Platte River State Park 1.35

Platte River State Park is a public recreation area situated on the southern bluffs of the Platte River west of Louisville, Nebraska. The state park has a relatively steep, rolling topography compared to the surrounding region. The park consists of 519acre, much of it forested.HistoryThe park was created from three formerly separate areas: Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp, Camp Esther K. Newman, and a woodland tract of. Vintage cabins from the earlier campgrounds are still in use.Activities and amenitiesTwo observation towers provide views of the Platte River Valley; the taller rises 85ft above its base. The park has a swimming pool, tennis courts and 10mi of hiking trails. Guided trail rides are offered in summer. Jenny Newman Lake provides fishing opportunities for those under 16 years of age and their adult supervisors. Paddleboats are offered for rent. The park has a visitor center, an arts and crafts center, picnicking areas, and ballfield. A shooting range for rifles, trap, and archery was constructed in 2011. The park offers tent camping, tepees, and cabins.In 2016, the state announced a $34 million program to upgrade visitor experiences at four public recreation areas in the Platte River Valley. The improvements announced for Platte River State Park include the addition of a ropes course, rock wall, new mountain biking and other trails, a small zip line, and improved river access for canoers and kayakers.