Platte River State Park
| Platte River State Park | |
|---|---|
 Horses in Platte River State Park | |
  Location in Nebraska  Location in the United States | |
| Location | Cass County, Nebraska, United States |
| Nearest city | Louisville, Nebraska |
| Coordinates | 40°59′20″N 96°13′01″W / 40.98889°N 96.21694°W[1] |
| Area | 519 acres (210 ha)[2] |
| Elevation | 1,109 ft (338 m)[1] |
| Designation | Nebraska state park |
| Established | 1982 |
| Administrator | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
| Website | Platte River State Park |
Platte River State Park is a public recreation area situated 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. The park consists of 519 acres (210 ha), much of it forested.[2]
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).[3] Vintage cabins from the earlier campgrounds are still in use.[4]
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 swimming pool, tennis courts and 10 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, an arts and crafts center, picnicking areas, and ballfield. A shooting range for rifles, trap, and archery was constructed in 2011.[2] The park offers tent camping, tepees, and cabins.[4]
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 a ropes course, rock wall, new mountain biking and other trails, a small zip line, and improved river access for canoers and kayakers.[5]
References
- ^ a b "Platte River State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ a b c "Platte River State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2007.
- ^ "Lincoln Safari Playbook 2011" (PDF). Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. p. 71. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
- ^ a b "Platte River State Park". Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
- ^ 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.
External links
- Platte River State Park Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
- Platte River State Park Map Nebraska Game and Parks Commission