Platte River State Park
Observation tower
Platte River State Park is located in Nebraska
Platte River State Park
Platte River State Park
Location in Nebraska
LocationCass County, Nebraska, United States
Nearest cityLouisville, Nebraska
Coordinates40°59′37″N 96°12′30″W / 40.99361°N 96.20833°W / 40.99361; -96.20833[1]
Area425.5 acres (172.2 ha)[2]
Elevation1,024 ft (312 m)[1]
Established1982
Administered byNebraska Game and Parks Commission
DesignationNebraska state park
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata

Platte River State Park is a public recreation area encompassing 453 acres (183 ha) on the southern bluffs of the Platte River two miles (3.2 km) west of Louisville, Nebraska. The state park has a relatively steep, rolling topography compared to the surrounding region, with much of it forested.[3]

History

On August 13, 1982, the park was created from three formerly separate areas: Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp, Camp Esther K. Newman, and a woodland tract of 104 acres (42 ha).[4] Vintage cabins from the earlier campgrounds are still in use.[3]

Activities and amenities

Two observation towers provide views of the Platte River Valley; the taller rises 85 feet (26 m) above its base. The park has a spray park, tennis courts and ten miles (16 km) of hiking trails. Guided trail rides are offered in summer. Jenny Newman Lake provides fishing opportunities for those under 16 years of age and their adult supervisors. Paddleboats are offered for rent. The park has a visitor center, arts and crafts center, picnicking areas, ballfield, tent camping, tepees, and cabins.[3] A rifle, trap, and archery shooting range is part of the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex.[5]

In 2016, the state announced a $34 million program to upgrade visitor experiences at four public recreation areas in the Platte River Valley. The improvements announced for Platte River State Park include the addition of new mountain biking and other trails and improved river access for canoers and kayakers.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 "Decker Creek". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ↑ "Platte River State Park". NGPC Map and Data Portal. March 1, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 "Platte River State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Lincoln Safari Playbook 2011" (PDF). Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. p. 71. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 9, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  6. ↑ Peterson, Patti Jo (June 15, 2016). "Nebraska Game and Parks plans $35-million upgrade to Platte River Valley parks". The Plattsmouth Journal. Fremont, Nebr. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
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