Flathead Lake Brewing Company | Kalispell

Yanney Heritage Park is a 120-acre public park located in Kearney, Nebraska, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a 10-acre lake with a concrete dam. Surrounding the lake are mature trees, primarily deciduous species, providing significant canopy cover. Open grassy areas are interspersed with wooded sections. The terrain is gently rolling.

Location & Access Logistics

Yanney Heritage Park is situated at 4200 11th Street, Kearney, NE 68847. It is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) west of downtown Kearney. Access is directly from 11th Street. Ample paved parking is available at multiple points within the park, including near the lake and the nature center. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stops are several kilometers away.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established on land donated by the Yanney family. The lake was created through the construction of a dam on a local creek. The area is part of the central plains ecological region, characterized by prairie grasses and riparian vegetation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include walking and jogging on paved trails that circumnavigate the lake and extend through wooded areas. Fishing is permitted in the lake. The park contains a nature center with educational exhibits. Playground facilities are present. Picnicking is a common activity, with several designated areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the nature center and at designated picnic areas. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees and several picnic shelters. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable throughout the park. No food vendors are permanently located within the park, but vending machines may be present at the nature center.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting conditions due to the angle of the sun. The months of May through October provide the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The lake is accessible year-round, with no specific tide requirements.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the park's lake was once a popular spot for ice skating during particularly cold winters in the early to mid-20th century, before the dam was fully established and the area became more developed as a park.

Nearby Landmarks

• Kearney Area Children's Museum (1.2km East)
• The Museum of Nebraska Art (2.5km East)
• Fort Kearny State Historical Park (10km South)
• Archway Monument (3.0km East)