Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area

Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area offers improved public access to the North and Middle Channels of the Platte River near Kearney. The site features a recently upgraded boat landing that has been enlarged, reshaped, and surfaced with river rock to provide safer and easier launch conditions for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. The enhanced ramp design accommodates various water levels and vessel types, making it a reliable access point for paddlers exploring this section of the Platte.

The facility includes practical amenities for day-use visitors: vault toilet facilities, picnic tables, grills, and a gravel parking area. A notable feature is the scenic boardwalk leading to an observation deck, where visitors can watch Sandhill Cranes roosting on the river—making this an excellent location for wildlife viewing before or after paddling. The site is well-suited for both recreational paddling and fishing access, with a dedicated fishing trail also available.