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Horse Trail Riding in Nebraska (East)
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The best trails are off the beaten
path! The mid to eastern part of Nebraska offers bluff riding
over the Platte and Missouri Rivers, as well as riding through
our native prairies where the wagon trains have gone before us.
Travel to Rock Creek Station near Fairbury and ride through the
replicated village where the Pony Express passed through. Or go
north to the Indian Reservation near Macy and learn the legend
of the Hole in the Rock & the Jesse James connection. Many of
our parks and lakes offer not only horse trail riding, but horse
camping, too. Load up your horses and enjoy the trails of our
state parks. And to those of you traveling from out of state,
don't be afraid to travel off the interstate in Nebraska. Our
highways are good and there is little traffic. And don't forget
that
Omaha and Lincoln also offer some great urban trails.
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Bader Park, south of Chapman,
NE was donated from the Bader family and operates under funding
they make from those who use the facilities. It’s a best kept
secret in Merrick County. A 270 acre vacation spot on the Platte
River, 3 miles south of Chapman, NE between Grand Island and
Central City on Highway 30. Nearby Tooley Park is a
16 acre park on the Platte River, 3 miles west of
Marquette on 22nd Road and 3 miles North on N Road. Horse trails
and camping available. Email
baderpark73@yahoo.com
or call 308-986-2522
Big Elk Park of Macy and the Flea Market (Walthill)
takes you into the bluffs along the Missouri river. Located
on the Winnebago/Omaha Indian Reservation in northeast Nebraska,
the trail boasts beautiful trees and breathtaking views.
Look-out point gives you a nice glimpse of the Missouri River.
You can unload both at Big Elk Park or the Flea Market. All of
the trails are connected eventually; approximately 21 miles of
trail. Hunting is allowed, so you may not want to ride during
hunting seasons. To get to Elk Creek Park, From Decatur, NE go
north on Hwy 75 for 9 miles. Turn Right (East) on “L” Ave.
(across the road from the turn to Macy) . Follow blacktop road,
which curves to the north, to the park (2.5 miles). Park
entrance is on the right. To get to the Flea Market, continue
north for 2 miles & then go east on H Avenue for 3/4 mile.
Permits may be required. Call before you haul! For access via
Flea Market, contact Don Nottleman 402.846.9150 or
402.349.9320. Can also get permits on the reservation. Park
office phone for ranger station is 402.837.4389. |
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Branched Oak Lake
located west of
Raymond, features approximately 4 miles of mowed trails running along the south
side of the lake. You’ll find some wide grass trails and other trails into the
trees. Nicely maintained. Mostly flat terrain. Beautiful views of the lake.
Horse trailer parking is located at the trailhead on the south side of the dam.
It is asphalt, so be sure and take a manure fork to clean up around your
trailer. Camping is permitted with your horse only in Area 3. It offers hand
pump drinking water, toilets and fire rings. See the ranger for information on
camping. |
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Broken Arrow
Wilderness, located just north of Fullerton on Hwy. 14
offers a beautiful campground in the oaks, between the Loup &
Cedar River. If camping with your horse, you may set up
portable corrals or tie to your trailer. Water is available in
the campground. There are some sites with electrical hookups.
Horse trails thru the bluffs and in the meadows; along the Cedar
River. Trails are not marked. Explore at your leisure.
See pictures from our recent visit. |
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Camp Moses Merrill is a year-round camping facility
owned and operated by the American Baptist Church. Located 6
miles west of Morse Bluff, this private campground (complete
with water & electricity) has some nice horse trails throughout
the camp. Boasting 568 acres, you are high on the bluffs south
of the Platte River. Breathtaking views from the horse camp
area. $5 per horse, plus camping fees. This camp is one of the
rare private facilities that allow public riding. Please adhere
to the rules of the camp. Also, it is important you call
before you haul,
(402) 666-5639
as it is closed to the public when large church events are
taking place. |
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Hormel
Memorial Park
is located SW of Fremont near the Platte River. Urban trails.
For information on Fremont parks, contact Fremont Park Offices
(402) 727-3290.
Indian Cave State Park in SE Nebraska is trail riding
deluxe. Ride high above the Missouri River on very wide, mostly
shaded trails. Wildlife galore. Be sure your horse is in shape
to tackle the hilly terrain!. Close to 16 miles of trail, some
shared by other trail users. This park provides a separate area
for horse camping. Campground is primitive with fire rings and
picnic tables. No running water, but water wagon is usually
provided during summer months. One outhouse in the camp and a
large picnic shelter for bigger groups.. New at Indian Cave --
12 Horse Corrals! First come, first serve. Be sure and clean
the corrals before you leave!
