Welcome to Bader Park

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

• The swim beach is closed for the season, it will reopen in May 2025.
• Water hydrants and the restrooms are unavailable until April 2025

Disconnect from any worries and reconnect with yourself when you choose to spend time here at Bader Memorial Park. You can find us three miles South of Chapman nestled in between the Platte and Wood Rivers. Bader Park features thirty-five RV sites, fifteen tent sites, six miles of trails, seven fishing lakes, and a swimming area with a beach. While visiting us, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities. Surely you will create memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you choose to stay the night or a trip to the beach during the day, it’ll be time well spent.

We welcome families and friends from all over Nebraska and beyond. Explore our site to learn more about Bader Park. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Other than the above, you can find fishing piers, shaded picnic areas with grills, hiking access to the Platte River, showers, restrooms, dump station, wildlife viewing station, playgrounds, volleyball nets, and convenience items for sale in the office.

Bader Park is ran by the 501.3(c) nonprofit Platte PEER Group. We rely on volunteers and passionate individuals to keep Bader running and open to the public. We strive to provide a safe and educational area for people to explore the outdoors. Contact us if you want to get involved!

Hiking

Six miles of hiking trails that weave through the Platte River basin, cottonwood forests, wetlands, native prairies, around lakes, and the Wood River provide an immersive experience with nature. Periodically, guided hikes are held at the park where participants are provided further education on Nebraska wildlife and ecology found in Bader Park. Be sure to watch our Facebook for updates on upcoming hikes.

Swimming

One of the cleanest and best beaches in the area. Picnic tables and volleyball nets are available to our visitors on the beach. A multitude of trees surround the beach equating in an easy break from the sun when needed. The playground and restrooms sit adjacent to the beach as well. Swimming is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the hours of sunrise until 8:00pm.

Fishing

Fishing opportunities are endless with seven ponds and two rivers to fish in. The species found in our ponds are largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and Asian carp. If you forgot your pole at home, we have poles and tackle available for rent in the office. An accessible pier on one of our ponds can be found near the picnic shelter. This pier also doubles as a perfect wildlife viewing platform and has pavement sidewalk leading to it making it accessible to many visitors. Nebraska fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of sixteen. All state fishing regulations must be followed. Click here for Nebraska permits and regulations.

Birding

Bader Park is a dream come true for bird enthusiasts. As a protected area focused on conservation and outdoor education, we are a safe haven for a wide variety of bird species. The park grounds are also a popular stop for migrating birds in the spring. If you wish, check out the pictures below to see just a few of birds which can be found here at our park.