VIBE 2024

Outdoorsy The expansion of Mormon Island will add another dimension to a destination already known for watching wildlife.

Bader Park 898 Bader Park Rd. (Chapman) 308-986-2522, BaderPark.org A 270-acre park open year round with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails along the Platte River. Wetlands, a cottonwood forest, and a tall grass prairie with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Tent and RV camping are available. Crane Trust Nature Center 9325 S. Alda Rd. (I-80 Exit 305) 308-382-1820, CraneTrust.org An organization dedicated to the conservation of whooping crane habitat is your gateway to Nebraskaʼs Platte River and your headquarters for the Spring Migration of the sandhill cranes. Relax in the art gallery, hike, or check out one of the trustʼs guided excursions. A genetically pure herd of bison roams its prairies. Derr House Prairie 13650 S. Platte River Dr. (Wood River) 402-694-4191, Nature.org/Nebraska The Nature Conservancyʼs Derr House has public trails through restored prairies. They host prairie days that offer talks and tours. Gjerloff & Sherman prairies 2206 N. M Rd. (Marquette) 402-694-5535, PrairiePlains.org Gjerloff Prairieʼs 390 acres offer trails on open prairie, gulleys, steep cliffs, a half mile of riverfront, and a multipurpose education center. The nearby 650-acre Sherman Ranch also offers marked trails and riverfront access. Hall County Park 2447 W. Schimmer Dr. 308-385-5087 A large wooded park with trails. RV and tent camping April through September. Outdoor Learning Center 501 E. Fonner Park Rd. 308-385-3967 This garden educates the public about water quantity and quality, groundwater stewardship, natural filtration techniques, efficient water use, and the Ogallala Aquifer.

Hunting & fishing Calamus Reservoir Burwell, Nebraska (2 hours north) 5,123 acre lake Fishing, boating, swimming Harlan County Lake Alma, Nebraska (2 hours southwest) 13,250 acre lake Fishing, boating, swimming, hunting Sherman Reservoir

Loup City, Nebraska (1 hour northwest) 2,485 acre lake Fishing, boating, hunting

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