Platte River State Park is a public recreation area encompassing on the southern bluffs of the
Platte River
The Platte River () is a major river in the State of Nebraska. It is about long; measured to its farthest source via its tributary, the North Platte River, it flows for over . The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which itsel ...
west of
Louisville
Louisville ( , , ) is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the 28th most-populous city in the United States. Louisville is the historical seat and, since 2003, the nominal seat of Jefferson County, on the Indiana border.
...
,
Nebraska
Nebraska () is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by South Dakota to the north; Iowa to the east and Missouri to the southeast, both across the Missouri River; Kansas to the south; Colorado to the sout ...
. The
state park has a relatively steep, rolling topography compared to the surrounding region, with much of it forested.
[
]
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 .[ Vintage cabins from the earlier campgrounds are still in use.][
]
Activities and amenities
Two observation towers provide views of the Platte River Valley; the taller rises above its base. The park has a spray park, tennis courts and 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.[ A rifle, trap, and archery shooting range is part of the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex.][
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.][
]
References
External links
Platte River State Park
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Platte River State Park Map
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
{{authority control
Protected areas of Cass County, Nebraska
State parks of Nebraska
Protected areas established in 1982
1982 establishments in Nebraska