Louisville State Recreation Area is a recreation area in eastern Nebraska, spanning 192 acres along the Platte River. The landscape is characterized by five sandpit lakes, which collectively cover about 50 surface acres of water, surrounded by towering cottonwood trees. This natural setting provides a varied terrain for outdoor activities, including several sports like hiking and mountain biking. The Platte River also borders the area to the north, contributing to its natural features.
10
Routes
4.5
(3)
Average rating
81
People visited

5.0
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24
hikers
3.93km
01:04
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

11.6km
03:09
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
hikers
6.82km
01:52
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
7.11km
00:40
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.69km
00:35
60m
60m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

21
riders
11.5km
01:06
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

10
riders
44.3km
03:41
600m
600m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Louisville State Recreation Area is a 192-acre recreation area in eastern Nebraska. It features five sandpit lakes covering approximately 50 surface acres, bordered by the Platte River to the north. The area is known for its natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities.
Louisville State Recreation Area offers a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and non-powered boating. It also provides access to mountain biking opportunities, particularly at the nearby Platte River State Park.
Yes, Louisville State Recreation Area features hiking trails that wind through its natural surroundings, offering scenic views of the sandpit lakes and wooded areas. For more information, refer to the guide Hiking in Louisville State Recreation Area.
Louisville State Recreation Area has trails suitable for biking. More extensive mountain biking opportunities, including over 20 miles (32 km) of trails, are available at the adjacent Platte River State Park. Details can be found in the guide MTB Trails in Louisville State Recreation Area.
Louisville State Recreation Area is considered a favored spot for families. It offers a swimming beach, a floating playground, traditional playgrounds, and family-friendly hiking options. The guide Family-friendly hikes in Louisville State Recreation Area provides specific trail information.
The recreation area is characterized by five sandpit lakes and towering cottonwood trees that encircle them. The Platte River also forms the northern border of the park, contributing to its scenic landscape.
Yes, swimming is permitted in a designated area on Lake No. 2, which includes a swimming beach and a floating playground. Non-powered boating is also allowed, with boat, canoe, paddleboard, and kayak rentals available seasonally.
The recreation area offers amenities such as a swimming beach, a floating playground, traditional playgrounds, and a seasonal concession stand. Rentals for boats, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks are also available.
The sandpit lakes at Louisville State Recreation Area are stocked with various fish species. Anglers can expect to catch bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and walleye.
Louisville State Recreation Area is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 100 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Louisville State Recreation Area is conveniently located near several other state parks. These include Platte River State Park, Mahoney State Park, and Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Education Center.
For official information, the Louisville State Recreation Area can be reached via their website at outdoornebraska.gov/louisville/ or by phone at (402) 234-6855.

