64 Nebraskaland • August-September 2025
The western end has a fen, defined as a type of peat-
accumulating wetland fed by mineral-rich ground or surface
water. The western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera
praeclara), one of Nebraska's rarest plants, has been known
to grow there.
Cottonwood and Steverson lakes have been among
the Game and Parks holdings since 1997 when they were
purchased for $543,761, the most ever paid for a parcel of
property by the agency to that point. Home Valley was added
about a year later.
The property has retained its primitive charm. It does
feature a concrete boat ramp, compliant with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, but no dock. Boats are restricted to 5
mph. There also are no restrooms or trash service there.
Sure, the Sandhills feature more than 1,500 lakes, and
these are just three of them. Each lake is special in its own
way, and Cottonwood, Steverson and Home Valley are
certainly no exception.
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