Dead Timber State Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dead Timber State Recreation Area |
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 Dead Timber State Recreation Area
Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Dodge County, Nebraska, United States |
| Area | 200 acres (81 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,266 ft (386 m) |
| Named for | dead timbers left after a wildfire |
| Governing body | Nebraska Game and Parks |
| Website | Dead Timber State Recreation Area |
Dead Timber State Recreation Area is a special Nebraska state park located in Dodge County, Nebraska. This park covers about 200 acres and sits at an elevation of 1,266 feet. It's a great spot for outdoor fun all year long, offering activities like fishing, camping, and boating (but only with non-motorized boats!). You can find Dead Timber State Recreation Area north of Scribner, right off U.S. Route 275.
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The Story Behind the Name
The name "Dead Timber" has an interesting history! Long ago, this area was a seasonal camp for Native American tribes. A local story says that the park got its name after a campfire started by Native Americans spread out of control. This fire burned many of the trees in the area, leaving behind "dead timber."
The park is located between the Elkhorn River and a unique type of lake called an oxbow lake. This oxbow lake was once part of the winding river itself.
What is an Oxbow Lake?
An oxbow lake is a cool natural feature! It forms when a river, like the Elkhorn, makes a big, curvy bend. Over a long time, the river slowly wears away its banks. Eventually, the two sides of the big bend get so close that the river cuts a new, straighter path. When this happens, the old, curvy part of the river gets cut off, forming a separate, U-shaped lake. That's an oxbow lake!
A Look Back in Time
Native American tribes used to camp near the river during the warmer summer months. When winter came, they would move to the protected area behind the river bluffs, settling near the oxbow lake.
European American settlers arrived in Dodge County around 1856. This was a challenging time, especially during the very harsh winter of 1856. The new settlers and the Native American tribes, including the Pawnee, sometimes had disagreements. One time, the Pawnee sent a group to the town of Fremont to talk about their concerns. The situation was resolved when the settlers agreed to provide food for the Native Americans. By 1859, the Pawnee people moved to a reservation.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Dead Timber State Recreation Area is a smaller park, but it offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature. You can go camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Remember, only human-powered boats are allowed on the lake; no motorized boats are permitted.
The park has basic restroom facilities. If you love camping, there are 17 camping spots with electricity and 25 spots without electricity. The oxbow lake is a popular spot for fishing.
Community Spirit: Helping the Park
Because of budget cuts, the state of Nebraska has had to reduce some services at Dead Timber State Recreation Area and other state parks. But the local community has stepped up to help! Citizens are volunteering their time to take care of the park. They do things like mowing grass, acting as camp hosts, and helping with other maintenance tasks. This shows how much the community cares about keeping the park beautiful for everyone to enjoy!
