New trail at Lake Wanahoo offers a chance to escape

WAHOO -- Lake Wanaho opened a new trail to the public Friday, June 4 in Wahoo, Nebraska. 

The new Larson-Koutny Trail is 4.5 miles.  

Nature enthusiasts like Eric Gottschalk said having accessible paths like this is important not just to community growth and environmental preservation, but to escape the buzz of cities. 

 "Spend a little time in nature!" Gottschalk said. 

"It's important to have a connection to nature," said Bret Schomer, recreation supervisor, who started designing the new trail in spring.  

Families and kids had fun walking their dogs and enjoying the wildlife, spotting birds; foxes; turtles and more. There's even a bald eagle's nest. 

“People can walk through prairie grass […] without having to trudge through tall grass,” Gottschalk said.  

As general manager of the Lower Platte North NRD,  Gottschalk was eager to make it easier for families like the Hammers to see that wildlife easier in the park's 1,777 acres. 

The trail was dedicated to the 11 families who originally owned the land.