26 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
Watching and photographing sandhill cranes from the Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail. (Buffalo County)
Walking and exploring the Outdoor
Discovery Program at Fort Kearny State
Historical Park. (Kearney County)
Region 4
The South Central Region is well-known for the spring sandhill crane
migration. Viewing opportunities draw visitors from around the world
each year. The Central Platte River is a crucial stopover site for sandhill
cranes and other migratory birds, making it an ideal place for wildlife
viewing or hunting non-threatened and endangered waterfowl. The
Platte, Republican, and Loup rivers flow within this region, providing
kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing recreational opportunities.
Figure 2.6 shows the population of the South Central Region is the
largest next to the Metro Region, with 10.7% of Nebraskans. Seventy
percent live in neighboring Buffalo, Hall, and Adams counties, which
contain the three largest cities of the region, Kearney, Grand Island, and
Hastings, respectively. Grand Island hosts the annual 11-day Nebraska
State Fair. The 2019 fair brought in more than 283,000 attendees. Harlan
County Reservoir is also located in this region offering one of the few
family friendly ATV areas within Nebraska.
Nebraskans in the South Central Region are slightly older than the state
average with 41.5% age 45 and older. Just over 58% of people in this
region have a level of educational attainment beyond high school and
49% have an average household income below $50,000. The racial-
ethnic minority of the population has increased by 1.6% since the last
SCORP. Communities should capitalize on the increased diversity in
this region by offering culturally relevant recreational opportunities.
Each year, visitors from around
the world come to the South
Central Region to witness the
spring sandhill crane migration.
