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Cedar Creek State Recreation Area is a public park located in Otoe County, Nebraska, approximately 5 miles west of Nebraska City.

Visual Characteristics

The area features a 40-acre lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet. The shoreline is characterized by a mix of sandy beaches and vegetated banks. Surrounding the lake are rolling hills covered in deciduous trees, primarily oak and hickory, with areas of prairie grasses.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to Cedar Creek State Recreation Area is via County Road 10 (also known as State Recreation Road). The entrance is located approximately 5 miles west of Nebraska City on U.S. Highway 2. Parking is available at designated lots near the lake and picnic areas. No public transport services operate directly to the recreation area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The area was developed as a state recreation area in the late 1960s. The lake was created by impounding Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Missouri River. The land is part of the Loess Hills ecoregion, characterized by deep deposits of wind-blown silt.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Boating is permitted with electric motors only. Designated swimming areas are available during warmer months. Hiking trails traverse the wooded hills surrounding the lake. Picnic areas with grills are provided.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the main park entrance and near the picnic areas. Shade is provided by mature trees in picnic zones and along some shoreline sections. Cell phone signal is intermittent within the recreation area. No food vendors are located within the park; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

For fishing, early morning and late evening hours during spring and fall offer optimal conditions. Swimming is best between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The park is accessible year-round, but winter conditions may limit access to certain areas. Mid-morning offers good natural light for photography of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the lake was once a favored spot for clandestine meetings during the Prohibition era due to its secluded location. The area's soil composition, the loess, is a significant geological feature of the region, formed by wind deposition over thousands of years.

Nearby Landmarks

• Arbor Day Farm Foundation (2.5km East)
• Missouri River (6km East)
• Wildwood Historic Center (5km East)
• Steamboat Trace Trail (4km Southeast)