Two Rivers State Recreation Area

Popular Two Rivers State Recreation Area, with its distinctive Caboose "cabins" and put-and-take trout fishing lake is unique among Nebraska's state recreation areas.

Two Rivers SRA encompasses some 644 acres of land and about 320 acres of water in the form of sand pit lakes, just off of NE 92, 1 mile south and 1 mile west of Venice. Acquired by the Game and Parks Commission in 1958 and open to the public since 1960, Two Rivers developed into one of the state's most used recreation areas during its 30-plus year history.

Other facilities and activities include excellent campgrounds, a swimming beach with change house, picnicking, fishing in the other sandpit lakes, handicap fishing pier, playgrounds for the children, bicycle rentals, and hunting in season.

Visitors here can climb aboard an actual Union Pacific Railroad caboose for a truly unique experience in park lodging. Donated to the Game and Parks Commission by the Union Pacific through the Game and Parks Foundation, 10 colorful cabooses sit on tracks at their own siding.

Relics of yesteryear, cabooses are no longer used by most railroads, but they do recall those bygone days, when the railroads helped settle the West and draw a mighty nation together. Once the trains were the only way to travel in style."

Remodeled and restored for use as park lodging, cabooses can be reserved for two or more nights up to a year in advance. Reservations are accepted by mail, telephone or in person during regular park Office hours. Normally the office is closed November through March. However, you can call and leave a message.

Railroad buffs will find that the integrity of the cabooses was maintained in the restoration process, including the steel grate platforms and the 25-inch steel doors. Railing clearance is still the standard 30 inches. The first and only cabooses so adapted in the nation, they offer an uncommon lodging adventure.

Cabooses are air-conditioned for hot summer use and heated for cool early fall nights. They sleep six people, with two bunk beds in the rear and two mattresses in the cupola. Each is equipped with a modern bathroom with shower. A stove, refrigerator, sink and a few cabinets make up the kitchenette. A table with four chairs and a couch for two serve the dining/living area. For those who like outdoor dining, there is a deck with picnic table and grill.

Since the integrity of the cabooses has been retained, they are not handicap accessible.

Campers will find a variety of facilities at Two Rivers. Fawn Meadows Campground offers 23 hard-surfaced pads with water and electrical hookups, whereas Oak Grove Campground, north of the trout lake (No. 5), can accommodate small groups comfortably with 20 electrical hookups on six community pedestals. Cottonwood Campground has another 50 individual sites with electricity, and the modern shower house is nearby. Primitive camping is available at the Goldenrod and Riverside areas.

Fees vary according to the facilities provided. Stays are limited to 14 days. All camping is first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted. All vehicles in any camping area between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. must pay the camping fee.

The trout lake (No. 5) normally opens to pay fishing on April 1 and remains open through October 31, weather permitting. Those with physical disabilities can also enjoy the trout lake, because an easily accessible fishing pier is located at the south end of the lake. The restrooms located there are also handicap accessible.

Regulations governing the trout lake, including fees and fish allowed per tag, are posted on the area. A valid Nebraska fishing permit is required in addition to the trout tag.

Fish species available in the other lakes include: No.1 -4 Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullhead, catfish, carp, pickerel, sunfish, northern pike and tiger muskie. Lake No. 6 is a carp lake.

Unsupervised swimming is available at Lake No.2, and a bathhouse is located next to the beach. It is open to both swimmers and campers for showers from Memorial weekend through Labor Day.

For fun and exercise, Two Rivers has bicycle rentals, so visitors can pedal around the area. Bicycle rentals are available from Memorial weekend through Labor Day.

Unless otherwise posted, the area is open to hunting, in season, from the first Tuesday after Labor Day to through the conclusion of spring turkey season. Waterfowl hunting is permitted as posted. Temporary blinds may be used, but they must be removed from the area at the close of hunting each day. Permanent or seasonal blinds are not allowed. In addition to waterfowl, species available include quail, pheasants, squirrels and cottontails. Archery hunting for deer is permitted as posted.

Fires are allowed only in the facilities provided. Removing, defacing or damaging property is prohibited, and trees, flowers, shrubs or other plants may not be cut, picked or carried away.

Dogs must be kept on a 6-foot or less leash at all times, and other household pets must be under physical restraint. Consumption of alcoholic beverage is prohibited on state property.

