Recreation
category : Recreation
Swimming and Tennis - The town of Harrison offers several types of recreational facilities in the Grade School Park one block west of the Sioux County Courthouse. A combination tennis and basketball court along with a children's playground is available year-round. During the summer months swimming is available in the heated municipal pool also located in the park.
Camping and Picnicking - Picnic tables can be found in the Grade School Park in Harrison and in the Gilbert-Baker Area six miles north of Harrison. Camping, fireplaces, restrooms, and fresh water are also available at both locations. Coffee Park in Sowbelly Canyon, though not completely developed, is available for picnicking, fishing, hiking and day use. Gilbert-Baker and Sowbelly Canyon are prime viewing areas for Rocky Mountain birds including Western Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee, Plumbeous Vireo, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Pygmy Nuthatch.
Fishing - Most good fishing in Sioux County is on private land where permission of the landwoner must be obtained. Public fishing areas include the Gilbert-Baker camp area six miles north of Harrison, Walden Hill pond five miles southeast of Ardmore, South Dakota (in Souix County), Coffee Park in Sowbelly Canyon and on the Niobrara River at the Agate Fossil Beds.
Hunting - Antelope, deer, and bob cat are native and abundant as are introduced species such as the wild turkey. The Lambert-Peterson Special Use Area 19 miles east of Harrison and the Gilbert-Baker Special Use area six miles north provide adequate deer and turkey hunting to keep the hunter happy. Antelope hunting is available on the Oglala National Grasslands and on most private ranches. Special bow hunting seasons for both deer and antelope have bee established in this area and are becoming very popular.
Rock and Fossil Hunting - Sioux County is rich in semi-precious gen stones, fossils, and Indian artifacts. Most common is the Fairburn agate which is found near Walden Hill northeast of Harrison and the Moss agate found near Agate along the Niobrara River.
Soldier Creek Wilderness - Hiking and horseback riding allow a unique view of natural rebirth in an area swept by forest fire in 1989. Established trails provide great hiking opportunities. Soldier Creek is a premium trout stream for fly-fishing. Follow Soldier Creek Road at the north entrance of Fort Robinson State Park.
Please ask permission from landowners before hunting game, rocks, or hiking on private land.
Come visit us in Harrison, Nebraska