24 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 S TAT E W I D E C O M P R E H E N S I V E O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N P L A N
Region 3
The Missouri River abuts the north and east boundary of the Northeast
region shown in Figure 2.5. This span of river contains the only
unchannelized portion of the Missouri River bordering Nebraska. It
is also home to the endangered and threatened species scaleshell
mussel. The 16 counties within this region extend south to the Platte
River and over 100 miles west from the Missouri River. In addition to
the recreational opportunities provided by these rivers, the Northeast
contains Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, the eastern terminus
of the Cowboy Trail, and the most wooded riparian areas of the state.
Almost 10% of Nebraskans live in this region and are slightly older
than the state average. The average household income is in line with
the state average, about $50,000. Forty-eight percent of the population
live in the counties containing the cities of Norfolk, Columbus and
South Sioux City.
The Northeast region is second only to the Metro region in racial-
ethnic diversity. It has the largest percentage of Hispanic and Latino
Nebraskans in the state. The Northeast is home to two Native American
reservations and the state's largest population of American Indians.
Both of these groups have grown since the 2016-2020 SCORP. The
racial-ethnic diversity and geographic locations of the population
should be taken into consideration when planning outdoor recreation
opportunities for this area. Culturally focused recreational experiences
also should be considered.
The Missouri National Recreational
River located in Region 3
includes one of only two
stretches of the river between
Montana and the mouth of
the Missouri River that remain
undammed or unchannelized.
Camping and roasting hot dogs at Niobrara State Park. (Knox County)