Entrance gate hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Memorial weekend through Labor Day. Off-season hours are 7 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset, but are subject to change. Please call for current information.

The area office is open 7 a.m. to sunset April through October. The office may not be staffed from November through March. However, personnel may be hand most days to handle routine park duties.

A valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required for all vehicles entering the area. Permits are available on the area or from any Game and Parks Commission office or permit vendor.

Contact Information:
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
27702 F St.
Waterloo, NE 68069-7012
Phone: 402-359-4411
Fax: 402-359-9040

Bluestem State Recreation Area

Fishermen especially enjoy this 742-acre recreation area, situated 2 l/2 miles west of Sprague. The 325-acre lake offers diverse action for anglers of all abilities. Opportunity awaits area users to try for largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, northern pike and wiper among others. That should be enough to test the mettle of even the most avid angler. Boating is allowed at Bluestem, and boaters find easy access to the water from strategically located ramps. The 417 acres of land around the lake give hunters plenty of room to maneuver for pheasants, quail, squirrel cottontail rabbit, waterfowl, and deer. Campers and picnickers have up-to-date facilities, along with a swimming beach, drinking water, toilets and dump station. There is also an archery range for those who want to sharpen their skills.

Branched Oak State Recreation Area

With 1,800 acres of water at maximum conservation pool, Branched Oak Lake stretches for almost 4 miles with miles and miles of shoreline. The largest of the Salt Valley areas, Branched Oak has some of the finest camping facilities in the state park system, including solar-heated showers, electrical hookups, and a trailer dump station. From largemouth bass to walleye to three kinds of catfish, there's fishing enough to test the mettle of the most dedicated angler. There are two new fish cleaning stations, one on either side of the lake. Boaters and picnickers, too, will find ample facilities there. With the dual classification as a wildlife management area, hunters take to the wild spots come fall and can usually scare up pheasants and quail, along with doves, ducks, and more. Unique to Branched Oak, the 800-acre dog trail area draws championship events from across the nation every year. The Game and Parks Commission has established an arboretum there, with over 100 species of trees and shrubs. For all-around outdoor action, Branched Oak is tough to beat.

Conestoga State Recreation Area

Conestoga State Recreation Area, located 3 miles south and a half-mile west of Emerald, offers outdoor buffs 716 acres of recreation. Some 486 acres of land surround the 230-acre lake, providing fun for the entire family. Picnicking, camping, all boating, nature hikes, fishing, hunting and more can be found at Conestoga. Facilities include campground, boat ramp, drinking water, picnic shelter, toilets, dump station and fish cleaning station. Bass, walleye, channel catfish and northern pike are just a few of the species available to test anglers. In season, there is hunting for pheasants, quail, cottontail, squirrel, waterfowl and deer.

Indian Cave State Park

Introduction

Named for the huge sandstone cavity that is the main geologic feature of the area, Indian Cave State Park straddles the Nemaha-Richardson County line in southeastern Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission acquired the first tract in 1962, and the park now covers some 3,000 acres, including 2,386 acres of timber.

The mighty Missouri River edges Indian Cave's irregular eastern border. The unique natural and historic qualities of the area make it an exceptional park area.

Although still under development, there is much to enjoy at Indian Cave, and the park has a bright future. Interior roads and the water system have been completed, along with a modern campground with up-to-date facilities. Horseback riding, hiking and other backcountry adventures are now available. Long-range plans call for a swimming pool and visitor center. While Indian Cave will be a first class recreational area, a large part of the park will be kept in its pristine state as a retreat for back-to-nature enthusiasts.

The Cave

Although its actual age has not been determined, it is possible that Indian Cave has existed for several thousand years. It is a natural formation, created by silt and fine-grained sand deposits in a Pennsylvanian rock channel. Petroglyphs or ancient Indian picture writings etched on the walls of the cave are the only known example of their kind found in Nebraska. However, their cultural origin and period in history remain a mystery.

The petroglyphs depict forms, shapes, and scenes, most of the elements of nature, mostly wildlife. The cave, with its mysterious picture carvings, is easily accessible to park visitors. Unfortunately, many of the ancient petroglyphs have been obscured or destroyed by the later gougings of modern-day visitors. So, please help guard the fragile history of this unique spot and discourage anyone from defacing the sandstone.

