NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/823575
74 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2017 H orsewoman Suzanne Ridder has ridden most of the equestrian trails at every state park, state recreation area and state historical park in Nebraska that has them, excepting two ("They're on my list this year," Ridder said). While she believes there is no bad place to go horseback riding, Ridder appreciates state parks and recreation areas for "the amount of acres you have to ride, the scenic places you get to see and the amenities," she said. Those living in or visiting Nebraska have a wealth of choices for riding at state parks, Ridder said. Her favorites clos e to home in southeastern Nebraska are Rock Creek Station State Historical Park and the adjoining Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area, located 6 miles east of Fairbury in Jefferson County. The parks feature 6 miles of equestrian trails and a group equestrian campground with 20 individual corrals. The state historical park contains visible Overland Trail wagon wheel ruts and is famous as the place where gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok got his bloody start. "I love history, so that's a big draw for me," Ridder said. "I also enjoy the camaraderie of the group campground." Also in southeastern Nebraska is Indian Cave State Park, located 12 miles north of Falls City. Ridder recommended visiting the park during the fall, when the hardwood forest puts on an impressive display of color. A primitive group campground is available for riders at Indian Cave, along with miles of hilly equestrian trails. Pawnee State Recreation Area and Branched Oak State Recreation Area are great choices near Lincoln with camping amenities, Ridder said. Pawnee's amenities include a primitive camp with picnic tables, drinking water and fire rings, while Branched Oak's horse camp offers 15 electrical rock pad campsites, an accessible mounting ramp, hitching posts and corrals. In addition, Two Rivers State Recreation Area near Yutan features "a neat riverside trail and a beautiful scenic area," Ridder said. "The equestrian campground is all primitive, and like Rock Creek Station, it's a group camp. You can also put up portable pens for your horses." Northwest Nebraska contains what Ridder considers Blain Sullivan (gray), Heather (blue) and Larry Ehrlich ride out of horse camp at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. Riders enjoy autumn colors at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area in Knox County. Saddling Up at a Nebraska State Park A Quick Guide By Renae Blum A horse grazes at Two Rivers State Recreation Area's equestrian campground. PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER