Schramm Park State Recreation Area

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Platte River Aquarium — Education-focused park along the Platte River featuring the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium — Nebraska’s only public fish hatchery and aquarium

Schramm Park State Recreation Area sits along the Platte River south of Omaha — home to the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium and Outdoor Education Center, Nebraska’s only public aquarium. The aquarium showcases over 50 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians native to Nebraska. “Ak-Sar-Ben” is “Nebraska” spelled backwards — a beloved quirk of Nebraska culture (the Ak-Sar-Ben organization has been a cornerstone of Omaha civic life since 1895). The park’s bluffs offer excellent views of the Platte River valley and harbor some of the most diverse woodland habitats in the region.

Visitor Information

About Schramm Park

Schramm Park State Recreation Area south of Omaha sits atop dramatic limestone bluffs overlooking the Platte River. The park features the Schramm Education Center — an aquarium and nature center showcasing Nebraska’s aquatic wildlife. The forested bluffs provide surprisingly rugged hiking terrain unusual for eastern Nebraska.

Things to Do

Visiting the Schramm Education Center and aquarium, hiking the limestone bluff trails, fishing in the Platte River, picnicking with river valley views, and wildlife observation. A great nature education destination near Omaha.

Insider Tips

Platte River nature: Schramm Park is one of the best nature parks near Omaha — ancient forests, spring-fed creeks, and the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium. Pro tip: The aquarium showcases Nebraska’s native fish — including paddlefish, pallid sturgeon, and channel catfish. Fossils: The limestone bluffs contain fossils from the Paleozoic Era — when this area was covered by a warm, shallow sea 300 million years ago.

Best Time to Visit

Spring: Wildflower bloom on the bluffs. Summer: Cool creekside trails and aquarium. Fall: Fall color in the mature hardwood forest. Winter: Quiet hiking and eagle watching along the Platte.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ak-Sar-Ben?

“Ak-Sar-Ben” is “Nebraska” spelled backwards — a tradition dating to 1895 when the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben was founded as a civic organization. The name appears throughout Omaha culture and is now synonymous with community pride.