Approximately 300 feet south of the cave is a coal shaft. A Mr. Deaver, who lived on the bottom ground and used the coal to heat his house, originally worked it. The coal was very poor quality.

Recreational Opportunities

Indian Cave offers exceptional experiences for campers, hikers, backpacker anglers, horseback riders, winter sports enthusiasts, and picnickers.

Camping areas can accommodate 225 units and are equipped with picnic table, fire rings, showers, restrooms, and electrical hookups. There are two Laundromats located at the shower houses. A fee is charged for camping, and stays are limited to 14 days. All camping is on a first-come first-served basis, and there is an extra charge for electrical hookups. Checkout time is 2 p.m., and campers planning to stay over must re-register by that time.

For hikers, there are some 20 miles of trails. The north road trails are recommended for day hikers, since there are several picnic shelters, many tables, and toilets located along the way. The rest of the park trails are better suited to overnight users. However, hikers are welcome to explore any of the trails through the parks.

Horseback riders will enjoy the trail ride through the park. Rides start at the corral near the St. Deroin Schoolhouse and cover about three miles. Tickets are available at the Booth and should be purchased early in the day.

Although there are no boat ramps at the park, bank fishermen find plenty of action from the mighty Missouri River for catfish, bass, bullheads, carp, and occasionally, a sturgeon. Three parking lots offer handy access to the river for anglers. For boaters, there is access to the Missouri at Brownville State Recreation Area, just 15 miles north of the park.

Winter sports are becoming increasingly popular at Indian Cave, with its picturesque and semi-rugged terrain. Some 16 miles of trails are marked for cross-country skiing, and the best snow cover usually occurs in January and February. Since park roads are closed during the winter, they offer some excellent sledding, as do several of the steep hillsides.

Weekend visitors will want to take in the program at 9:15 p.m. each Friday and Saturday during the summer season at the amphitheater. A cookout is offered at 6-6:30 p.m. Saturdays at North Shelter Area. Tickets are available at the Booth. Live entertainment is provided until 7 p.m.

Group camping is available to organizations, such as the Scouts, 4-H, churches, and the like. Such groups are assigned an area without electrical hookups, but there is ready access to drinking water. Groups should contact the park office in advance to make arrangements for their trip.

Overnight backpackers will find several parking lots strategically located for their use. Adirondack shelters are situated on the ridges overlooking the park, while more, primitive campsites are located along the hiking trails. To accommodate large backpacking groups, there is a group camp area atop Rock Bluff Ridge. It has three Adirondack shelters, fire rings, tables, and toilets. There is a water pump just a half-mile away. However, large groups who want to use the group camp facility should contact the park office in advance of their trip.

About the Trails

Indian Cave State Park is a real treasure for hikers, backpackers and others who like to stroll amid the beauties of nature. Bear in mind, however, that the very things that make this rugged area so picturesque also require stamina in the walker. Trails range from 3/4-mile to 6 miles in length. They wind up and down hill and can be quite strenuous. Steep inclines are not uncommon. Those who are not accustomed to walking are urged to try one of the short trails first to test their abilities. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are also advised. This is a fascinating area with scenic vistas, hundreds of birds and other wildlife, and many varieties of plants that are unique in Nebraska. Indian Cave offers walkers and hikers a real opportunity to view close up some of nature's many and varied wonders.

History

If history is your "thing," you'll find plenty to stir the imagination at Indian Cave. In addition to the petroglyphs left by those mysterious inhabitants of long ago, you'll find the reconstructed mid-19th Century river settlement known as St. Deroin, the first town site in Nemaha County.

In 1804, Lewis and Clark recorded that they passed a small trading fort, located about 23% miles above the mouth of the Big Nemaha River. On July 15, 1830, 125,000 acres were set aside by the Treaty of Prairie du Chien for the homeless offspring left behind by traders and trappers who married Indian women. Son of a French man and an Otoe woman, Joseph Deroin moved onto the tract from the Platte River in the early 1840s. He set up a trading post and, in 1853, laid out the village that bears his name.

In its early days, St. Deroin had 232 mixed heritage residents, including 50 Iowas, 47 Omahas, 21 Otoes, 3 Sioux and 111 orphans. The village was one of a chain of small settlements that served as trading and supply posts for river traffic in the 1870s. A bustling town of 300 people before the turn of the century, it was doomed by the ever-shifting river channel and an apparent outbreak of cholera. By the 1920s, St. Deroin was virtually abandoned except for the one-room school.

