Description
Windmill State Recreation Area is one of two highly developed areas operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in the state's unique "chain of lakes" along Interstate 80.
Situated at the Gibbon Interchange, between Kearney and Grand Island, It was once a stopping spot for early-day travelers. It still serves travelers today with modern camping facilities, several man-made lakes, and a fascinating assortment of antique windmills.
It draws its name from the locale, Windmill Crossing, where the Pawnee Indians forded the Platte River during their annual buffalo hunts. The old-time windmills that add so much to the character of the area were acquired in the early 1970's. They have all been restored to working order.
Attractions
Windmill is a 154 acre area with 14 acres in 6 ponds. Located conveniently off of I-80 at the Gibbon Interchange, Exit 285. It has an improved campground with electrical hook-ups and a modern shower/latrine building with laundry facilities available. Primitive tent camping, swimming beach, picnicking is also available.
Services & Amenities:
- Bird Watching
- Campground Host
- Camping, Improved Site
- Camping, Primitive
- Canoeing
- Comfort Station
- Dump Station
- Fire Rings
- Fishing, PARK LAKE
- Grills
- Handicap Access
- Kayaking
- Kiosk
- Laundry
- Office/Ranger Station
- PARK LAKE
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
- SWIMMING, PARK LAKE
- Showers
- Stargazing
- Sunbathing
- Walking
- Water Access, Park Lake
- Water Drinking
- Wildlife Viewing
Alerts and Important Information
ATTENTION - Firewood Alert:
Voluntary Firewood Restriction
If you have brought firewood from another state, please burn it immediately and do not transport it to another location. Many invasive pests are being transported across our country in firewood. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a serious pest that is near Nebraska's border. Your cooperation to help prevent EAB from invading Nebraska woodlands and landscapes is vital to protecting our valuable natural resources.
If you need additional firewood, your options are:
1) Purchase firewood at parks that sell it.
2) Purchase firewood at vendors near many parks.
3) Gather dead firewood laying on the ground within park boundaries.
Learn more about invasive pests and the risk of transporting firewood at:
www.emeraldashborer.info
www.dontmovefirewood.org
Camping reservations may be made a minimum of three days in advance of arrival and a maximum of 180 days in advance of arrival.
CHECK IN AND OUT SCHEDULE- If you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
Modern camping facilities are open (depending on weather conditions) beginning in May and normally through mid October. Camping is available year-round, including campsites with electricity. When modern facilities are closed, a winter rate camping fee is charged. There are picnic facilities, shelter houses and restrooms. Swimming is allowed only at the marked swimming beach. Change houses are provided.
Non Licensed motorized vehicles are not allowed in the areas.
Only one camping unit is allowed per campsite. An extra tent may be used for dependant children only. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may not be operated during these hours. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Campers staying over must re-register by 2 p.m. Check in time is 4 p.m. and check out time is 2 p.m. Campers must vacate their campsite no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date the camping reservation or registration expires. All persons entering the campground must be registered. Upon arrival, campers MUST have their camping equipment and be prepared to set up.
When a reservation is made one year to the date in advance, the arrival date must remain the same within that reservation. No cancellation of that arrival date is allowed.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A
Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit, $15 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $6 per day you are staying. A
Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $60, $30 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $12 per day. You may purchase your Park Permit prior to your stay by shopping online at
OutdoorNebraska.org.All vehicles entering a Nebraska Park Area are required to have a valid park entry permit.
See Reservation Policies details
Notes
Office Details
Windmill State Recreation Area Office Hours:
Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day
1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays.
Office phone is (308) 468-5700
Email Address: windmill@ngpc.ne.gov
REFERRALS:
Mormon Island SRA
Fort Kearny SRA
Johnson Lake SRA
Getting There:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
40.70694,
-98.83889
40°42'25"N,
98°50'20"WFrom Gibbon, NE: 3 miles south, or Windmill SRA is located at the Gibbon I-80 Interchange #285.
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Windmill SRA
PO Box 427
Gibbon
NE
68840-0427
Phone Number:
Project Office:
(308) 468-5700