24 Nebraskaland • June 2025
split, was unique. The price tag of
$300,000 was to pay for the land and
gravel roads, as well as the beach,
boat ramp, two shelter houses and
picnic tables.
Construction began in 1964, and
Rockford Lake State Recreation Area
opened in 1970. "Rockford," Terrill
wrote, "will further Gage County's
claim as 'the Watershed capital of
Nebraska.'"
And judging from a photo of the
packed beaches on Memorial Day
weekend that year, that statement
seemed to hold true.
Forever Away
On the day we visited, however,
there were no crowded beaches or
campgrounds. Just a couple of kids
taking in the sun between casts.
Meanwhile, a group of other teenagers
goofed around in the water nearby
while a handful of RV campers enjoyed
the afternoon quiet.
Usually on days like this, I approach
and ask everyone about their day.
But I already knew that answer. They
had come to Rockford Lake State
Recreation Area to get away from
everything. To ski, to fi sh, to hike, to
simply be — and do so just a few miles
from Beatrice and what seemed like
forever away.
Rockford had been constructed with
recreation in mind. And sometimes
recreation is best spent in a quiet
place away from everyone, including a
newcomer like me.
N
For more information about Rockford
Lake State Recreation Area and the
rest of the Nebraska park system, visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov/Parks.
TOP RIGHT: Skarlett Jones of Gretna
sits lakeside at Rockford Lake SRA in
Gage County.
BELOW: People recreate at their RV
campers at Rockford Lake.
Rockford Lake State Recreation Area
consists of approximately 300 land
acres around a 150-acre lake. The area
off ers boating, fi shing, picnicking,
swimming and camping.
Rockford Lake SRA
