Platte River State Park in Cass County is one of Nebraska’s favorite state parks. In 2017, it became one of three eastern Nebraska state parks to undergo a transformation under the Venture Parks program. The very first project completed with the program was Crawdad Creek, a gem of a family activity at Platte River State Park.
The lush 519-acre state park is less crowded than the nearby Mahoney State Park, but it’s just as green, lovely, and full of fun things to do.
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This is where you’ll find this often-photographed little waterfall and its serene pool of water. You can walk right along the top of the waterfall and pose for a unique family photo, or just splash around and escape the summer heat.
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The other water feature that’s drawing in visitors is Crawdad Creek, a fun little interactive spot where kids (and adults, of course) can play and learn. It consists of five connected shallow ponds that flow into the nearby Jenny Newman Lake.
YouTube/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The creek and ponds are teeming with life, from minnows and crawdads to insects and frogs. Visitors can get up close to the creatures and study how they live and move. Park naturalists lead classes and explorations here to explain all about the things that call the creek home.
YouTube/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission See how fun this kid-friendly attraction is in this promotional video from Nebraska Game and Parks.
There are tons of other activities to keep you and the whole family busy on your visit. Hiking, biking, and paddle boating are all popular here. Rent a glamping cabin to spend the night in style. But whatever you do, don’t miss the spectacular Platte River sunset from the top of the 85-foot-tall observation tower.
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Address: 14421 346th Street, Louisville, NE 68037. Learn more about the park and all of its fun features from Nebraska Game and Parks right here.
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YouTube/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
See how fun this kid-friendly attraction is in this promotional video from Nebraska Game and Parks.
Google Local/William Miller
While you’re at Platte River State Park, take this short, easy, scenic trail to visit the little waterfall.
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