Parks & Recreation
Beautiful and Unique Parks
It is remarkable for a town the size of Stromsburg to have three beautiful and unique parks with a walking trail connecting two of them. The city supplies the basic maintenance while volunteers and donors have traditionally added their support.
Two Parks Trail provides safe biking and walking from the City Square to Buckley Park which is located on the southwest edge of Stromsburg. Because the trail goes under the highway, it is reassuring to the parents of children who use that route to go to ball games, swimming, and other activities in the Buckley Park. It was completed and dedicated in 1996. The trail is constantly maintained for safety and is complete with signs. Landscape improvements are ongoing.
The largest of the three parks on land donated by one of the early Stromsburg settlers, Buckley Park is located on a natural setting along the Big Blue River and Prairie Creek. It includes three pavilions and other picnicking facilities, a heated swimming pool, disc golf, tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, baseball fields, playground equipment, free camping and RV parking spaces with electric hookups.
One of approximately 50 in the state, the Arboretum is the site for the annual Arbor Day celebration. Stromsburg has been designated as a Tree City USA for over 30 years. Many more trees are to be planted within the next year. The Arboretum also has playground equipment, benches, and picnic tables.
The City Square Park is in full view to travelers on the busy Highway 81 which passes on the west side of the Square. The Square is the center of the annual Swedish Festival, the display of flags for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and a nativity scene during the Christmas season — all activities provided by volunteers.
The Frawley Fountain has been the focal point of the City Square since the late 1800’s. The fountain was placed on the east side of the park by J. A. Frawley and has been refurbished by his descendants.
Recently, the bronze statue of the “Swedish Pioneers” was moved from the Arboretum to the west side of the City Square Park. This sculpture was cast for the city in 1976 by Stromsburg native, Dana Westring.
Also included in the park is an eternal flame which was installed by Stromsburg American Legion Post #132. This monument was dedicated to Stromsburg veterans of all wars on the 50th anniversary of the American Legion, May 30, 1969.
Many residents hope that, in the future, the Square will be a rest stop for travelers on the new four-lane Highway 81.
Recreation
Ball Fields: Baseball and softball fields at Buckley Park.
Basketball: Outdoor courts at Buckley Park.
Boating: Lake North – located near Columbus (35 miles North of Stromsburg).
Camping: First Come – First Served Basis. No Reservations. Free Camping and RV hook-ups at Buckley Park and Lucy Holm Campground. Donations are welcome! Electricity is on all year round but the water is shut off during the winter months. The Two Parks Trail provides a well-lit walkway under the highway connecting to the downtown area of Stromsburg. Buckley Park has 12 back in spots. Lucy Holm Campground has 7 pull through spaces and 13 back in spots. Both campgrounds are close to the dog park, swimming pool, playground and ball fields. Each campground has a dump station. If you have questions about the campground or the campground policy, please contact the City office Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The campground does not have an attendant.
Golf: Ryan Hill Country Club is located 6 miles from Stromsburg. This is a nine hole course with grass greens and a clubhouse.
Horseshoes: Tournament regulation horseshoe pits are located at Buckley Park.
Hunting: Quail, pheasant, deer, duck, goose, and rabbit.
Fishing: Private lakes, sand pits, and Platte River.
Playground: Six playgrounds with swings, slides, balance beams, climbers, rockers, and other equipment.
Disc Golf – 18 hole course at Buckley Park
View Disc Golf Course | View Photo Gallery
Swimming: Heated swimming pool at Buckley Park.
When pool is open call 402-764-5661
Tennis: Tennis courts at Buckley Park.
Volleyball: Sand volleyball at Buckley Park.
Entertainment
Movie Theatres:
Sun Theatre
427 Lincoln Avenue
York, NE 68467
402-362-7469
Center 6 Theatres
30 Center Mall
Columbus, NE 68601
402-562-8900
Museum:
Polk County Historical Society Museum – Osceola, Nebraska 68651
Library:
Stromsburg Public Library
320 Central Street
402-764-7681