Legends, however, abound about the once thriving village. Apparently, the "Saint" was attached to the name sometime after it was established, in the hope of attracting more settlers. Joseph Deroin himself was evidently a colorful and controversial character. Described as "overbearing and tyrannical," those traits eventually proved fatal. Deroin was determined to collect $6 for a pig from a settler despite a warning to stay off the man's land. The settler dropped him with one shot and was ultimately acquitted of any crime. Local tradition holds that Deroin was buried astride his horse in the town cemetery.

Another "graveyard" legend centers on a fellow named A. J. Ritter, who lost an arm while doing- a little "fishing" with dynamite. His arm was buried west of the town. Later, when Ritter died, he was buried in the St. Deroin Cemetery. Some locals say that on certain nights, Ritter still rises to search for his lost arm. You can learn more about this fascinating area at the interpretive log cabin, located near the original town site. Although built recently, the cabin was carefully constructed by methods used in the 1850s. Note the split wood shingles, handmade iron hardware and the fireplace built from limestone found on the park.

Joseph Deroin

The son of a French trader, Amable Deroin, and an Otoe Indian woman, Joseph Deroin was born about 1819 near Bellevue. He lived with his parents until 1836, when he moved to the main Otoe village near the mouth of the Platte River.

He married an Omaha Indian woman, Meek-Ka-Ahu-Me, and their only child, Mary, was born about 1841 near Council Bluffs, IA. In 1842, the family moved to the tract in Nemaha-Richardson counties, created by the Treaty of Prairie du Chien. They were among the first to claim land on the tract. Later that year, Joseph took two more wives--sisters Julie and Soula (Su-See) Baskette, the daughters of a Frenchman, Balone Baskette, and an Iowa Indian woman. He had 8 children by the Baskette sisters. About 1843, his first wife left to return to the Omaha Reservation.

Although the first record of his trading post was in 1854, he undoubtedly operated one much earlier. He also ran a trading post at the Otoe Reserve in Gage County from the mid-1850s until his death at the hands of James Beddow, the settler he had quarreled with over the pig. Deroin died April 21, 1858. At the time of his death, he held notes totaling $4,079.06 (quite a sum at that time), including one for $1,500 by 11 Otoe chiefs at the Reserve. Most of the notes were uncollectible, including that of the Otoe chiefs.

In 1862, Soula and the children moved to the Iowa Reserve in northeast Kansas, and the children attended the Kickapoo Training School at Horton, KS.

American Heritage Program

Indian Cave is special in a lot of ways, but one of the things that truly intrigues visitors is the American Heritage Program. Beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing throughout the summer, you can see such old-time crafts as how to make Granny's Lye Soap and candle dipping at the old Log Cabin. Broom-making demonstrations, using an 1879 machine, are given at the St. Deroin General Store. The St. Deroin Schoolhouse is also open to give visitors a glimpse of how the "Three R's" were taught in days gone by. The one-room brick school was built in 1908 and restored to its original state in 1978.

Park Information

Rules and Regulations

• A park entry permit is required at Indian Cave. Permits are available at the park office, at any Game and Parks Commission office, or from any hunting and fishing permit vendor.
• The park gates are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April 15 through October 31. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year, weather permitting. Quiet hours are 10p.m. to 6a.m.
• Remember to be careful with fire. Fires are permitted only in stoves or the fire rings provided, although you may use your own camp stove. Discharging firearms is prohibited.
• Removing or picking plants, animals, rocks, or artifacts is prohibited. Please place trash in the cans provided, and, backpackers, please carry out what you carry in.
• Camping is limited to 14 days, and all pets must be on a leash. Swimming is not allowed in the Missouri River or its oxbows, because the river can be extremely treacherous. Drinking of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the park.
• Vehicles must stay on the paved roadways, parking lots, or campgrounds. The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

Louisville State Recreation Area

This scenic Nebraska Game and Parks Commission area has long been popular with eastern Nebraska outdoor buffs and has now become an important adjunct to nearby Platte River State Park. Louisville State Recreation Area boasts an excellent complex for RVers, thanks in no small measure to a grant from the A.C. Nelsen Co. of Omaha.

