Discover Serenity at Platte River State Park

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSo long
  [soh lawng]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNope
  [nohp]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [pleez/noh wur-eez]
• Thank youThanks a heap
  [thaynks uh heep]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry 'bout that
  [pahr-dun mee/sawr-ee bowt that]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Jest fine. How 'bout you?
  [jest fahyn. how bowt yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI'm plumb lost
  [ahm pluhm lost]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKin I take a gander at the grub, please
  [kin eye tayk uh gan-der at the gruhb, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat critters
  [ah dohnt eet crit-ters]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [bah-tuhms up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'll settle up, please
  [ah rek-uhn ahl set-l up, pleez]

• Help!Heck!
  [hek]
• Go away!Git outta here!
  [git out-uh heer]
• Call the Police!Send for the Sheriff!
  [send fohr the sher-iff]
• Call a doctor!Fetch the Doc!
  [fetch the dok]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [ahm turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [ahnt feel-in rahyt]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [ahm fik-sin tuh bahy]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [ahm just brow-zin]
• How much is it?How much fer that?
  [how much fur that]
• That's too expensiveThat's highfalutin'
  [thatz hahy-fuh-lootin]
• Can you lower the price?Y'can do better on the price?
  [y'kan doh bet-tur on the price]

• What time is it?What's the time o' day?
  [whuts the tahym oh day]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o' the clock
  [its wuhn oh the klok]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [haf past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-tur-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [toh-day]
• TomorrowMorrow
  [moh-row]
• 1One
  [wuhn]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [fawr]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...at?
  [wheres the...at]
• What's the address?What's the location?
  [whuts the loh-kay-shun]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can y'all point it out (on the map)?
  [can yawl point it owt on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next stagecoach?
  [whens the next stayj-coach]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (fer ....)
  [a ticket fur]

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Platte River State Park was home to various indigenous tribes, including the Pawnee and the Otoe-Missouria. These tribes relied on the fertile plains and the Platte River for sustenance, engaging in hunting, fishing, and farming. The river was not only a crucial resource but also a spiritual and cultural landmark for these communities.

In the mid-19th century, the Platte River Valley became a vital corridor for westward expansion. The Oregon Trail, which passed through this region, was a critical route for pioneers heading to the western United States. Platte River State Park's landscape still bears traces of these historic journeys, with wagon ruts and campsites providing tangible links to this era of American history.

The advent of the transcontinental railroad in the late 1800s marked another significant chapter in the history of Platte River State Park. The Union Pacific Railroad, which ran parallel to the Platte River, brought an influx of settlers, commerce, and industry to the area. The railroad not only transformed transportation but also spurred economic development in Nebraska and the surrounding regions.

Platte River State Park was officially established in 1982, combining two former state recreation areas: Camp Harriet Harding and Camp Esther K. Newman. The park was developed to preserve the natural beauty of the region and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. Today, it spans over 500 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping.

Over the years, Platte River State Park has faced numerous challenges from natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes. These events have prompted ongoing conservation and restoration efforts to preserve the park's ecological integrity. Initiatives include habitat restoration projects, wildlife conservation programs, and measures to protect the Platte River's water quality.

Platte River State Park is not just a hub for outdoor recreation; it also serves as a center for cultural and educational activities. The park hosts various programs that celebrate the history and natural heritage of the region, including guided nature walks, historical reenactments, and educational workshops. These programs aim to enrich visitors' understanding of the park's historical significance and environmental importance.

Platte River State Park is located in eastern Nebraska, about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The nearest major airport is Eppley Airfield in Omaha, approximately 30 miles away. From Omaha, you can rent a car and take Interstate 80 west to Exit 426, then follow State Highway 66 west to the park entrance. Alternatively, Lincoln Airport is about 40 miles away, and you can follow a similar route using Interstate 80 east.

The best way to get around Platte River State Park is by car. Car rentals are available at both Eppley Airfield in Omaha and Lincoln Airport. Within the park, there are numerous trails that are best explored on foot or by bicycle. For those who prefer not to drive, local taxi services can be arranged, but they may be less convenient and more expensive.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Major credit cards are widely accepted within the park, including at the visitor center and lodging facilities. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions or in case of technical issues with card readers. ATMs are available in nearby towns such as Louisville and Ashland.

Platte River State Park is generally very safe for visitors. However, standard safety precautions should still be observed. Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded areas such as the visitor center. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists within the park. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or exploring remote areas.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The park has its own ranger station, and there are first aid stations located throughout the park. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Omaha, about 30 miles away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in nearby towns.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if you plan on hiking. Avoid wearing open-toed shoes on trails. Religion: While there are no specific religious customs to be aware of, always respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Public Transport: Public transportation options are limited, so do plan to rent a car if possible. Greetings: Do greet fellow visitors and park staff with a friendly hello. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local foods available at park concessions. Don't leave trash behind; always use designated trash bins or take your trash with you.

To experience Platte River State Park like a local, take time to explore the lesser-known trails for a quieter experience. Visit the Owen Landing at Jenny Newman Lake for paddle boating and fishing. Engage with park rangers and staff, who can offer insights into the best spots for wildlife viewing and photography. Don't miss the scenic overlooks, especially at sunrise and sunset for breathtaking views of the Platte River Valley.