Platte River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platte River State Park |
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Horses in Platte River State Park
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 Platte River State Park
Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Cass County, Nebraska, United States |
| Nearest city | Louisville, Nebraska |
| Area | 452.5 acres (183.1 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,109 ft (338 m) |
| Designation | Nebraska state park |
| Established | 1982 |
| Administrator | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
| Website | Platte River State Park |
Platte River State Park is a cool outdoor place in Nebraska. It covers about 453 acres (that's like 340 football fields!). You can find it on the southern hills near the Platte River, just two miles west of Louisville, Nebraska. This park is special because it has lots of hills and forests, which is different from the flatter land around it.
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Park History: How It Started
Platte River State Park was officially created on August 13, 1982. Before it became one big park, it was actually three separate areas. These were the Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp, Camp Esther K. Newman, and a large woodland area. Some of the old cabins from those early camps are still used today, giving the park a historic feel.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
There are tons of exciting activities for visitors at Platte River State Park!
Amazing Views and Trails
- Observation Towers: You can climb two tall towers to get awesome views of the Platte River Valley. The tallest one is 85 feet high – that's like an eight-story building!
- Hiking Trails: The park has about 10 miles of trails for you to explore. These trails wind through the forests and hills, perfect for an adventure.
- Horseback Riding: In the summer, you can even go on guided trail rides on horseback. It's a great way to see the park.
Water Fun and Fishing
- Jenny Newman Lake: This lake is a special spot for fishing. If you're under 16, you can fish here with an adult supervisor.
- Paddleboats: You can rent paddleboats to cruise around on the lake. It's a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the water.
- Spray Park: On hot days, cool off at the park's spray park. It's like a giant sprinkler playground!
Other Cool Activities
- Visitor Center: Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park and its wildlife.
- Arts and Crafts: Get creative at the arts and crafts center.
- Picnic Areas: There are plenty of spots for a picnic with your family and friends.
- Sports: You can play a game at the ballfield or enjoy the tennis courts.
- Camping: If you want to stay overnight, the park has places for tent camping, cool tepees, and cozy cabins.
- Shooting Range: The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex has areas for rifle, trap, and archery shooting.
Future Park Upgrades
In 2016, the state announced plans to make the park even better! They are investing money to add new mountain biking trails and improve how people can get to the river for canoeing and kayaking. This means even more adventures are coming to Platte River State Park!
