Located 1 1/2 miles southwest of Pierce, scenic Willow Creek State Recreation Area draws its name from the meandering stream that feeds the Elkhorn River in northeast Nebraska. It covers some 1,600 acres, including a 700-acres flood-control reservoir. The area is particularly popular with campers, anglers, picnickers and hunters.
Picnickers will find shelters along with an ample supply of tables and fire grates. A 3-mile hiking and horseback trail winds through the area. Park roads may also be used by horseback riders. Come winter, roads and the lake surface (ice permitting) are open to snowmobilers.
There is a designated swimming beach, but swimming is unsupervised. Since there are no lifeguards, swimmers should use care and swim with a companion.
