Kearney Whitewater Park

Turning Flatwater Into Whitewater

Phase I consisted of developing the canal tailrace and Turkey Creek into a water trail through south Kearney.

“The potential that Kearney holds for boating enthusiasts ranges from casual Sunday floats to regional competitions that attract competitors from great distances, it’s simply a matter of deciding what fits in Kearney.” - Scott Shipley, S2o Design The tailrace confluences with the creek near Yanney Park and together these would form the 2.3 mile water trail. KWA helped expedite this development by

coordinating discussions between the city and the Nebraska Public Power District. An agreement between the city and NPPD soon followed which allowed recreational use of the tailrace and the development of a landing near the NE corner of Yanney Park. The city also reached an agreement with Midway Automotive Group to develop an exit landing on their property between 2nd Avenue and Central Avenue. Phase I of the project will also include further cleanup of the stream and placing signage in appropriate locations. Phase II is now in progress and focuses on the development of whitewater features near 2nd Avenue. In 2015 the Kearney Whitewater Association hired S2O Design & Engineering to complete a whitewater park feasibility study. This study was finalized in 2016 and was entirely funded by KWA. This was an important step which showed that our vision for a whitewater park in Kearney was possible. In 2018 the Association and the City of Kearney jointly hired S2O Design to complete a preliminary plan for developing whitewater features. The city has enlisted the services of Miller & Associates who have helped obtain the necessary permits issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers. We have now raised enough funds to build two whitewater features. The Kearney City Council approved the bid from Whinnery Construction from Lake City, Colorado and construction is expected to begin in December 2021. This whitewater park will be a family friendly venue, ideal for both beginners or experts, and it will be available to the public free of charge. This will significantly enhance the beauty and ambience of Kearney’s south entryway. A whitewater park in Kearney will provide recreational, environmental, cultural and economic benefits to the Kearney area. Whitewater parks have been proven to attract visitors from long distances and have a positive economic impact in the areas where they have been developed. If you support this project click "Like" and contact a Page Administrator and ask what you can do to help make this happen.

08/12/2026

Are you ready? The "Floating Concert" is Thursday!

The Kearney Whitewater Association invites you to paddle onto Yanney Lake to listen to The Talbott Brothers Band! Join us for music, food trucks, and a wonderful evening on the water!
The band will face the lake, so bring a kayak, paddleboard, tube, or any legal flotation device to sit in and listen to the music (refer to map).

You can also bring a lawn chair to sit on the beach or the grass behind the beach. Please refer to the map to see where seating will be available for those unable to float. Get there early!

The City of Kearney will be offering free kayak rentals from the Swan Shoppe for the event, kayaks will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Tacos y Salsas Los Forasteros AND MKS Truck (ice cream) will be available for eats and treats. They will be parked in the south parking lot (refer to map).

Oh, did we mention that it's free?

This concert is presented by the Kearney Whitewater Association so be sure to stop by our table at the south side of the lake, learn how you can become a member or make a donation to help offset the costs of the concert. Your donation will also help KWA continue to make significant contributions to better the community.

Thank you to the event sponsors: Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C., Valley Pharmacy Inc., Ashley HomeStore, Central Nebraska, Tye and Rowling Counselors & Attorneys at Law, Hagan Detasseling.

08/11/2026

Summer isn’t over yet. 🔥
Revival at the Riverside — Sept. 3rd
You coming or what?

👇 Details & tickets 👇
https://www.facebook.com/share/19SXCsaF19/

07/15/2026

If you've been here before... You already know. If you haven't... this is your year.

Some nights don't end when the music stops.

They become the stories you tell for the rest of the year.

Live music under the lights.

A summer sunset over the river.

Friends gathered together.

Then, when the last song fades away...

..the fire is just getting started.

We'll gather around the flames, share a drink, laugh a little louder, and let summer linger just a little longer.

Revival at the Riverside returns Thursday before Labor Day.

Stay tuned.

Photos from Kearney Whitewater Park's post

07/03/2026

06/13/2026

05/12/2026

Join today and stay in the loop so you don't miss out on any group floats or events this summer!

Our once-a-year KWA apparel store opens soon!
Membership includes a credit toward your apparel order.

https://kearneywhitewater.org/join/

$30 for Individual Membership
$60 for Family Membership

04/11/2026

Good times coming soon!

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Kearney

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Website

https://kearneywhitewater.org/

Address

200 3rd Avenue
Kearney, NE
68845

Kearney Whitewater Park

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