Just off Interstate 80 by Grand Island, Mormon Island State Recreation Area is a convenient place for outdoor fun. Mormon Island has handicap-accessible fishing piers, modern camping, great fishing, great swim beaches and abundant picnicking opportunities. Mormon Island West has 42 surface acres of water, and the middle island has 19 surface acres of water.
Attractions
Fishing
Fish species include largemouth bass, redear sunfish, black crappie, walleye, channel catfish and bluegill. Lake 1 also has muskellunge. Boat ramps are available on lakes 1 and 2. A handicap accessible fishing dock is available for anglers on Lake 1.
Boating
All boats are allowed. The lake is a no-wake lake. Boat ramps are available on Lakes 1 and 2.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at marked swimming beaches. Shower houses are provided.
Wildlife viewing
Mormon Island hosts a spectacular gathering each spring, as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop to rest and pursue their courtship rituals. The world’s largest concentration of these magnificent birds draws thousands of visitors to the region every year. Mormon Island lies on the eastern edge of this migration route.
Arriving in early to mid-February, the numbers peak about mid to late March. The cranes spend their days feeding and engaging in colorful courtship dances.
After the first of April, the birds start flying to northern breeding grounds and are usually gone by mid-April. A variety of geese, ducks and other waterfowl also come to the area before heading farther north.
Mormon Island State Recreation Area has abundant wildlife and offers good wildlife viewing opportunities all year long, particularly along the Platte River.
Picnicking
Day-use picnic facilities include 4 shelters, 100 picnic tables and 71 grills.
Camping
RV camping
35 camping pads with 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups are available, with access to showers, dump station and laundry. In addition, Mormon Island offers 38 non-electric sites.
Primitive camping
There are 18 tent sites throughout the area.