Verdon Lake State Recreation Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Small lake in the far southeastern corner of Nebraska — Richardson County borders both Kansas and Missouri.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Richardson County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
About Verdon Lake
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area in Richardson County provides a quiet fishing lake in far southeastern Nebraska near the Kansas and Missouri borders. The small lake is surrounded by oak-hickory forest — a remnant of the eastern deciduous forest that reaches its western limit in southeast Nebraska.
Things to Do
Fishing for bass and catfish, camping, hiking through the oak-hickory forest, and enjoying the quiet atmosphere of southeastern Nebraska.
About Verdon Lake
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area in Richardson County provides fishing on a small lake in the wooded hills of extreme southeastern Nebraska. This corner of the state is part of the Dissected Till Plains — glacially-carved terrain with more topographic relief than the flat central Platte Valley. The hardwood forests of oak, walnut, and hickory give this area a distinctly Midwestern character.
Things to Do
Fishing for bass and catfish, camping, hiking through the hardwood forest, hunting (deer season draws hunters from across the region), and birdwatching.
Getting There
Verdon Lake SRA is located near Verdon in Richardson County — Nebraska’s most southeastern corner. The area sits in the Nemaha River valley, where the Eastern Woodlands ecosystem reaches its western limit. Richardson County contains more tree species diversity than anywhere else in Nebraska. The lake provides fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill in a wooded setting unusual for Nebraska.
Insider Tips
Southeast gem: Verdon Lake is a peaceful 45-acre lake in the rolling hills of southeast Nebraska. Pro tip: The surrounding area supports diverse wildlife — wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and bobwhite quail thrive in the oak-hickory woodlands. Missouri River bluffs: The nearby Missouri River bluffs have some of the best fall color in Nebraska — eastern hardwood species create vivid displays.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Fall color in the bluff forests. Spring: Turkey season and wildflowers. Summer: Fishing and camping. Winter: Quiet woodland walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nebraska have fall color?
Yes — especially in the southeast along the Missouri River bluffs. Eastern hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, walnut) create fall displays that rival the Ozarks. The Indian Cave State Park area is Nebraska’s best fall color destination — peak color typically occurs mid-October.
Park Location
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