The name Dead Timber is very apt for this park, but not in a bad way…read more It's just very bygone feeling, like it's been the spot of many historic movements in nature. There are rickety bridges that are long closed down, and uprooted trees that are still standing and growing, against all odds. Aside from the cool old style feel of Dead Timber, there are actually some fun things you can do here too, like camping, trail hiking, and fishing. It's about an hour outside of Omaha, so it's an easy little day trip or activity with the family or by yourself (as it's very isolated feeling too so it would be cool to be by yourself out there!) I'd say this isn't the top of any of the Nebraska parks/recreation areas, in terms of maintenance or things to do, but it does have its own little charm.

I was looking for a new place to take some pictures. This was a pretty park - due to the time of…read moreyear, is was very quite. Quite a bit of places to walk around the lake - I was surprised to see very few animals.

This park holds a ton of memories for me. My family would venture here often when I was a child. I…read moreremember having larger family gatherings here from time to time. It's very well maintained and has a few 'indoor' restroom options. There's a very long main loop around the lake that is about 3mi and VERY hilly. I know there's hiking path and such as well. A few small paths exist. It's a lot of fun on bikes and quite kid friendly. Two large playground areas and a couple fishing docks. Also plenty of parking. The dog park is newer and very nice. Can be very busy, tho. It's so clean. I'm proud of SIoux City and surrounding citizens for keeping this place so nice. Totally free; no entrance fee. Can kayak on the lake, but it's too small for boats. Maybe a paddle boat. I'm sure the shelters can be reserved but I don't have information on that. A couple water fountains are available. Don't forget sun screen!!

This nearly 3 mile walk around the lake is really beautiful. Moderate hills and dog friendly with…read moreadjacent dog park. Highly recommended.

On my cross-country drive, this was a good area to stop in and I stumbled across Stone State Park…read moreand its adorable camping cabins. The cabins have to be booked for 2 nights so I had to book it the day-of. I barely made it in time to check in but I did - many thanks to the ranger for being patient! I recommend bringing cash if you try to same-day stay. The place was really adorable and cozy! There's an AC unit, a dehumidifier, a microwave, and a decent sized minifridge, along with a small table, bunk beds, and a futon. I was happy to be on a bed and just used my sleeping bag for sheets. As for the park, it has beautiful hills and sweeping views. I didn't take a longer hike but would absolutely not hesitate to stop by, for camping or hiking.

Beautiful state park. Lots of places to hike but also a lovely drive. Great views where you can see…read moreNebraska and South Dakota. There's a beautiful old building you can rent for events. Plenty of picnic tables for a day visit. There are campsites in the park too. Its a gem in northwest Iowa.

My family rents a spot here every summer, and it's one of our favorite places to relax on the…read morewater. The swimming area is always the perfect temperature, and our campsite comes with a little private beach which is great for laying out in the sand or just enjoying a swim. The campsites are generally clean and well-maintained, and there are plenty of picnic tables available. They also offer public swimming areas with buoys for safety, which is great for kids. However, I'm giving it 4 stars because the public beaches could be better maintained they just aren't as nice as the private spots included with the campsites. Overall, if you're looking to camp or park your RV close enough to Omaha for convenience but still want to get away, this is a great place. It's never been too crowded when we've visited, and it's perfect for soaking up the sun, enjoying the outdoors, and spending quality time by the water.

Went tent camping here on a spur of the moment decision one Friday evening so we only had a few…read morespaces to pick from as they were almost booked up solid. I don't know why this place is so popular. It was pretty gross. The sites for tents were mowed ok but there was garbage everywhere. Garbage in the grass, garbage in the trees, and garbage floating in all of the lakes. Even the swimming beach was covered in trash. It was way too packed to feel any sense of seclusion either. We were listening to kids screaming at their parents, parents threatening their kids, and blaring stereos all evening. I guess if you owned a boat or a jet ski and somehow couldn't afford to drive it anywhere better then this place might have some appeal but there are so many nicer places in eastern Nebraska to camp at and spend time outdoors.

The park was great. It was very clean, and the people there were very friendly…read more I loved that there was no trash on the ground, and I loved all of the park equipment

Best known as one of the largest yet peaceful parks in Le Mars, West Floyd Park is home to…read moreplayground equipment, a picnic shelter with restrooms, a large baseball complex, a BMX race track and an extensive disc golf course. The West Floyd River, which flows near the park's Western Border, was named after Sergeant Floyd of the American Corps of Discovery Expedition. In addition to all of the amenities West Floyd Park has to offer, you can also take advantage of a well maintained paved trail. On a pleasant Summer day, you will find bikers and walkers trekking from the Le Mars Golf course, through West Floyd Park and out to the Wells' Enterprises Corporate Office and back again.

