To say that we Nebraskans look forward to summer is a vast understatement. While we love all seasons here in the Cornhusker State, we tend to really grab summer by the horns and squeeze every last bit of excitement out of it. In 2018, a brand new attraction opened that allows visitors to bounce, splash, climb and slide around between the lake and the sun, and it's one of those places you've just got to visit this summer.
Louisville State Recreation Area, located in Cass County, is one of the area's premier camping, fishing, and (non-powered or electric) boating spots.
It's close enough to stores, restaurants, and other amenities that you don't feel stranded but far enough removed that you get the whole outdoors experience.
Although it's almost always filled with people in the summer and fall, the place is overflowing with natural beauty. Towering cottonwood trees reach skyward everywhere you look. The five sandpit lakes offer the perfect recreational opportunities. Bring your fishing pole - catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappie inhabit all of the lakes.
If you've got an RV, this is the place to bring it for your next camping adventure. There are 223 camping pads with electrical hookups, and a dump station is available on site.
But if tents are more your speed, you'll also find 13 camping pads with no electricity and 47 non-pad sites with no electrical hookups. For those who would like to get out on the water but don't have their own gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and water bikes are available for rent.
Lake 2 is reserved for swimming. In 2018, a brand new floating playground opened on the lake. It's full of challenging obstacles, fun adventures, and a unique setting for your next day on the lake. You can swim, bounce, swing, jump, climb, and so much more on this inflatable water park.
Admission to the playground costs $18 for adults (age 13 and over) and $13 for children (ages 6-12) for 90 minutes of play. Participants have to be at least 6 years old and know how to swim. Life jackets are required for playing, and the cost of renting one is included in the admission price.
This video from Nebraska Game and Parks shows off the fun that awaits you at this awesome water attraction.
A parks permit is required to enter; if you don't have one, you can purchase a daily or yearly pass at the park. Visitors buy tickets for the playground for a specific session; sessions are limited for safety reasons. Tickets for the playground can be purchased starting 30 minutes before each session and must be purchased in person. For more information about the park, including updates on which parts are currently open, visit Nebraska Game and Parks.
Have you ever played on the huge floating playground? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Read about another amazing (and recently upgraded) state park in the area in this article from the archives.
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