- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Swimming
Just off Interstate 80 by Grand Island, Mormon Island State Recreation Area is a convenient place for outdoor fun. Mormon Island has handicap-accessible fishing piers, modern camping, great fishing, great swim beaches and abundant picnicking opportunities. Mormon Island West has 42 surface acres of water, and the middle island has 19 surface acres of water.
Make a ReservationAttractions
Fishing
Fish species include largemouth bass, redear sunfish, black crappie, walleye, channel catfish and bluegill. Lake 1 also has muskellunge. Boat ramps are available on lakes 1 and 2. A handicap accessible fishing dock is available for anglers on Lake 1.
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.
Boating
All boats are allowed. The lake is a no-wake lake. Boat ramps are available on Lakes 1 and 2.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at marked swimming beaches. Shower houses are provided.
Wildlife viewing
Mormon Island hosts a spectacular gathering each spring, as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop to rest and pursue their courtship rituals. The world’s largest concentration of these magnificent birds draws thousands of visitors to the region every year. Mormon Island lies on the eastern edge of this migration route.
Arriving in early to mid-February, the numbers peak about mid to late March. The cranes spend their days feeding and engaging in colorful courtship dances.
After the first of April, the birds start flying to northern breeding grounds and are usually gone by mid-April. A variety of geese, ducks and other waterfowl also come to the area before heading farther north.
Mormon Island State Recreation Area has abundant wildlife and offers good wildlife viewing opportunities all year long, particularly along the Platte River.
Picnicking
Day use amenities at Mormon Island provide numerous picnic tables, fire rings, and standing grills available for use which makes a great location for gatherings.
There are four small picnic shelters and one large group picnic pavilion. The large group picnic pavilion seats around 50 guests and is located in the Cedar Campground. All picnic shelters and group pavilion are first-come, first-served and do not provide electricity.
Camping
Camping
Mormon Island State Recreation Area offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping. Other camping amenities include modern restrooms, showers, dump and fill station and laundry.
Half of the camping at Mormon Island offers reservations and the remaining campsites are first-come, first-served. Campers are asked to register or check-in for their reservation at the Kiosk at the park entrance. After hour arrivals or during the off-season, campers register their nightly camping fees in a raised locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each Iron Ranger station. Check or cash only. Iron Rangers are generally located near the park entrance or in the campground area. On-site camping informational signs are provided to help guide campers with the self-registration process.
Maps
Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.
VIEW ALL PARK FEESNearby attractions
Grand Island
Mormon Island SRA is conveniently located by Grand Island which has many options for modern lodging, dining, shopping and family entertainment. Windmill State Recreation Area in Gibbon, Fort Kearny State Historical Park in Kearney and the Nebraska State Fair are must-see attractions.
Contact Information
Address: Mormon Island SRA | 7425 S US Hwy 281 | Doniphan, NE 68832-9526
Phone: (308) 385-6211
Email: Send email
