The Platte River Connection is a short, but critical, route that will one day link the vast trail systems of the two most populous Nebraskan cities, Lincoln and Omaha. Before this can happen, extensions to the Omaha trail system to the east and the 22-mile
MoPac Trail East to the west must be completed.
At the trail's centerpiece is the 1,714-foot-long Lied Platte River Bridge, a converted Rock Island Railroad trestle that offers picturesque views of the water. Be sure to visit the tiny village of South Bend, located just north of the Platte River Connection on the river's southern bank.
Parking for the Platte River Connection is available on both sides of the river. On the south bank, park at the trailhead on 328th Street (0.5 mile south of South Bend). On the north bank, park at the parking lot just off State Route 31.