ELKHORN and
PLATTE RIVER PUBLIC ACCESS

 The Elkhorn Crossing site is temporarily closed for renovation. An announcement will be made when the site re-opens.

Elkhorn River
Public access to both the Elkhorn and Platte Rivers was lacking. A new Papio-Missouri River NRD plan to construct access points for canoeing, tubing or rafting on the scenic Elkhorn River began in 2006 with the completion of a site near the W. Maple Bridge across from the Village of Waterloo. The village will maintain this area that features canoe launching and landing, picnicking and parking. The land was donated to the Village of Waterloo by the Robinson family.

Opening of Elkhorn River Site near Waterloo

 

Elkhorn River Site near Waterloo

A second site, planned for construction in 2007 will be near W. Dodge Rd. A third site is planned for opening in 2009 near “Q” St.  Land for this project has been donated to the NRD by the G & G Manufacturing Company.

Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area
Located just east of the intersection of 252nd and Bennington Rd. Elkhorn River Crossing provides tent camping spaces, as well as a boat ramp, fire grates and toilet facilities.
The spot is near where thousands of immigrants bound for the west camped, waiting to cross the river.
The 23-acre wooded site is managed by the Natural Resources District and was constructed as part of a major riverbank stabilization project by the NRD and the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission.

Hours:
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Closed for winter Nov. 1 through April 1.
Permits for special use may be granted by the NRD.

Elkhorn River Mileage Elkhorn Crossing to Waterloo -  9 River Miles Waterloo to  W. Dodge Rd (site under construction) – 2.5 River Miles W. Dodge to Louisville State Rec Area ( Platte River) – 19.5 River miles

 

 

Platte River Landing

Located near Highway 64 on the Platte River, Platte River Landing is a 2-acre site offering public access to the Platte River.  This facility opened in 1992 and was constructed in conjunction with the Union Dike Flood Control Project. The NRD manages the site.
Platte River Landing offers a concrete boat ramp, fishing access trail, picnic tables, grills, gravel parking lot and vault toilets.  It is an estimated 1/2 day canoe trip to Two Rivers, or a full day trip to Louisville State Recreation Area.

Platte River Landing

Hours:
Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed for winter Nov. 1 through April 1.

Platte River Mileage Platte River Landing to Two Rivers State Rec. Area – 7 River Miles Platte River Landing to Louisville State Rec. Area – 27 River Miles

 

For More Information Contact: Jerry Herbster 402-444-6222 or jherbster@papionrd.org