Nebraska’s third-oldest recreation area offers one of the best environments in the state for total relaxation. It’s situated in the Sandhills in an area far enough away from large towns that you can leave everything behind for a soothing fall trip.
Victoria Springs State Recreation Area is located six miles east of the little village of Anselmo in Custer County. It’s been called a peaceful oasis in the middle of the Sandhills, and it’s easy to see why.
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It began its modern life in 1875 as the town of New Helena. The original post office, pictured below, is still standing today.
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
The townsite was chosen because of the natural spring there. It delivered fresh, cool, “healing” waters to residents and visitors.
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
The recreation area was established in 1925. For a while, visitors brought containers to fill with the fresh spring water, which they were sure had healing properties. The water was bottled and sold across the US for a short time.
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
It’s not recommended to drink the water today, but Victoria Springs SRA still has so much to offer visitors. It’s an inexpensive and well-kept RV camping site…
TripAdvisor/Tom W
…and there are primitive campsites and two rental cabins, giving a variety of accommodation options. Modern showers and bathrooms are available to campers.
Nebraska Tourism
This lovely bridge connects the camping side of the SRA to the lake/recreational side. Fishing is pretty good here, and you can even rent a paddle boat to explore the lake.
Nebraska Tourism
But the real magic happens when the sun goes down and the world settles into the comfortable stillness of night. This little recreation area is alive with the sounds of wildlife and aglow with the light of a billion stars.
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
Although it’s a great place to spend time in the summer, we like to think that Victoria Springs really shines in the autumn. The leaves on the trees around the lake become colorful works of art dancing in the cool breeze, and the water once again becomes restorative - in a different way.
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
Find Victoria Springs SRA six miles east of Anselmo on Victoria Springs Road. Click here for more information on the site, including how to book a stay in one of the cabins or on one of the RV or non-pad sites.
Google Maps
Google Local/Rachel Kulik
TripAdvisor/Tom W
Nebraska Tourism
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