PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK - Nebraska State Park

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NGPCnews
October 26, 2009

Platte River State Park is an innovative area withsome intriguing concepts in park lodging, management and design. This up-to-the-minute facility offers a wide range of activities and lodging choices, while keeping costs to a minimum.

The park sits about halfway between the state's two largest cities of Omaha and Lincoln. The 418-acre park merged what were once three separate areas — Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp, Camp Esther K. Newman, and a 104-acre wooded area.

Attractions
Activities range from swimming at the supervised pool to guided horseback trail rides through the timbered hills. Sights to see include the quaint Red Barn (converted to a group camp) and a charming little waterfall. If you're watchful, you might even spot a flock of wild turkeys as they wander past your cabin. Those who like to rise with the sun should indulge in a hike through the picturesque woodlands.

Recreational equipment is available at Owen Landing, where you can rent a paddleboat to churn around Jenny Newman Lake. At sunset, free campfire programs that change regularly are on tap at the amphitheater. To keep up on all the goings-on, just pick up a copy of the Platte River PATHFINDER, your complete guide to park activities. Take a shot at the bull's-eye at the regular, supervised archery shooting each weekday, or check out the arts and crafts center and try your hand at ceramics or leathercraft.

Visitors also can climb to the top of the 85-foot Lincoln Journal Tower. Its large observation deck gives you a view in any direction. The Platte River Valley unfolds before you, creating a breathtaking vista.

For veteran golfers wishing a special challenge, Quarry Oaks Championship Golf Course near the park offers a fabulous golfing experience set on the rolling wooded hills overlooking the Platte River. Quarry Oaks has been touted as one of the best new public golf courses in the United States. Contact Quarry Oaks to arrange your tee times up to 30 days in advance.

Platte River is well-equipped to handle a variety of functions for groups ranging in size up to 150 people throughout the year. Lodging facilities are limited during the winter months, since only the Housekeeping Cabins have heat.

Nature-lovers delight in the variety of flora and fauna found at the park and its environs. Typical species include those common to the eastern hardwood forests, the tail-grass prairies, and the Platte River flood plain woodlands. This overlapping makes the park a rare treat for visitors interested in the world of nature.

Overnight AccommodationsLodging Facilities:
21 cabins that may be reserved.

Camper Cabins: There are 31 of these cabins, grouped around central shower-latrine buildings, with four to six units in a pod. Each cabin has a refrigerator, fire grate for outdoor cooking and a picnic table, and linens are provided. With costs held down, the visitor can enjoy the park complex on a small budget.

Camping: Because of the rugged terrain and limited space, there are no campsites or pads at Platte River. However, RVers will find great facilities at Louisville State Recreation Area or Eugene T. Mahoney State Park just a few minutes away. Campers are welcome to commute and enjoy the park activities.

Rent a Tepee: You can rent an actual tepee in the Oto or Pawnee tepee villages. Each tepee accommodates 6 to 8 people. Some concession has been made to modern comfort, though, with wooden floors replacing the packed earth of the traditional dwelling.

Modern Cabins
There are 21 housekeeping cabins, which have fully equipped kitchenettes among their more modern amenities. These cabins also have bathrooms, and linens are provided.

Facility Details

Camping: No
Water: Yes
Modern Restroom: Yes
Dump Station: No
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No

Lodging: Yes
Cabins: 21
Rooms: 0
Dorms: 0
Food Service: Yes

Trails: Yes
Hiking: 10 miles
Mtn. Bike: 10 miles
Horse: 0 miles
Trail Rides: Yes
Allow Horses: No

Picnicking: Yes
Picnic Tables: 135
Grills: 82
Shelters: 0
Shelters w/ elec.: 1

Boating: No
Types: None
Ramps: 0
Docks: 1
Fuel Avail.: No
Boat Rental: No
River Access: No

Fishing: Yes
Cleaning Stations: 0

Swimming: Yes
Pools: 1
Beaches: 0

Concessions: Yes
Owen Landing Snack Bar
On the deck of Jenny Newman Lake
Offers snacks, sandwiches, ice cream, soft drinks, chips
Visitor Center: No

Office on Site: Yes
Office Hours
Memorial Day to- Labor 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. daily
Winter Season 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Weekends 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Category: Education

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