- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing / kayaking
State Recreation Area
15810 Highway 50 | Louisville, NE 68037-2880
Encompassing 192 acres, Louisville State Recreation Area boasts five sandpit lakes with approximately 50 surface acres of water. Surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, this inviting area offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, non-power boating, canoe access to the Platte River and a brand new floating playground. Paddle board, water bike and kayak rentals are also available. These amenities, along with the area’s close proximity to Platte River, Mahoney state parks and Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Education Center, have made Louisville SRA a favorite spot among outdoor enthusiasts in the eastern part of the state.
Justin and Ella Heckel of Omaha fishing with their sons Zalen (blue shirt) and Judah. People fishing on the fishing pier at Louisville State Recreation Area. Nguyen-Wheatley, June 27, 2020. Copyright Nebraskaland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Platte River access at Louisville State Recreation Area. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
At Louisville State Recreation Area in Cass County, people enjoy the floating playground, while a lifeguard in a kayak is on watch in the foreground. Copyright Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
People playing and picnicking on the sandbars on the Platte River at Louisville State Recreation Area. Nguyen-Wheatley, June 27, 2020. Copyright Nebraskaland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The floating playground at Louisville SRA offers exciting and challenging obstacles including a climbing wall, dome, monkey bars and much more! The playground is open during the summer season and has lifeguards on duty at all times.
Only non-powered and electric boats are permitted at Louisville State Recreation Area. Boats of any kind are prohibited in the beach area at Lake No. 2, where swimming is allowed.
Lousiville State Recreation Area offers canoe access to the Platte River, as well as a special canoe campsite on the river.
A concession stand at Louisville State Recreation Area has fishing gear, bait, groceries, camping supplies, ice cream and snacks.
Anglers will find bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie in all five sandpit lakes.
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.
Louisville is a popular spot for day use and picnicking. The area offers picnic tables, grills, five shelters and one shelter with electricity.
One swimming beach on Lake No. 2 is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. No lifeguard is on duty. Change houses are available near the beach.
Two miles of scenic hiking and biking trails wind through the park. These are especially striking during the autumn months. Cross country skiing is popular during the winter when there’s adequate snow cover.
Louisville State Recreation Area offers campers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites and is very popular with campers with 223 camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, as well as Basic campsites without electricity. Other amenities include shower facility and modern restrooms. Campers also have access to drinking water and a dump and fill station and a playground for children.
Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites. All other camping is first-come, first-served. All campers should check in at the park office upon arrival. For those camping without reservations, please go to park office upon arrival to check availability and register to camp.
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.
