Steamboat Trace Trail
22 miles along the Missouri River bluffs from Nebraska City to Brownville.
The Steamboat Trace Trail follows a former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad corridor through the wooded Missouri River bluffs of southeastern Nebraska. The trail offers scenic views of the Missouri River valley, deep forest cover, and access to historic river towns.
Trail Information
- Length: 22 miles
- Location: Nebraska City (Otoe County) to Brownville (Nemaha County)
- Surface: Crushed limestone
- Uses: Biking, walking, hiking, birding
Counties & Towns Along the Trail
Otoe County
Nemaha County
Points of Interest
- Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (Nebraska City) — J. Sterling Morton's estate
- Brownville State Recreation Area
- Missouri River overlooks throughout the trail
- Historic Brownville — Nebraska's oldest town
- Captain Bailey House (Brownville)
History
The Steamboat Trace Trail follows the right-of-way of the former CB&Q Railroad, which served Missouri River towns during Nebraska's early settlement era. "Steamboat Trace" refers to the steamboat landings that once lined this stretch of the Missouri River, connecting Nebraska City and Brownville to commerce up and down the river.
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