Platte River State Park

Many of us are originally from other states and only call Nebraska home during the school year. It’s easy to joke about how we are surrounded by cornfields, but there is some truth to that statement. One of the most common complaints I hear from those who moved to Nebraska to attend Union is that there is not as much to do outside. There are no nearby mountains to hike or beaches to walk here. As someone who loves outdoor adventures and grew up by the beach, this was a hard adjustment. But, last year, I discovered a state park that offered more than a view of the cornfields.

Last fall, a couple friends and I first ventured down to Platte River State Park, which is only a 40-minute drive from campus. Nestled between Lincoln and Omaha, it’s a great Sabbath afternoon excursion. There are 10 different hiking trails to choose from, but all of them are under half a mile long. Granted, since Nebraska is lacking in elevation change, some of the easier trails should be classified as glorified walks. If you choose the right trail, it will lead you to a couple mini waterfalls. Even though the waterfalls are small, the area is still very picturesque.

While I do recommend grabbing a map when you enter the park, one of my favorite parts is that the trails aren’t very regulated. After you hike down to the waterfall, you are pretty much free to explore the stream and surrounding area as you wish. While you could just continue along the beaten path, I recommend exploring a bit. As we were exploring, we came to a nice spot that overlooked Platte River where we chose to stop and eat the snacks we had brought. You never know what hidden gems you might find!

Platte River State Park also has campsites and new glamping cabins if you are looking for a longer getaway. They have some sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but they also take reservations. For those that plan to just hike for an afternoon, though, the entrance fee to the park is $8 per vehicle. While it might not compare to hiking a 14er, it’s a relaxing nature spot that you might not have expected to find in Nebraska. 

By Kelina Rodgers