Autumn Leaves + Fun in State Parks - Part Two
Calling all outdoor lovers, campers, fishing enthusiasts, leaf peepers and anyone with kids or grandkids or is a kid at heart! This blog post is for you!
As a follow up to my earlier post, I decided to do a little day trip to see what is new at two of the state parks near Omaha that we visited in 2020. And the leafing promised to be spectacular. That’s enough to get me out the door right there. I was amazed to discover all the fun things to do at Platte River State Park near Louisville, Nebraska. Platte River SP can be reached via Highway 66 off of interstate 80, exit 426 and is an easy and beautiful drive from Omaha, especially right now in the Fall. The rolling hills, harvested fields, and the dazzling orange, red, and yellow leaves paint pictures in your mind’s eye everywhere you look on the drive to the park. Just getting there is half the fun! My heart was happy just enjoying the views from the highway. You can also get there taking Highway 50 off I-80, exit 440. That is the way I chose as I was coming from the east. To my astonishment, I also passed another Nebraska State Recreation Area on the way - Louisville State Recreation Area. I guess I will have to try that one next year.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Platte River State Park is still being developed even more than the last time we visited. I was delighted to discover two things. First, there is a new playground area near Owen Landing that looks like terrific fun for kids of all ages. You can view photos above. Some days I just wished I had some young kids to take to these fun places again. But, I’m not ready for my own kids to have kids yet. That can wait a few years! 😉
If you continue a bit further down the same road you will reach Owen Landing which has canoes and paddle boats to rent. There is also a nice place to sit and enjoy the lake view under an overhead canopy. I also saw a gentleman fishing from the dock when I was there and alternately reading a book. It looked pretty idyllic to me!
Past Owen Landing is a pretty area with stone terraces and a few very small but beautiful waterfalls and a gorgeous view of the small lake. I could have spent several hours there as it was so peaceful. There are also nice paths on both sides of the lake from this area. One of them leads to the back side of Owen Landing and the other leads to a covered fishing area. There are benches on both sides to relax and enjoy the lake and the waterfowl gliding on it. I spent an hour there just enjoying the peace and quiet.
The rest of the park has much to offer as well. There is a newer spray park for kids, two towers offering scenic views (especially this time of year), numerous newer modern campsites, lots of cabins to rent including two very large new ones not open yet, some glamping cabins, horseback riding, a fenced dog park, a nature center and more! As with many parks there are also lots of trails to hike, mountain bike and ride on horseback as well (see map for designated areas).
I’d encourage you to explore this park if you have some time while the weather is ideal in the next week. You and your troupe will be glad you did!
More areas for leaf lovers and outdoor types in my next blog post - hopefully tomorrow. Get out and enjoy it!
