Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN – New Missouri River boat ramps at Mulberry Bend and Elk Point Bend wildlife management areas (WMA) in Dixon County are now open for public use.
The boat launch facility at Mulberry Bend has been rebuilt following damage from 2011 flooding. The concrete boat ramp has been replaced, bank stabilization added and a new restroom installed. All improvements are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.
The new boat launch facility at Elk Point Bend will provide access for river users between Mulberry Bend upstream and the Ponca State Park (SP) boat ramp 7 miles downstream. The Elk Point Bend boat launch remains as a canoe and kayak access site. The launch includes a 26-foot-wide concrete boat ramp that will be available even during lower water levels, bank stabilization, water hydrant, parking area, restroom and ADA-accessible boating loading ramp.
In addition to laws and regulations, boaters are reminded to adhere to boating advisories posted by the National Park Service in this stretch of the Missouri National Recreation River.
The projects were funded in part by the Recreational Trails Program (Water Trails) of the Federal Highway Administration. Additional funding came from Nebraska Capital Maintenance Funds of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Mulberry Bend WMA is located northwest of Newcastle and Elk Point Bend WMA is located north of Ponca SP.
