Gilman Park and Arboretum
category : Arboretums
Beautiful Gilman Park offers a wide variety of attractions and accommodations. Playgrounds, ball field, picnic areas as well as the museum and arboretum that highlight the 50 acre park.Gilman Park Arboretum
Award-winning Gilman Park Arboretum was established in 1993 and became affiliated with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum in 1996. The arboretum is 14 acres around Bill Cox Memorial Lake featuring over 325 species or cultivars of woody plants and landscape gardens containing over 80 varieties of perennials and grasses. A 1.2 mile paved service path winds through the Arboretum and features a 1913 "rigid-connected lattice pony truss" bridge build by Canton Bridge Co. of Canton, Ohio. This bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Nebraska Historic Bridge Inventory.
Bill Cox Memorial Lake
This 12 acre lake was built in 1970 in memory of Bill Cox, former owner/publisher of the Pierce Country Leader. Overlooking the lake is the Calvert Memorial Gazebo built in memory of long-time Pierce family doctor, John H Calvert.
In 2012, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission restocked the lake with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Fishing is allowed under the following regulations.
PER DAY LIMITS: 5 Bluegill, 1 Bass 21" Minimum, 5 Catfish 15" Minimum.
No Minnows or other live fish allowed for bait. $100.00 fine for each violation.
Fishing in Bill Cox Lake requires a Nebraska fishing license. No state park permits are required. Ice Fishing is allowed (at your own risk)
Shelter House
The "Shelter House" is located in Gilman Park, east of the swimming pool. Constructed in 2011, it replaced an older log cabin shelter house that was significantly damaged in a severe thunderstorm in 2010. The Shelter House is available for rent by calling ahead for reservations. The fully enclosed facility has been used for family reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties, and even for weddings and baby showers. Rental fee is $100.00. The shelter house has air conditioning and heat, with a refrigerator, microwave, and a double oven. It has cafeteria bench seating, a patio area protected by a roof with picnic tables and a grill. For reservations call (402) 329-4535.
Devers Shelter
The "Devers Shelter" is a partially enclosed shelter located to the east of Bill Cox Lake. The shelter is available by reservation. There is no charge for reserving the Devers Shelter Area. There is an open area to the east and north for kids activities that includes playground equipment.
Camping
Camping is available at Gilman Park on a first come, first serve basis. There are four camper spaces in the camping area which is located west across the parking lot from Bill Cox Lake. There is electricity and water available May-October. Daily Camping fee is $10.00.
Swimming Pool
The Pierce Municipal Swimming Pool located in Gilman Park is open Memorial Day weekend through the first week of August. The pool has a baby pool and two diving boards. The swimming pool was constructed in 1994.
Hours: Monday - Friday 1:00 - 4:45 & 6:30 - 9:15 | Saturday & Sunday 1:00 - 6:45
Phone: 402-329-4406
Our Website:piercenebraska.com/
Come visit us in Pierce, Nebraska