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Metro area state parks see temporary closures after storm

Update Aug. 3, 2024:  Schramm Education Center is open and the Round Rafting program set for 10 a.m. Aug. 3 will run as scheduled. The main hiking trail has portions that are clear and more will continue to be cleared. The river trail is currently impassible with multiple downed trees across the path. 

Update of Aug. 2, 2024: The Schramm Education Center remains closed. Louisville State Recreation Area is open, but the Floating Playground and walk-in camping are closed through the weekend. Only those with reservations are allowed to enter the park at this time. Two Rivers SRA is closed through the weekend. The Family Aquatic Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is open. Fort Atkinson State Historical Park is open, but there will be no living history events this weekend.

Two Rivers and Louisville state recreation areas and Fort Atkinson State Historical Park are temporarily closed after significant storm damage occurred July 31.

The Family Aquatic Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park also is closed until further notice because of storm damage, and Schramm Education Center is closed as it is without power.

Living history events planned for Aug. 3-4 at Fort Atkinson SHP have been canceled. Storm debris is blocking the sole entrance to the park.

Two Rivers and Louisville are working to remove storm debris, including downed limbs and trees. Clean-up time may take longer than typical as the parks within the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission assist each other with clean-up efforts. Given the strength and breadth of the storm, multiple locations sustained damage.

The state parks will be reopened once trees are cleared and areas are deemed safe, and Schramm will reopen when power is restored. Updates on their status will be made at OutdoorNebraska.gov as assessments and work are completed.

A severe thunderstorm July 31 sustained wind gusts up to 90 mph as it passed through the Lincoln and Omaha areas, leaving behind damaged trees, power lines and properties.

Updated Aug. 1, 2024, to reflect additional closures.


About Shawna Richter-Ryerson

Shawna Richter-Ryerson is an assistant division administrator for communications at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. She can be contacted at shawna.richter-ryerson@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5565.

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