Wagon Train State Recreation Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 315-acre lake named for the wagon trains that crossed this prairie on the Oregon Trail. Popular bass fishing destination near Lincoln.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lancaster County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Size | 315 acres |
About Wagon Train
Wagon Train State Recreation Area near Hickman features a 315-acre lake named for the wagon trains that crossed this region on the Oregon and California Trails. The park provides convenient fishing and recreation for the Lincoln metropolitan area.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, bass, and catfish, boating, camping, swimming, disc golf, and winter ice fishing. A popular Lincoln-area recreation lake.
About Wagon Train
Wagon Train State Recreation Area in Lancaster County provides recreation on a 315-acre flood-control lake southeast of Lincoln. Named for the wagon trains that crossed Nebraska on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, the lake was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1962. The prairie surrounding the lake has been partially restored to native grasses — a living exhibit of the tallgrass prairie the emigrants crossed.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, wipers, and largemouth bass, boating (no-wake), camping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and attending the annual fishing tournaments that draw competitors from across eastern Nebraska.
Getting There
Wagon Train SRA lies near Hickman in Lancaster County, providing the largest lake recreation near Lincoln on a 315-acre reservoir. Named for the wagon trains that crossed this prairie en route to Oregon and California. The lake is popular for sailing — rare for Nebraska — and hosts regular regattas. Excellent bass and walleye fishing with modern campground facilities available.
Insider Tips
Oregon Trail echo: Named for the thousands of wagon trains that crossed Nebraska on their way west. Pro tip: Wagon Train Lake near Hickman is a popular southeast Nebraska fishing lake — largemouth bass and channel catfish are the primary targets. Family camping: The modern campground makes an excellent base for exploring Lincoln (20 minutes north).
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming, fishing, and camping. Spring: Crappie and bass spawn. Fall: Bass fishing improves. Winter: Ice fishing for bluegill and crappie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people crossed Nebraska on the Oregon Trail?
Approximately 400,000 emigrants crossed Nebraska between 1841-1869 — following the Platte River corridor westward. The “Great Platte River Road” was the single most important overland route in American history, carrying Oregon, California, and Mormon trail traffic.
Park Location
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