Omaha Exploration

Located on the north side of the Platte River, Schramm Park is home to the oldest state fish hatchery in Nebraska which operated for nearly 100 years. The Gretna Fish Hatchery was established in 1882 after the purchase of 54 acres of land. The site was selected due to the spring water that supplies the Canyon Ponds. Fish such as trout, carp, and channel catfish were hatched to stock the waters of Nebraska. The first hatch house created by its original owners, Mr. Romine and Mr. Decker was replaced in 1889. It was replaced again in 1914 with the current building as the former was no longer adequte.

The Gretna Fish Hatchery became Schramm Park after University of Nebraska at Lincoln Professor of Geology Eck “Pop” Schramm donated 276.7 acres of adjoining land to the Gretna State Fish Hatchery in 1937. Terms of the donation stipulated that the land would forever be used as a public park and be known as Schramm Park. It includes a geologic display with limestone, shale and marine fossils. The old fish hatchery building still stands and today serves as a museum.

Today, it’s mission focuses on educating the public about the state’s natural world. The area which has trails of 1.5 and 3 miles and a suspension bridge offers hiking, biking, kayaking, picnic grounds and a playground. New features and renovations are currently taking place and are expected to be finished by the end of 2024. They include the construction of a two-story treehouse classroom and interactive stream that will allow kids to experience the water and see the different ecosystems within the same canyon. It also includes the renovation and repair of the Canyon Ponds and the boardwalk.

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