A month after my first to Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, I'm still in awe of the peacefulness and…read morenatural beauty. Visiting the second week of August was perfect-the yellow daisies were in full bloom. What made the experience even more special was that we had the place to ourselves around 4:00 p.m., making it feel incredibly serene. We had so much fun taking photos of the vibrant flowers, including close-ups of a bee and a butterfly, adding to the magic of the moment. I got so caught up in the beauty of the prairie that I did not read the interpretive signage to learn more about the history. Next time!

What a nice little stop on our road trip! There's a great amount of history here, make sure to read…read morethe informational plaques. If you happen to go on a nice sunny day the views are spectacular! You pass a stream on your way up to the mound. Once you get to the mound you can see views far and wide, no wonder it was a great spot chosen by the expedition party. We brought our dogs with us so they could enjoy the walk as well, there were others with their dogs too so I would say this place is dog friendly. No bathrooms per se, only a port-a-potty that badly needed cleaning. There was plenty of parking. We went later in the day but this place still seemed a little busy.

Ashfall State Historical Park is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks system so a current park…read moresticker is a requirement for admittance. With that detail covered, the views alone are worthy of the trip and admission. Add in the historical value of a million year old fossil bed and you have a great family stopping point on your trek across Nebraska. Pack a lunch and take in the views from one of the pavilions then journey back in time at the fossil bed barn to view the excavated bones of birds, three toed horses, rhinos and more. Paleontologists are working on-site and share their latest finds. Pictures and an audio tour are available by scanning a QR code on your phone or tablet. This stop appeals to kids and adults and is very educational. I have to admit that I was less interested in making this stop than my husband but I am glad I deferred. We both enjoyed the stop and will make the trip again when our grandson is old enough to enjoy the trip.

Long ride from Sioux City but worth it! Very well laid out, knowledgeable/friendly people, nice…read moreinexpensive gift shop, and plenty of rolling hill views. Best of all is the number of revelations regarding life at a watering hole for numerous creatures and how a volcanic eruption over a thousand miles away had a cataclysmic effect on just a small area of the world. Wasn't sure about the long ride but honestly, not so bad. Added bonus...pay homage to a couple of B-17 crews by visiting their memorial as you pass through Laurel, NE on your way to Royal from Sioux City.

Spent three days with extended family spread over two cabins. Very minimalist but comfortable. One…read moreroom had two bunk beds, best described as similar to naval beds with odd dimensions. Mattresses were covered in plastic and measured approximately 30" wide by 72" long by 4" deep. Linens were provided. Second room had a full (NOT queen) bed lifted pretty high. Elderly or disabled persons may need different accommodations to stay in this room because the top of the mattress was at least 36" above the floor. Linens were also provided. The cabin was furnished with all basic kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and dishes for four people. Dish soap was also available. A four burner range with oven, microwave, toaster, and basic fridge/freezer. The air conditioner cooled the main livingroom/kitchen space, but not the bedrooms. There was a wall-mounted flat screen TV that we did not use, so I cannot review it. Bathroom had towels and wash cloths for at least four people. Water pressure was great and the water got plenty hot. The back of the cabin had a sizeable screened porch with a table and four chairs. The porch exited to a small picnic table with a very basic park-style square grill where charcoal or wood could be used to cook. No firepit or fire ring was located near the cabin. Amenities included a nearby pool and horseback riding on select days. Hiking was minimal and limited mostly to mowed paths. Perfect for casual walkers or families with small children.

We enjoyed our stay. The lodge offered a great gathering place for our family reunion. It had an…read moreamazing view of the currently-flooded Missouri River. Our cabin had a wonderful view as well. The cabins have 2-3 bedrooms, A/C, a kitchen, a living area, and a screened-in porch. Other parts of the park teach about the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and overlook the confluence of the Niobrara River with the Missouri. There are hiking paths and fishing ponds. The rolling hills and wooded areas make a beautiful setting. Pets are allowed.

A great set of playground equipment. My toddlers loved the variety of slides, a tunnel, and…read moreclimbing. Lots of room to run around and very safe!

Omaha local here; Arrived at the park, first impression, AWESOME!!!! Wide open green field area to…read moreplay, fresh cut grass, little to no weeds. Play space is large and excellent! Large, med, and small slides for all ages. Monkey bars, slide bar, tunnel, soft sand ground. Excellent shaded gazebo with 6picnic tables underneath. Plenty of adult shaded seating. Swings for big kids and little kids. Bridge and walking path, partially shaded with beautiful tree cover. Outdoor exercise equipment along walking path. Definitely recommend this park.