The area is situated on the south bank of the Plate River in Cass County, near the north edge of the community of Louisville on Nebr. 50. It is ideally located for campers who want to enjoy not only this picturesque area itself, but also take advantage of the facilities at Platte River State Park.

Newly upgraded camping facilities include solar showers and restrooms and some 145 all-weather camping pads, complete with electrical hookups, in the A.C. Nelsen Campground. Campers will find another 84 all-weather pads without electricity. The area can handle yet another 75 units on primitive, non-designated sites. As a convenience for those with self-contained rigs, there is also a trailer dump station on the area.

Encompassing some 192 acres, Louisville has five sandpit lakes with some 50 surface acres of water. Surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, this inviting area offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, non-power boating, and canoe access to the Platte River in addition to camping. Anglers will find bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and walleye in Lakes 1, 1A, 2 and 2A. And, the kids especially will get a kick out of trying for the carp in Lake No. 3. Non-powered boats and those powered only by electric motors are permitted on any of the five lakes, anywhere but the swimming area, which is off limits to boats.

Swimming is available at the designated beach area on Lake No. 2. There are no lifeguards, so swimmers should use caution and always swim with a companion. The beach is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Change houses are conveniently located near the beach. All flotation devices, except approved life preservers, jackets or vests, are prohibited.

Louisville has the amenities of any well-equipped recreation area: picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, modern restrooms, showers, and even a playground for the youngsters.

Modern facilities are open from late May through October 31, weather permitting, and the area is open to primitive camping and day-use all year. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, and fees are normally in force from May through September. The fee is required for all vehicles in the camping area between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. A camping fee is also charged at the special canoe campsite on the river.

Hikers particularly can absorb nature's bounty as they roam the area. And, autumn with its blaze of color creates a special atmosphere for the off-season camper. When the weather turns cold and the snow flies, cross-country skiers are welcome any time the snow is deep enough.

There is a concession on the area, which provides fishing gear, bait, groceries, and fast food items. Pets are permitted only when on a leash. Vehicles must remain on the designated roads, and fires are allowed only in the places provided. No fireworks or minibikes are permitted. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on state property is prohibited.

Olive Creek State Recreation Area

Olive Creek State Recreation area, located 2 miles east and 3/4-mile south of Kramer has 612 acres of land and water available to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Although small, the 175-acre lake supports a variety of fish from largemouth bass to bluegill to two kinds of catfish, making for a diversity of fishing excitement. Boaters are restricted to 5mph. Habitat management on the 437 acres of land provides hunters with the possibility of bagging upland game as well as waterfowl and deer. As on all the Salt Valley lakes, only steel shot may be used for waterfowl hunting. Camping and picnic facilities are also available.

Pawnee State Recreation Area

The second largest lake in the Salt Valley, Pawnee State Recreation Area, is located 2 miles north and 1 l/2 miles west of Emerald. This popular area offers a full range of facilities to go with its 740 water acres. Pawnee has modern restrooms and showers, plus electrical hookups for campers. With some 275 sites, visitors have plenty of room to pitch their tent or park their rig to enjoy a day or a week of outdoor fun. Boaters will find four docks provide easy access to the lake, and anglers can haul in northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and two kinds of catfish among others. Over 1,800 of land are open to hiker, hunters, shutterbugs, and anyone else who enjoys the out-of-doors. Hunters will find abundant upland and small game, waterfowl and deer. As on all state recreation areas, hunting is permitted in season beginning the first Tuesday after Labor Day.

Platte River State Park

PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK is an innovative area, where the Game and Parks Commission has implemented some 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.

Situated about three miles west of Louisville, Platte River sits just 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. Much of the renovation undertaken and facilities built came about with the help of a number of foundations, businesses and individuals who contributed many thousands of dollars to the development of the park. To recognize that generosity, many facilities here bear the names of those contributors.

Perhaps the most daring departure from routine park facilities involves the "camper cabin" concept. 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 maintenance costs thus held down, the visitor can enjoy the park complex on a small budget.

RENT-A-TEPEE

Ever have a yen to rough it Indian-style? Well, in another first for Nebraska parks, you can rent an actual teepee in the Oto or Pawnee teepee villages. Each teepee accommodates 6 to 8 people. Some concession has been made to modern comfort, though, with wooden floors replacing the packed earth of the traditional Indian dwelling.

