The capital of Nebraska, Lincoln, is not only home to some of the most famous museums and cultural attractions, but it is also popular with adventure seekers and photographers. They come here to capture stunning images of some of the priceless national treasures—the State Parks.
We have found the best 10 State Parks near Lincoln with beautiful landscapes, fascinating scenery, and a plethora of activities around the year. These are the top spots for outdoor lovers and nature fans.
These parks offer a wide variety of terrains, attracting thousands of tourists each year looking for a new perspective on nature.
Map of State Parks Near Lincoln NE
Here is a map of the Nebraska state parks covered in this post:
List Of State Parks Near Lincoln
Read all about each of these state parks, their distance from Lincoln, and what they have to offer.
1. Bluestem State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 6 miles east of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: Firethorn Lane, Lincoln, Nebraska 68520
Bluestem State Recreation Area (SRA) is a state park in southeastern Nebraska, United States.
Highlights associated with Bluestem State Recreation Area include lake recreation, river access, and wooded landscapes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, a designated swimming area, a boat launch, and playgrounds.
See our full Bluestem State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 7 miles south of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68430
Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area include beach access and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, hiking trails, a boat launch, and picnic areas.
See our full Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Olive Creek State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 8 miles southeast of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: 7350 Irene Court, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
Olive Creek State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Olive Creek State Recreation Area include lake recreation, river access, and wildlife viewing.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, a boat launch, and picnic areas.
See our full Olive Creek State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 8 miles west of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: Northwest 98th Street, Nebraska
Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, hiking trails, a designated swimming area, and a boat launch.
See our full Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Wagon Train State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 9 miles east of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: Old Cheney Road, Nebraska 68516
Wagon Train State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Wagon Train State Recreation Area include lake recreation, river access, and wooded landscapes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, hiking trails, a designated swimming area, and a boat launch.
See our full Wagon Train State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Stagecoach State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 13 miles west of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: Adams Road, Nebraska 68405
Stagecoach State Recreation Area (SRA) is a state recreation area in southeastern Nebraska, United States.
Highlights associated with Stagecoach State Recreation Area include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Stagecoach State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Branched Oak State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 14 miles northwest of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: 12000 W Branched Oak Rd, Raymond, NE 68428
With 5595 acres encompassing 1,800 acres of water, Branched Oak Lake is the largest of the Salt Valley Lakes. Located 2.5 miles north of Malcolm on S-55M, the Salt Valley Lakes Flood Control Project created this park to keep Salt Creek from flooding Lincoln.
The park features two beaches for swimming, both of which are modern and primitive campsites. Even though they permit you to roam around the lake freely, they allow camping in nine public use areas only.
Campers can also set up their tents or RVs at the park’s rugged surfaced campsites with 30-amp and 50-amp hookups.
Aside from two modern shower buildings, while camping in Middle Oak Creek, you will also see a dump station, a playground, and a boat ramp up with limited overnight docks.
While at South Shore Campground, you will find paved campsites with 30 and 50-amp electric hookups and tent campsites.
The Park also offers an archery range, a shooting range, bird watching, and hunting. While in the Marina, located in the northeast part, you can rent boats, get fuel concessions, and eat at The Boat House Bar and Grill Restaurant.
See our full Branched Oak State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Blue River State Recreation Area
Distance from Lincoln: about 17 miles west of Lincoln (straight-line).
Location: Holdredge Road, Nebraska 68405
Blue River State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Washington County, Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Blue River State Recreation Area include lake recreation, river access, and wooded landscapes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a designated swimming area, a boat launch, and a swimming pool.
See our full Blue River State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Distance from Lincoln: about 26 miles northeast of Lincoln (straight-line).
Discover Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Eugene T. Mahoney State Park include lake recreation, river access, and wooded landscapes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
See our full Eugene T. Mahoney State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Platte River State Park
Distance from Lincoln: about 29 miles northeast of Lincoln (straight-line).
Platte River State Park is a public recreation area encompassing 453 acres (183 ha) on the southern bluffs of the Platte River two miles (3.2 km) west of Louisville, Nebraska.
Highlights associated with Platte River State Park include waterfall scenery, river access, and wooded landscapes.
See our full Platte River State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Conclusion
Lincoln, a friendly Midwestern town, is an example of nature’s beauty and a peaceful oasis. When you visit Lincoln next, don’t forget to visit the parks mentioned above to take something memorable home with you.
