With A Footbridge, Beautiful Scenery, And Wildlife, The Little-Known Dark Island Trail In Nebraska Is Unexpectedly Magical
In a state where being outdoors is one of our favorite pastimes, there’s nothing better than a beautiful trail to get us excited to put on our walking shoes. This unique hike will take you between two small towns and through some of Nebraska’s prettiest undeveloped scenery.
Dark Island Trail is a 10-mile mixed-use trail connecting Central City to Marquette. It was made possible by the hard work of volunteers and locals who donated time, money, and effort.
This is a rails-to-trails project, meaning that the route was once used to carry trains but has been converted to a walking trail. The former Republican Valley Railroad has been transformed into one of Nebraska's most beautiful and underrated trails.
While you're walking, take some time to connect with nature and feel the life all around you. Although both ends of the trail are in populated areas, the bulk of the hike runs through more rural, wild areas.
Watch for wildlife like rabbits, raccoons, and deer, which are also known to frequent this tranquil trail. If you walk it in the spring and summer, you'll also see bursts of color in the form of wildflowers that blanket the sides of the trail.
Today, one of the trail's treasures is Bader Bridge, a 1,072-foot (0.2-mile) span that was originally built by the Republican Valley Railroad in the 1880s to carry trains across the river.
After the trail was overhauled to turn the railroad bridge into a walking trail, it became a central point on the route - and the views from the bridge are worth a visit, even in the winter.
Walkers and joggers aren't the only ones who get to enjoy this lovely trail. Dark Island Trail is also the site of the annual Dark Island Half-Marathon and Relay, and bikers love the varied surfaces that range from flat and even to wooden plants to thick gravel.
Next to visiting for yourself, there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of this place than by watching this drone video that shows off some of the sights.
Have you ever walked or run the Dark Island Trail between Central City and Marquette, Nebraska? Share your experiences in the comments!
What’s your favorite hike in Nebraska? If you know of another great place that you’d like to see featured here, be sure to tell us about it on our Nomination page.
Address: Dark Island Trail, Central City, NE, USA
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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.