Maskenthine Lake is east of Norfolk. Cindy Engelhart
contributed the following information: "There is a mowed trail
(around 4 miles) most of the way around the lake. You have to
ride the road on the north side of the lake. They are going to
make another horse trail along the fence line later this
summer. They do not want horses around the camping area.
Trailhead is on the north side of the lake just east of the
bridge before the main entrance. We usually go around the west
fence line, but stop at the trees, and go back around( it is
about 3/4 around the lake). That way we do not have to ride
the roads. The area is not marked yet with signs, but I am sure
you will see the mowed area to ride.
Niobrara State Park is located near Niobrara at Hwys 12 &
14. Offers open riding in a big pasture of about 168 acres.
(Not on the water) Overnight camping is available, but you will
need to bring your own water for you & your horse.
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Oak Creek Trail
is a multi use trail providing approximately 12 miles of trail between the rural
towns of Valparaiso and Brainard in Saunders and Butler counties. Equestrian
volunteers cleared trail for a parallel horse trail. The trail between
Valparaiso & Loma has some small hills & many times is in the shade. From Loma
to Brainard, you’ll find native prairies, red sumac and cropland. All trails
pass through the foothills of the Bohemian Alps. Trailheads are located at
Valparaiso, Loma or Brainard. Be careful to keep your horse off the limestone.
Day riding only, no camping. |
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Pawnee Lake State Rec Area near Emerald has now opened horse
trails which go completely around the lake. Park just west of
NW 126th St & West Superior. The trail goes through a wildlife
management area and up over the dam. Park management has looped
the trail to go down the dry creek bed rather than over foot
bridges. Shared trail. Be cognizant of other users.
Approximately 2.5 hours of riding. Hunting allowed in season.
Powderhorn
Wildlife Management Area
near Scribner
is located 4 miles north on Hwy 275. Hunting is allowed in this
area. Nice trails in tree cover along the Elkhorn River. Very
small parking lot off Hwy. 275. Three to four rigs at best.
402-370-3374 |
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Rock Creek Station is one of my favorite places in
Nebraska. Located east of Fairbury, Rock Creek Station offers
about 6 miles of trails; some in the trees & some prairie
riding. Ride through the replicated Rock Creek Station and
acclimate your horse to stagecoaches on display! The horse camp
is primitive with fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets.
There are 12 horse corrals; first come, first serve. Please
clean up your corral before leaving. You may also set up
portable fencing or tie to your trailer. |
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Rock Glen WMA
adjoins Rock Creek Station (under separate management) and
offers riding on marked trails through this wildlife management
area. This area provides additional hours of riding if enjoying
Rock Creek Station. Pay special attention to the posted rules
for riding hours in this area. In addition, active cattle
grazing may be taking place. Leave gates as they are found.
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Turkey Creek Ranch, New
Castle, hosts miles of groomed trails with hundreds of acres to roam. Ride
through timber lined trails, wooded ravines, scenic prairie hilltops, open
meadows and along spring fed streams and ponds. The beautiful Missouri River
Bluffs offer miraculous views during any season. Enjoy oak lined trails during
the heat of the day or adventure on a moonlight ride. Twelve electrical
hook-ups with conveniently located water hydrants. Clean outhouses, picnic
tables and fire rings. Electrical fencing is welcomed, staking or picket
lines in tree areas. There are also primitive sites available as well as our
cabin. Reservations are advised. Visit
www.turkeycreekne.com |
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Two Rivers State Rec Area has wonderful horse paths in the
wildlife management area along the Platte River. You may also
ride through the park and view the various small lakes that make
up Two Rivers. The horse staging area was enlarged and moved to
straight West of the Caboose park to an even larger area, and
now allow camping with horses. It is a very primitive area and
there is no electricity. $11 per night or free to use during the
day w/o camping. Weekends are busy with campers & fisherman, so
you may get stopped a lot by people asking to pet the horses.
Located 27702 F Street, Waterloo; one mile south & one west of
Venice, NE (off Hwy. 92). Be sure and thank the management
of Two Rivers for encouraging horse trail riders with their new
camping area!
Willow Creek State Recreation Area is located south of
Pierce in the Norfolk area. There are approximately 8 miles of
trail around the lake. Two smooth wire pens provide limited
space for horsing, but camping is allowed next to them. Water is
available. There are showers at the park, but not the horse
camping area. Also a nice swimming beach. Reminder to
riders: DO NOT ride on the limestone. Our riding privilege
entitles us to riding on the mowed trails only. The rangers
have asked that riders respect this request.
Visit more horse trails located
in
Western Nebraska or
Lincoln & Omaha Area |
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