This Little Known Natural Oasis Is Hiding In Nebraska… And You’re Going To Love It
When European explorers first encountered the Nebraska Sandhills, they dubbed it the Great American Desert. It’s understandable, given that the entire area is composed of sand dunes anchored with grasses. But the Sandhills are far from barren and dry. A number of lakes dot the landscape; one of the most impressive of these is at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area. This beautiful place, six miles east of Anselmo, has been called an oasis in the midst of the Sandhills.
Victoria Springs is the third-oldest area in Nebraska's state parks system, having been established in 1925.
Back then, the area was prized for the mineral springs it was named after. In fact, the clear, delicious mineral water was once bottled and sold across the United States.
The land was once part of the homestead of Custer County judge Charles R. Matthews, one of the earliest settlers in the area.
A wooden footbridge connects the 60 camp sites to the picnic and day-use area. Victoria Springs also has two lovely little cabins that you can rent if camping isn't your thing.
No matter when you visit, Victoria Springs is an unexpectedly lush and picturesque part of Nebraska.
In the summer, paddleboating is a wonderful way to see the sights around the lake. In the fall, the many trees put on an unforgettable show.
Victoria Springs is one of those places that goes largely unnoticed in favor of the larger, more popular parks and recreation sites. But this sweet little oasis in the Great American Desert has something for everyone to enjoy.
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
