Elkhorn River in Nebraska

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Dodge Street to Platte (Louisville State Park)

We started at Dodge st. on the Elkhorn River at about 11am Saturday morning. It was a stormy weekend so we had the river to ourselves. We were able to follow our path on the maps very easily by watching for bridges we floated under.

We floated 18 miles by about 7pm, with a few breaks in between, which put us between the Hwy 6 and I-80 bridges. We found a sand bar and set camp. There was enough dry river wood around for a good fire for a warm supper. We constructed our shelter with our tarp, rope, and a large tree limb spread across our kayaks.

At 1am the stars were out and by 3am we were in the middle of a huge storm. I suggest to always make a shelter. A warm breakfast in the morning and we were off at about 8am. 8 miles later we finished at 12pm at Louisville State Park

We floated a total of 26 miles. Which was a total of about 10 hours of actual float time.

Accommodations:

Dodge street entrance has a nice ramp leading into the water. Large Parking lot, bathroom and tables for a meal.

Louisville is a State Park so there are plenty of tent and camper sites available. They have a river access point along the tent camping area with a parking lot. This is where I had left my truck overnight for us.

Outfitting:

Kayaks, dry bags, dry box, poncho, tarp, rope, and hatchet.

Fees:

Louisville being a state park requires a State Park Sticker. If you will be leaving a vehicle overnight you will need one of these. If you are not needing to leave a vehicle over night you can purchase a day pass for less.

Directions:

Elkhorn river at Dodge St.--Dodge st. west out of Omaha, right before the Elkhorn river take Skyline DR. exit on your right side. Turn left and then take your next right which will wind you down to the river.

Louisville State Park--Hwy 50 south out of Omaha, you will pass over the river and once you go through Louisville you will take a right into Louisville State Park. There is a sign.

Resources:

I used Bing Maps to map out our course and get the distances between landmarks.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: 2-3 Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location