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Schramm Park

State Recreation Area

21004 W. Highway 31 | Gretna, NE 68028-7259

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.

Features

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
Visitors touch a fish in the touch tank at the Schramm Education Center.

Schramm Education Center

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.

a runner enjoys a nature trail through the woods

Trails

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.

an old building is located by a lake where there are many geese

Historic Fish Hatchery

Relics from the state’s first fish hatchery remain on the park grounds and are accessible to visitors. A hatch house constructed in 1914 now houses quaint dioramas about fishery management. Rainbow trout reside in cool spring water that flows into canyon ponds, and a boardwalk provides access to feed the fish. Picnic tables are located amongst the hatchery ponds, and resident geese and ducks entertain visitors as they eat.

The Hatch House Museum will be closed for the remainder of 2023 due to ongoing construction.

Attractions

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.

Mahoney State Park

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.

Platte River State Park

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

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.

SAC Museum

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

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 Golf Course

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.

Rent a facility

Meeting rooms

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.

Field trips & group visits

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.

Venture Parks programs

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.

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Contact Us

21004 W Hwy 31
Gretna, NE 68028

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.