Loup Park/Lake Babcock

Loup Park/Lake Babcock

3 miles north of Columbus on 48th Avenue, turn east on Lakeview Road and proceed approximately ¼ mile.

Size

31 acres along the north and west shores of Lake Babcock.

Recreation

Camping, picnicking, grilling, outstanding trails and nature walks.

Camping

Electrical hook-ups and primitive camping available during the summer at no charge.

Restrooms

Available during the summer.

Trails

Two Lakes Trail, a paved hiking/biking trail traverses the park area and connects Loup and Lake North parks. Castner’s Crossing Bridge at the west end of the park connects the Two Lakes trail with the Bob Lake and Robert White Trails. These 9 foot wide crushed limestone surfaced trails skirt the west and south sides of Lake Babcock and the south side of Lake North. Free parking is provided at the trailheads.

Other Services

Playground areas, potable water, picnic tables, grills, plant/wildlife and bird watching during fall and spring migrations make Lake Babcock and Loup Park a pleasant camping and relaxed recreational experience.

Parks Opening Postponed

Note from President/CEO Neal Suess:

I know that many people have commented and asked about the parks in and around Columbus and Lake North and Lake Babcock. Yes, it is true that these parks and the two lakes were much less affected by the flooding event that occurred on March 13 and 14. However, in order for Loup Power District to open the parks and the road around lakes, a substantial amount of clean-up and other work needs to take place to ensure the safety of the general public for use of these areas. In addition, a substantial amount of manpower is needed to maintain the parks and lakes to keep them open. Loup Power District has committed all of its manpower to assist in the repairs that are ongoing at Headworks and the significant damage that occurred at that location. Therefore, until these repairs can be made and the District can return to a normal operation of the Canal, no further action will occur on the parks and lakes. Hopefully, by early May a more definitive decision can be made.

Additionally, numerous people have asked if they could volunteer to assist the District in the cleanup effort at both the Headworks and at the District’s park areas. While these offers are appreciated, due to liability concerns, volunteer efforts cannot be accepted. The District strives to make all its parks enjoyable for all; however, this takes manpower and machinery that is needed to repair the Headworks.

Please stay tuned to the District’s social media pages for updates associated with this situation.

Thank you for your patience as we move forward.

Loup Parks Status:

402-562-5709

Loup Parks Information Sheet

Loup Power District owns, operates and maintains five parks containing 77 acres of land and 1,100 acres of water. These facilities are open to the public from May 1 to November 1 (weather permitting).

Camping

Electrical hook-ups and primitive camping available during the summer at no charge.

Camping Reservations

No reservations accepted.
Limit of seven days per month
(30-day period) in Loup Park system.

Regulations

There are no dump stations
or direct water hookups.
There are no lifeguards on duty.
All facilities are alcohol free.
All vehicles and campers must be properly licensed.