Garfield County: Water, Wildlife, and History

Garfield County is especially appealing for its combination of the Calamus waterfront, wildlife watching, and historic sites. Calamus State Recreation Area offers camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking. The lake covers 5,123 acres, and the gently rolling terrain spans 4,958 acres.

Waterfront and River Activities

Five docks, four boat ramps, and access to the Calamus River offer concrete ways to enjoy time on the water. In summer, Calamus Outfitters offers canoe and tubing trips on the scenic Calamus River. This means visitors can choose between boating on their own and organized river trips.

Wildlife Watching and Fish Hatchery

At Calamus Reservoir, there is a wildlife observation blind at Valley View Flat. Visitors can watch bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, waterfowl, and whooping cranes from there; sandhill cranes can also be seen occasionally. This makes it a particular draw for travelers interested in birds.

The Calamus Fish Hatchery below the dam adds an opportunity to learn about fish farming to the nature experience. It offers self-guided tours and exhibits; an exhibit in the main building provides information about fish, the facility, and Nebraska Game and Parks. The hatchery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on all state and federal holidays. Check the opening hours before setting out.

History and Local Events

From 1874 to 1881, Fort Hartsuff served as an infantry outpost on the Nebraska prairie. The historic buildings are open to visitors from May through September; visits can be arranged by appointment year-round. The park grounds are open daily. Check visitor requirements before your visit.

The Garfield County Historical Museum has a distinct focus of its own, with more than 30 rooms of history and artifacts. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, meanwhile, combines an event program with historic facilities. The annual rodeo takes place on the original 40-acre site and at its associated facilities; the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes a ¾-mile racetrack and original covered wooden grandstands.

The rodeo program includes bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, wild horse races, Canadian chuckwagon races, the Dinner Bell Derby, and trick riding and trick roping. The program may vary from year to year. If you plan your stay around this event, check the dates for the relevant year.

Burwell and Other Recreation

Near the host community of Burwell, Burwell City Park offers opportunities for picnicking and camping. Burwell Swimming Pool has diving boards, a children’s pool, and changing rooms. It also offers Red Cross swimming lessons and water aerobics for adults. Seasonal offerings may have changing opening dates; check them before visiting.

Calamus Golf Course is 2,845 yards long and features irrigated bluegrass fairways, bentgrass greens, water hazards, and grass bunkers. The course description gives a clear picture of its design, without golf needing to be the sole focus of a stay.

Choosing the Right Base

When looking for a vacation rental, your reason for traveling can help guide your search. For wildlife watching by the water, Calamus Reservoir is a useful reference point: it is six miles northwest of Burwell on Highway 96. This makes it easy to factor Burwell into your plans for a stay at the reservoir. History, the fish hatchery, and the rodeo offer other reasons to visit; at Fort Hartsuff and the fish hatchery, be sure to note their respective visiting hours.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Thomas County, Gage County, Sherman County, Blaine, Adams County, Colfax County, Cherry County.

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