Blue River State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Blue River State Recreation Area is a 749-acre park located in the state of Nebraska.
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Summary
There are several reasons to visit this park, including its beautiful scenic views, abundant wildlife, and a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and bird watching.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Blue River, which runs through the park and offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The river is home to several species of fish, including catfish, bass, and bluegill. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking on the park's trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The park also features several points of interest, including the Blue River Dam, which was built in the 1930s to control flooding in the area. The dam offers a picturesque backdrop for picnics and provides a great spot for taking photos.
Another interesting feature of the park is the Wildlife Viewing Blind, which provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can spot several species of birds, including great blue herons, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes.
The best time to visit Blue River State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall, when the temperatures are cooler and the park is less crowded. The park is open year-round, but some facilities and activities may be limited during the winter months.
Overall, Blue River State Recreation Area is a great place to visit for anyone interested in nature and outdoor recreation. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a variety of recreational activities, this park is an excellent destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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