Grace Gaard has a different perspective of Nebraska than most. An avid kayaker, she calls the state a “water wonderland.” “You think you have to go somewhere else to do something in nature,” said the aquatic ecology education specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks.
“Nebraska has a lot of hidden gems, especially on the water.” With its more than 79,000 river miles, Nebraska has some of the most scenic waterways in the nation. It offers 10 designated water trails covering about 518 miles.
The Niobrara River would be one popular destination. Although more well known for tubing and tanking, Gaard said it’s super fun for kayaking. The same with the Platte River when it has enough water.
There’s also usually access in the public bodies of water surrounding the state’s cities and towns. One of Gaard’s favorites is a little creek on the west side of Zorinsky Lake near 168th Street in southwest Omaha. “It just feels narrow and twisting,” she said.
“It feels like you are on a river somewhere, but you’re literally in the middle of the city.” Another favorite is the backwaters off the Missouri River at Ponca State Park, where she once worked. The area is tucked away, so there’s not a lot of people.
“You get those classic diverse species that are very native to our state. Beavers, terns diving into the water to get fish. I’ve even had a silver carp jump into my kayak,” Gaard said.
“There is always something exciting to see, even bald eagles.” .
