Kearney Platte River Trails
Kearney Platte River Trails are a series of interconnected trails located in Kearney, Nebraska, along the Platte River. These trails offer a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation and nature observation, making Kearney an attractive destination for travelers and locals alike. The trails are part of the Great Plains Trail Network, a larger effort to create a connected system of trails across the Great Plains region.
The Kearney Platte River Trails system consists of approximately 17 miles of paved trails that follow the Platte River as it winds its way through Kearney. The trails take users through a variety of landscapes, including riparian forests, prairies, and urban areas. One notable feature of the trails is the Riverwalk section, which runs along the south bank of the Platte River and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. The Riverwalk section is also home to several public art installations, including a series of murals depicting the natural and cultural history of the area.
In addition to the Riverwalk section, the Kearney Platte River Trails system includes the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area trails, which are located just south of Kearney. These trails offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and provide access to several historic sites, including the Fort Kearny State Historic Park. The park commemorates the site of Fort Kearny, a historic military outpost that was established in 1848 to protect travelers on the Oregon Trail.
The Kearney Platte River Trails system also includes the Kearney Hike and Bike Trail, which connects to the Riverwalk section and provides access to several local parks and nature areas. One notable feature of this trail is its connection to the Cottonmill Park, a 16-acre park that features several miles of trails, a disc golf course, and a playground. The park is also home to a large lake, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
One of the unique aspects of the Kearney Platte River Trails system is its incorporation of historic sites and public art installations. For example, the trails feature several interpretive signs and exhibits that provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area. Additionally, the trails are home to several public art installations, including the aforementioned murals along the Riverwalk section.
The Kearney Platte River Trails system has also been recognized for its economic benefits to the local community. A study conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the trails generate approximately $1.3 million in economic activity each year, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism in local economic development.
In terms of planning and management, the Kearney Platte River Trails system is overseen by the City of Kearney and the Buffalo County Trails Association. These organizations work together to maintain and improve the trails, as well as to promote their use through education and outreach efforts.
The Kearney Platte River Trails system consists of approximately 17 miles of paved trails that follow the Platte River as it winds its way through Kearney. The trails take users through a variety of landscapes, including riparian forests, prairies, and urban areas. One notable feature of the trails is the Riverwalk section, which runs along the south bank of the Platte River and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. The Riverwalk section is also home to several public art installations, including a series of murals depicting the natural and cultural history of the area.
In addition to the Riverwalk section, the Kearney Platte River Trails system includes the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area trails, which are located just south of Kearney. These trails offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and provide access to several historic sites, including the Fort Kearny State Historic Park. The park commemorates the site of Fort Kearny, a historic military outpost that was established in 1848 to protect travelers on the Oregon Trail.
The Kearney Platte River Trails system also includes the Kearney Hike and Bike Trail, which connects to the Riverwalk section and provides access to several local parks and nature areas. One notable feature of this trail is its connection to the Cottonmill Park, a 16-acre park that features several miles of trails, a disc golf course, and a playground. The park is also home to a large lake, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
One of the unique aspects of the Kearney Platte River Trails system is its incorporation of historic sites and public art installations. For example, the trails feature several interpretive signs and exhibits that provide information about the natural and cultural history of the area. Additionally, the trails are home to several public art installations, including the aforementioned murals along the Riverwalk section.
The Kearney Platte River Trails system has also been recognized for its economic benefits to the local community. A study conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the trails generate approximately $1.3 million in economic activity each year, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism in local economic development.
In terms of planning and management, the Kearney Platte River Trails system is overseen by the City of Kearney and the Buffalo County Trails Association. These organizations work together to maintain and improve the trails, as well as to promote their use through education and outreach efforts.
