April 2025 • Nebraskaland 47
ethanol plant north of the site, granted the city an easement
for the access point. Other collaborators in the project
included the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the
Columbus Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbus
Morning Rotary Club and Columbus Area Recreational Trails.
"I'm a firm believer that a good idea is just looking for the
right time, and it turned out to be the right time," Curry said.
"The collaboration of this community is great. We've always
come together to find ways to win and do things together,
and this is just another example."
In most places, the Loup River looks like a smaller version
of the Platte, a wide, braided channel filled with constantly
shifting sandbars on a generally easterly course across the
state. In a few places, it looks like the Elkhorn, meandering
through the valley, carving away at the outside bank and
forming beautiful sandbars on the inside of bends.
I floated the Loup River Water Trail from Monroe to
Columbus late last June with Curry and his son, Brian. Along
MAP
ILLUSTRATION
BY
TIM
REIGERT
onee
Loup
R
iver
Platte
River
1. George D. Syas Wildlife Management Area: A fi shing access point is located on the southwest corner of the area at 445th
Avenue and 190th Street. An unimproved trail leads 80 yards from the parking area to the south bank of the river. 2. Monroe
Loup River Trail Access Site: This Platte County area is located south of Monroe on an access road on the east side of 370th
Avenue. The river is a few yards from the parking area. 3. Columbus Loup River Trail Access Site: River access is located on the
north bank on the east side of U.S. Highway 81. Paddlers can use the southeast corner of the Quality Inn parking lot and take
the Pawnee Park Trail 250 yards to the river. 4. Columbus Loup/Platte River Landing: This access is located on the north bank
of the Platte River 3.5 miles east and 1.5 miles south of Columbus south of the Archer Daniels Midland ethanol plant.
3
4
Kayaking Etiquette
When paddling Nebraska's rivers, remember that
only the water belongs to the State of Nebraska.
The riverbeds and all adjacent lands are the
property of the landowner through which the
water flows. Appreciate the privilege of using the
waterway. Be respectful and mindful of landowners
and their property. Nebraska state statutes give
users permission to portage around fences and
other obstructions; however, you are responsible
for any damage to the property. You must have
landowner permission to picnic or camp.
There are 11 established water trails in
Nebraska. For a complete list and to download
trail guides, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov and
search "Water Trails." The website also includes an
interactive trail map, tips, a list of river outfitters
and more.
Columbus
Duncan
Loup
River
Canal
Enlarged Area
