20 Nebraskaland • April 2021
IN THE FIELD
By Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley
HORSING AROUND
Horses can take us to places where motorized vehicles
can't venture. Alongside tranquil river valleys, into deep
canyon or to the edge of dramatic bluffs, many of Nebraska's
most breathtaking views are best experienced by horseback.
Those who horse camp already know the drill — Nebraska
state parks and recreation areas offer miles of scenic
equestrian trails and camping amenities across the state.
Don't own a horse? Several parks keep their own herds for
guided trail riding through the summer season, including:
•
Chadron State Park (Chadron – northwest)
•
Fort Robinson SP (Crawford – northwest)
•
Niobrara SP (Niobrara – northeast)
•
Ponca SP (Ponca – northeast)
•
Indian Cave SP (Shubert – southeast)
•
Buffalo Bill State Historical Park (North Platte – central)
•
Eugene T. Mahoney SP (Ashland – metro area)
•
Platte River SP (Louisville – metro area)
Of these, Fort Robinson, Indian Cave and Niobrara state
parks offer equestrian camping facilities.
Other Nebraska Game and Parks Commission properties
that offer equestrian trails and varying amenities include:
•
Willow Creek State Recreation Area (Pierce – northeast)
•
Danish Alps SRA (Hubbard – northeast)
•
Lewis and Clark SRA (Crofton – northeast)
•
Branched Oak SRA (Raymond – southeast)
•
Fort Kearny State Historical Park (Kearney – central)
•
Rock Creek Station SHP (Fairbury – southeast)
•
Pawnee SRA (Lincoln – metro area)
•
Two Rivers SRA (Waterloo – metro area)
•
Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail (Norfolk to Valentine,
call ahead for facilities in adjacent towns)
Call ahead before you haul, as trail and camp availability is
subject to change. Reservations, fees and special regulations
may apply.
Randy Gallup of Crescent, Iowa, picks his horse's hooves at the equestrian campground at Danish Alps State Recreation Area.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