FOOD SERVICE

Today's Platte River visitors cannot see the vast herds of buffalo that once blanketed the Great Plains, but they can sample savory buffalo meat at the Buffalo Stew Hoedown or on the menu at Walter Scott Jr. Lodge. The restaurant serves three meals daily for park-goers who want to give the family cook the day (or week) off. You can dine inside in air-conditioned comfort or on the spacious deck overlooking the scenic Platte River valley. For snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, chips and the like, visit the Owen Landing snack bar, where you can relax on the deck and watch the fish in Newman Lake.

There are 21 housekeeping cabins, which have fully equipped kitchenettes among their more modern amenities. These cabins also have bathrooms, and linens are provided. Some units are heated and/or air-conditioned, and a few have fireplaces to add a cozy glow to a brisk spring or fall evening.

Because of the rugged terrain and limited space, there are no camping facilities at Platte River. However, RVers will find great facilities at Louisville State Recreation Area just a few minutes away. Campers are welcome to commute and enjoy the park activities.

ACTIVITIES

Activities run the gamut 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. Hiking is a great way to see the park and nature at their best. There are 10 miles of hiking trails here. A map of the Stone Creek Hiking Trails is available at the park office.

Recreational equipment is available at no charge 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 leather craft.

Be sure to save some energy, though, for the 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. Once the route of Indians, fur traders and settlers, the sprawling Platte flows silently in the distance, adding its special mystique to the scene. Don't forget your camera to capture the moment, since it's a healthy climb to the top.

Most activities, like the swimming pool and the cookout, are available ever day from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some, like the trail rides and paddleboats, also operate on a limited basis during the off-season in May, September and October, when cabins and tepees are open. Some cabins are open year-round. So, consider a vacation during the less hectic, off-season times. In the spring and fall, nature's spectacle more than makes up for any lack of organized activities. These are excellent times to enjoy the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park, like the wild turkey, white-tailed deer and migrating waterfowl.

Day visitors are also welcome at Platte River and can enjoy a meal at the lodge, a swim in the park pool or trail ride. Again, please make reservations well in advance for the Buffalo Stew Hoedown, since it is a very popular event.

For veteran golfers wishing a special challenge, NEW 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 on 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.

GROUP FACILITIES

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 13 Owen Cabins have heat.

Facilities include: Mallet Lodge, Decker Creek Lodge, Bison Hollow, Scott Lodge, the Red Barn and a group picnic shelter. Catering is available from Scott Lodge Restaurant, and the menu ranges from sandwiches and salads to complete dinners. Hors d'oeuvres for receptions and the like are also available. Contact the park office for additional information on group facilities and a catering menu.

FLORA AND FAUNA

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. Please do not disturb any of the vegetation or wildlife. Look . . . enjoy . . . but don't touch. All animals are wild and must not be handled-both for your own safety and that of the animal.

THE MALLET BROTHERS

Frenchmen Paul and Pierre Mallet were probably the first white men to visit this area, when they and their six comrades left St. Louis in 1739 in search of a route through the wilderness to open French trade from the Missouri River region to Santa Fe. In that, they failed. But, in the attempt, they became the first white men to cross a large part of what is now eastern Nebraska. They followed the Missouri River west, visiting the Kansas Indians and later the Octotatos (Oto). Their stop with the Oto put them in the vicinity of the mouth of the Platte River.

Stagecoach State Recreation Area

Stagecoach State Recreation Area, like other areas, in the Salt Valley, provides a variety of outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy. Although not as large as some of the other reservoirs, the 195 water acres offer basically the same fish species at the other Salt Valley lakes. There are two fishing piers on the lake, one of which is handicap accessible, as well as two boat ramps. However boating is limited to 5 mph. Other facilities include approximately 50 campsites, picnic tables, drinking water, and toilets. The 412 land acres are open to hunting for pheasant, quail, dove and more, in season.

Wagon Train State Recreation Area

Located 2 miles east of Hickman, Wagon Train SRA encompasses some 745 acres of land surrounding a 315-acre lake. This popular area provides year-round angling for largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and bluegill among others. Visitors will find some 70 sites in the campgrounds, as well as drinking water, a dump station, toilets, picnic shelters, a swimming beach, playground for the kids, Fire grates, and more. A ramp offers access to the lake, but boats are limited to 5 mph. In season, hunters can take a bead on pheasant, dove, quail, cottontail, squirrel, waterfowl and deer.