- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
State Recreation Area
1850 S. 110th St. | Hickman, NE 68372
Wagon Train State Recreation Area lake levels are still low after an Aquatic Habitat Project renovation in 2022 that was followed by significant drought in southeast Nebraska. Swimming, boating and fishing are still hindered in 2024 due to lingering drought conditions. Find nearby places to fish, boat or swim.
Wagon Train State Recreation Area comprises 746 acres of land and a 315-acre lake two miles east of Hickman and within 25 miles of Lincoln. The area offers boating, fishing, picnicking and a swimming beach.
Scenes at Wagon Train Lake SRA near Hickman. Unidentified kids fishing from bank in Area 2. Fowler, July 27, 2013. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Scenes at Wagon Train Lake SRA near Hickman. Canada geese swimming with boats and kayaks in background. Fowler, July 27, 2013. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Scenes at Wagon Train Lake SRA near Hickman. Scenes at Area 2 swim beach at sunset. Fowler, July 27, 2013. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Scenes at Wagon Train Lake SRA near Hickman. Robert See, Jr. and son, Jacob, of Lincoln, fishing from bank in Area 1. Fowler, July 27, 2013. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Anglers at Wagon Train State Recreation Area will find bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, freshwater drum, largemouth bass, muskellunge, redear sunfish, walleye and wiper, among other species. There is a 21-inch minimum limit on black bass. For wiper, there is a daily bag limit of three with no more than one fish 16 inches or greater. This area offers a wheelchair-accessible pier.
For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.
All boats are welcome, though a 5-mph speed limit is enforced. There is one dock and one ramp.
Wagon Train is a very popular day-use spot and offers 125 picnic tables, 109 grills and one picnic shelter.
The area offers several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Head out on Wagon Train Loop for an easy 2.2-mile loop that is great for hiking and walking. Take the Wagon Train South Loop Trail for an easy 2 mile run or hike.
The area offers one unsupervised swimming beach.
Wagon Train offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites with 28 camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups and 80 non-pad sites without electricity. Water, primitive restrooms and a dump station are available to campers. All camping is first-come, first-served and reservations are not required for any of the campsites.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.
Park Events
Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.
