- Biking
- Hiking
- Kayaking
State Recreation Area
21502 West Highway 31 | Gretna, NE 68028-7259
October, 2024 – A portion of Bluebird Service Road is closed from Pond B to the Burr Oak Loop. The Burr Oak Loop and Playground are also closed at this time. Follow the foot path between the hatchery ponds to get from one end of the park to the other.
Visitors refer to Schramm Park State Recreation Area as a hidden gem nestled among the rolling hills of the Platte River valley. The historic site of the state’s first fish hatchery boasts well-maintained wooded trails that are popular with runners, bikers and casual hikers alike. The park is a noted destination for birdwatching, particularly during spring migrations. Families can explore a geologic display, feed fish in cool water trout ponds, tour the Schramm Education Center and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs. The grounds also offer an access point to the Platte River water trail. The park is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset and is located midway between Lincoln and Omaha. Camping facilities are available at nearby Louisville State Recreation Area, Mahoney State Park or Platte River State Park.
As part of the Trout in the Classroom program, students prepare to release rainbow trout fingerlings, raised in a classroom aquarium, into the canyon ponds. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Schramm Park SRA is a noted destination for birdwatching. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Schramm Education Center's aquariums feature Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats – cool water streams, rivers, reservoirs and farm ponds. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Visitors can search for fossils at the geologic display at the east entrance to the park. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A canoe and kayak access point, which includes a graded bank and parking off Highway 31, is part of the Venture Parks Initiative and a water trail that will link Schramm, Platte River State Park and Louisville State Recreation Area. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The state-of-the-art Schramm Education Center, formerly known as the Aksarben Aquarium, allows visitors to learn about Nebraska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through unique, interactive exhibits.
The trail system offers a 1.5-mile loop that is ideal for families and casual hikers. This route offers interpretive signage highlighting the flora and fauna of the park. Hikers can also choose a larger loop that offers nearly 3 miles of trail through wooded bluffs. A highlight on the longer route is a suspension bridge. Runners enjoy the off-road challenge of the trails, and a local trail running group coordinates annual races onsite. Mountain bikers appreciate the trails as a gentle introduction to the sport. In winter, with adequate snowfall, trails can be traversed on cross-country skis.
Follow the River View Trail for a short walk that ends in breathtaking views of the Platte River. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Schramm Park is home to the oldest state fish hatchery in Nebraska, the Gretna State Fish Hatchery, which operated for nearly 100 years. In 1937, the hatchery became Schramm Park State Recreation Area. Today, Schramm Park focuses on educating the public about nature in Nebraska.
Explore the virtual museum below to learn more about the historical, geological, and Indigenous history of the park. This museum was created by Leah Stirrup as her senior thesis at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Geology enthusiasts will enjoy the display, located at the east entrance to the park, that highlights limestone and shale from the Pennsylvanian Period. Visitors may also see Paleozoic marine fossils like brachiopods or corals.
A modern playground and picnic shelters are located on the bluffs and are accessible from the hiking trails and by paved road. Seasonal restroom facilities are available at the base of the drive. Primitive restroom facilities are available year-round at the top of the hill near the playground.
Canoers, kayakers and rafters can access the Platte River at Schramm Park SRA at a pull-off from Highway 31.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers a family aquatic center, rock wall, Go Ape ropes course, indoor playground, theater, alpine slide, pony rides and more, as well as an ice skating rink in the winter months. Both RV and primitive camping are available as well.
With its beautiful view, miles of tranquil trails and rustic cabins, Platte River State Park is a great complement to the more modern Mahoney State Park, and many visitors take advantage of both.
Louisville State Recreation Area is home to a floating playground! It also offers excellent opportunities for RV camping, as well as five sandpit lakes that are popular with anglers.
Strategic Air Command Museum showcases an impressive array of aircraft that helped SAC preserve the peace during the Cold War, as well as other exhibits relating to air and space craft.
Wildlife Safari Park is a 4-mile, drive-through North American wildlife adventure that brings visitors face-to-face with North American plants and animals such as elk, white-tailed deer, bison and waterfowl.
Quarry Oaks Championship Golf Course near the park offers a fabulous golfing experience set on the rolling wooded hills overlooking the Platte River. Contact Quarry Oaks to arrange your tee times up to 30 days in advance.
Looking for a place to hold an event? The Schramm Education Center classroom is available for rental! From meetings to birthday parties, family reunions, and wedding or baby showers, your guests can enjoy your event while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature at Schramm Park.
Schramm Education Center offers a full range of field trip programs for a variety of groups and audiences. From school field trips with curriculum aligned to state science standards to naturalist programs that allow you to explore nature and outdoor skills, our programming offers immersive experiences indoors and out.
Field trips are taught by dedicated education staff trained in science, environmental and outdoor education. You can also opt to schedule self-guided exploration time in the Schramm Education Center and Schramm Park State Recreation Area with your group.
The Venture Parks Education Team provides outdoor learning opportunities for our park guests. It is our goal to inspire appreciation and knowledge of natural and cultural resources while promoting greater understanding, support for and participation in conservation and outdoor recreation.
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.
