Pawnee Plunge Water Park in Nebraska is a nice, cool swimming hole to get to when temperatures heat up in the Cornhusker State. However, this one isn’t found in a river or a pond; it’s a man-made swimming hole in Nebraska that’s so full of fun, you’ll feel like a kid on summer vacation, no matter your age.

On a hot summer day, gather up your sunscreen and towel, and head to Pawnee Plunge Water Park in Columbus. You'll want to spend all day long at this fun, man-made swimming hole in Nebraska.
FlowRider INC/Google Reviews
There are so many ways to have fun in the water at this water park in Nebraska that you might not even know where to begin. If you're the daring sort, climb up the three-meter diving platform and take the plunge.
FlowRider INC/Google Reviews
Once you're soaked from head to toe, you can tackle some of the other challenges, like the floating obstacle course. It's harder than it looks!
Kristin Knott/Google Reviews
Test your strength and agility on the climbing wall. No harness or safety equipment are needed — if you fall, you'll just land in the pool!
Get some thrills on one of the four water slides. There's a curve slide, a speed slide, a tube slide, and the Swirl Bowl.
FlowRider INC/Google Reviews
This is definitely one of the best places to swim in Nebraska, but did you also know that you can surf in Nebraska? Pawnee Plunge's FlowRider lets you catch a wave and ride it as long as you can stay upright on your surfboard.
FlowRider INC/Google Reviews
Check out YouTuber Gary Walter's video from his day at Pawnee Plunge's FlowRider:

Then, take a break on the lazy river. Grab an innertube and float along til you're ready for some more action at this man-made swimming hole in Nebraska.
Kim S/TripAdvisor
The littlest swimmers will love the spray area. It features a pirate ship with water slides and sprinklers, and the water is shallow enough for splashing safely.
City of Columbus NE Parks and Recreation
When the weather gets hot and you are looking for one of the best places to swim in Nebraska, get to Pawnee Plunge in Columbus!
FlowRider INC/Google Reviews

Visit the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation on the web for hours, season, and more information about Pawnee Plunge. Have you visited this water park in Nebraska? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Ready for more summer fun in the water? Take this all-day float trip!

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Pawnee Plunge

Rachel Raimondi | July 22, 2022

What are the most well-known parks in Nebraska?

There are eight state parks in Nebraska. In Ashland, there’s the 673-acre Eugene Mahoney State Park. Here, you can hike, fish, and bike, as well as camp in either a tent or rent a cabin. There is also a ropes course and ziplining available in addition to horseback riding. Chadron State Park is in the Nebraska National Forest. This 974-acre park was the Cornhusker State’s first and offers several activities for visitors such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and even camping.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Nebraska?

There are over two dozen lakes in Nebraska to enjoy when the weather is nice. In Keith County, you’ll find 3,500-acre Lake McConaughy, the state’s largest and one of the best places to swim in Nebraska. Here, you can relax at one of the beaches, swim, fish, boat, tube, and more. There’s also a visitor’s center with an aquarium and exhibits. The 112-acre Holmes Lake is located in Lincoln. Here, you can take part in some of the best water activities like canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing. Just note that swimming is not allowed here.

What is the weather like in Nebraska in the summer? 

Being a Midwest state, Nebraska gets pretty hot (as well as humid) in the summer. The average summer high is about 85 to 90 degrees, with July seeing the hottest temperatures. And don’t be surprised to see the thermometer read triple digits, maybe even as high as 115 degrees. And if the heat and humidity aren’t enough, Nebraska also experiences summer thunderstorms, which, at times, can get to be pretty intense. When it’s not storming, consider cooling off at a water park in Nebraska.

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560 33rd Ave, Columbus, NE 68601, USA