Since water filled Johnson Lake in 1941, it has been a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and family gatherings in 900 cabins. Over the years, biking groups formed to ride the 10 mile loop on shared public roads. About 25 years ago, a couples group, the “South Side Riders” included Larry Roper, Superintendent of the lake’s Nebraska State Recreation area. He articulated a common vision held by fellow riders for a dedicated concrete hike/bike trail all the way around the lake. He became a moving force for the construction of the first 1.1 mile segment in the park, costing $370,000 and paid for by Federal Highway Funds administered through Nebraska Game and Parks. It was dedicated in July of 2005 in his memory.
The vision lay dormant for several years until a bike/vehicle accident and public concern for safety issues, prompted Johnson Lake Development, Inc., the local cabin owners’ association, to form a Hike Bike Leadership Team to plan, raise funds, and construct new trail segments. Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District became an integral partner, since most of the trail would lie on its property. Over the last ten years plans were made and funds raised for construction segment by segment. To date 8/12 miles of 8’ x 6” concrete off road trail has been constructed, with only ½ mile remaining. The last mile, a narrow dam road, will remain a shared road for bikes and vehicles. To date the trails team has raised $1.2 million in donations and Central has contributed one half million in support, preparation of the trail beds, and construction of a canal bridge crossing.
As neighborhood associations joined the cause, they have added twenty one landscaped rest areas, adding a park like atmosphere with benches, trees, gazebos, and arches. Folks are discovering one of the state’s premier biking destinations, easily within a half day’s drive. One recent popular trail event revealed participants from 27 different counties. And the numbers are increasing!