraska. This area is northwest of the city of Lincoln in Lancaster County.
Branched Oak Lake is the biggest of the Salt Valley Lakes. It has about 1,800 acres of water. The entire park covers a huge area of 5,595 acres. It is a great place for many outdoor activities.
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What is the History of Branched Oak Lake?
Branched Oak Lake was built on the site of a former village. This village was called Crounse, Nebraska. Crounse was named after Lorenzo Crounse. He was a former governor and a judge for Nebraska.
Why Was Branched Oak Lake Created?
Branched Oak Lake was made to help control floods. It is part of the Salt Valley Lakes project. This project stops Salt Creek from flooding nearby Lincoln. The Crounse school closed in 1962. Most people moved away by 1966. The area was then flooded in 1967. The project was finished in 1968.
Where Can You Find the Crounse Historical Marker?
Today, you can find a special marker at Area 6 of the recreation area. This marker shows where the old village of Crounse used to be. The marker was given by former Crounse residents. It was placed with help from the Nebraska State Historical Society.
The marker tells the story of Crounse:
- Crounse was a small village. It was named for Lorenzo Crounse. He was a Nebraska Supreme Court justice, a congressman, and a governor.
- The village had a school from 1870 to 1962.
- It also had a post office, a church, a general store, and a creamery.
- The Crounse School was very important to the community. Classes met in homes until the schoolhouse was built in 1873.
- Many activities happened there. These included picnics, bazaars, 4-H events, and ball games.
- After the school closed in 1962, only memories of the community remained.
What Can You Do at Branched Oak State Recreation Area?
Branched Oak State Recreation Area has many fun things to do. It is a great place for families and friends to enjoy nature.
What Water Activities Are Available?
The park has two beaches where you can go swimming. The lake is also perfect for boating. You can rent boats at the marina.
Where Can You Camp and Hike?
You can choose from modern campsites or more basic, primitive ones. There are also trails for hiking. If you like horses, there are trails for equestrians too.
What Other Activities Does the Park Offer?
The park is also a good place for hunting. It has a shooting range and an archery range. The marina is in the northeast part of the lake. It offers boat rentals, fuel, snacks, and bait. There is even a restaurant called The Boat House Bar and Grill.
What Kind of Fish Live in Branched Oak Lake?
The lake is full of different kinds of fish. You can try to catch:
Images for kids
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Branched Oak Lake dam, seen from the south
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Branched Oak Lake as seen from the dam
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Branched Oak Lake marina
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Branched Oak Lake marina
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Branched Oak Lake marina breakwall
