June 2026 • Nebraskaland 25
Smith Falls
Early settlers knew Smith Falls as Arikaree Falls, in reference to a semi-nomadic
tribe of Native Americans that lived in the area. In 1896, Frederic Smith filed the
first homestead patent for the land and is who the falls are now named after. In
1941, Sandhills farmer Fred Krzyzanowski bought the property to graze cattle,
not knowing at first that the beautiful falls were on his newly purchased land. In
1992, the Game and Parks Commission agreed to a lease with the Krzyzanowski
family, turning the area into a state park.
Smith Falls, ca. pre-March, 1964.
LOU ELL, NEBRASKALAND
In 2023, an ADA-accessible walking path was finalized at
Smith Falls State Park, bringing even more visitors to this
iconic landmark. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
