North Loup State Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Loup State Recreation Area is located in the state of Nebraska and is a great destination for those who love outdoor activities.


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Summary

The area is home to a 70-acre lake that is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also hiking and biking trails found throughout the recreation area, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty.

One of the main points of interest at North Loup State Recreation Area is the North Loup River, which winds its way through the park and provides visitors with a serene and peaceful setting to enjoy. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.

Interesting facts about the North Loup State Recreation Area include that it was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and that the lake was created by damming the North Loup River. The recreation area is also home to a historic log cabin that was built in the early 1900s and is open to visitors.

The best time of year to visit North Loup State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and other water activities. The park is open year-round, but some amenities may be closed during the winter months.

Overall, North Loup State Recreation Area is an excellent destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty in Nebraska. With its stunning lake, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, it is a must-visit location for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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