Lower Loup NRD

Alan Bartels

The Lower Loup Natural Resources

District is Nebraska’s largest NRD, a government unit to conserve natural resources.

The LLNRD district stretches 156 miles from rolling Sandhills ranches to fertile farm acres to the east, including 514 miles of rivers.

A diversion dam built on Clear Creek formed Pibel Lake in the mid-1890s. Pibel Bible Camp, founded in 1939, still overlooks the lake. The LLNRD completed a major renovation of the 72acre recreation area in 2016. Families enjoy a new playground on the south side of the 24-acre lake, and a recently installed footbridge and trail at the north end. Anglers hook largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.

It offers camping, picnic shelters, fishing piers, and a boat dock. Nowake speeds only. Nine miles south of Bartlett on U.S. Highway 281, then 1 mile east on Pibel Lake Road. (308) 728-3221.

Davis Creek Recreation Area is the highlight of a recreation area in Greeley and Valley counties known for stargazing, hunting and fishing. Successful anglers use an onsite fish cleaning station. A new campground was installed in 2019. Nearby trails are open to horseback riding, hiking and cross-country skiing. There are RV and primitive campsites. Five miles south of North Loup on Ashton Avenue. (308) 728-3221.

Adjacent to the LLNRD’s headquarters in Ord, Lower Loup NRD Arboretum is an 11-acre home to native and non-native trees and shrubs. The east side features a wetland viewing area. A paved trail loop completed by LLNRD in 2013 connects to the Ord Hike/Bike Trail. 2620 Airport Drive, Ord. (308) 728-3221. LLNRD.org. NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT

Davis Creek Recreation Area, North Loup

Pibel Lake Recreation Area, Wheeler County

As designated by the Nebraska Legislature, the Lower Loup NRD’s purposes and authority include erosion and flood control, development of recreational facilities and fish and wildlife habitat, and soil and water conservation.

LLNRD Arboretum, Ord