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Rock Creek Recreation Area is a public park located in Hastings, Nebraska, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The area features a 30-acre lake with a maximum depth of 15 feet. The shoreline consists of a mix of sandy beaches and mowed grass. Surrounding the lake are approximately 100 acres of mixed prairie grasses and scattered deciduous trees, primarily cottonwoods and elms. The terrain is generally flat with gentle rolling hills.

Location & Access Logistics

Rock Creek Recreation Area is situated approximately 5 miles southwest of downtown Hastings, Nebraska. Access is via West 12th Street, which transitions into the park's main road. Ample parking is available in 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 by the City of Hastings Parks and Recreation Department in the late 1960s. The lake was created by impounding Rock Creek, a tributary of the Little Blue River. The land was previously agricultural and prairie grassland. The ecological classification is a man-made reservoir within a prairie ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish. Boating is permitted with electric motors only. Designated areas are available for swimming. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park. Hiking is possible on unpaved trails around the lake perimeter.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the main park entrance and near the primary picnic shelter. Shade is provided by mature trees in picnic areas and a central pavilion. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available within the park. No food vendors are permanently located within the recreation area; 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. Midday during summer can be hot, with limited shade away from picnic areas. The lake is accessible year-round, weather permitting.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that during periods of drought, the lake level recedes to reveal remnants of an old farmstead, though this has not been officially documented. The park is a popular site for local birdwatching, with over 150 species recorded annually.

Nearby Landmarks

• Kearney Area Children's Museum (18km West)
• Platte River State Park (45km Northeast)
• Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer (19km West)
• Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History (5km Northeast)