LINCOLN, Neb. – Most of the state’s 76 state park areas are open and full of opportunity for outdoor recreation. The most recent period of extended heavy rains has brought water levels back up in Nebraska, affecting some state parklands and trails.
At Ponca State Park, Riverfront Campground is closed until further notice because of high Missouri River levels. The docks at the boat ramp have been removed until further notice, but the main boat ramp and the one at the park’s North Addition are open.
At Indian Cave State Park, access roads to the boat ramp and the historic cave are closed temporarily due to impacts from the rising Missouri River. The cave access road is closed after a half-mile-long section of the river bluff slid onto the road. Portions of hiking trails 10 and 11 adjacent to the landslide area will be closed until they can be assessed for safe public use. The timeline for reopening the boat ramp, roads and trails has not been determined.
Riverview Marina State Recreation Area at Nebraska City still is closed as it has been underwater since the March flood.
Dead Timber State Recreation Area in Dodge County has flooded again and remain inaccessible.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County is only accessible via Nebraska Highway 97 from Valentine. The highway north from Mullen to Merritt is closed temporarily because of water on the road following recent heavy rains.
The latest section of Cowboy Trail to close is Oakdale to Neligh. A bridge just west of Oakdale was accessible after the March flood, but recent high flows of the Elkhorn River eroded away a 150-foot section of trail leading to the bridge.
For up-to-date information check: http://outdoornebraska.gov/weatherclosures/.
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