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The East Gothenburg access point at Willow Island offers a concrete boat ramp providing convenient entry to the North Channel Platte River and the adjacent 24-acre Willow Island Lake. Located in Dawson County near Gothenburg, Nebraska, this site is well-suited for kayakers, canoeists, and small boaters looking to explore the Platte River system. The access area features ample amenities including a gravel parking lot (with trailer parking), picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets, making it a comfortable base for launching.
From this ramp, paddlers have excellent options for day trips or longer floats. The river offers scenic paddling through relatively gentle terrain, passing through sand dunes and natural landscapes characteristic of the Platte. For more extended adventures, experienced paddlers can paddle across Loon Lake and continue downstream past notable features like the fish weir near El Dorado, with skilled paddlers able to complete multi-hour floats depending on water conditions and their destination.
**Directions:** From Exit 211 at Gothenburg, take Highway 47 south a short distance to Willow Island Road, then turn left and follow the road eastward about 4 miles (paralleling I-80) to reach the lake and ramp. The site is wheelchair accessible and offers drinking water for visitor convenience.