Area Attractions

Timber Point Recreation Area, located three miles southeast of Brainard, is a public use 160 acre tract that includes a 29 acre lake. Major renovation of the lake took place in 2005 and a new boat ramp and floating dock were installed. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Limited camping facilities, including RV camping pads, are available at no cost. New signage shows the 3.1 mile maintained hiking trail. Picnicking, hunting, and no wake boating are other popular activities enjoyed at Timber Point.

Red Cedar Recreation Area, like Timber Point, is a public use area developed by the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. It is located one mile south and seven miles east of Brainard and includes a 51 acre lake on a 175 acre tract. A boat ramp and primitive camping facilities are present. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Hunting is also allowed on this area.

Oak Creek Trail was developed by the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and is located on an abandoned railroad line between Brainard and Valparaiso. The 13 miles crushed limestone trail is one of Nebraska’s most diverse hiking/biking trails in terms of scenery and terrain. An equestrian trail has been added along side of this trail. Loma, a hamlet and site of Saint Luke Czech Catholic Shrine, is located midway between Brainard and Valparaiso. Trail Head Park, with a shelter and picnic table, is situated at the terminus of Oak Creek Trail on the southern edge of Brainard near Brainard’s new residential subdivision.

Oak Creek Sporting Club, 2890 W Road, provides hunting, sporting clays, cabins, and overnight accommodations. Fishing, hiking, and bike trails are also available. For information, call (866) OAK-HUNT or email: oakcreektrk@hotmail.com.

Gun Smoke Lodge is a vacation rental cabin located at 2340 29th Road a few miles south east of Brainard.  Gun Smoke Lodge offers a 1200 square foot luxurious cabin located on ten acres of land in the middle of the Bohemian Alps northwest of Lincoln and due west of Omaha.  The cabin offers an open floor plan with a loft and two bathrooms accommodating six to eight people.  A fully equipped kitchen, outdoor grill and flat screen TV will put you at ease after a long day of adventure.  One can enjoy fishing at Timber Point Lake,  hiking and biking on Oak Creek Nature Trails, shooting at Oak Creek Sporting Club and a nearby winery. Taking reservations now, please call Shari, 402-212-6950.

Par IV Golf Course, located in David City, is a nine-hole golf course. It is serviced by a golf shop and has golf carts available. For information, call (402) 367-4292.