They say that the sky goes all the way to the ground here in Nebraska, and nowhere is that more true than in our spectacular prairie land. Far from the boring seas of grass most people picture when they think of prairies, these unique ecosystems contain multitudes of plant, insect, and animal life. You’ve just got to slow down and take the time to appreciate the simple beauty.
The gorgeous Gjerloff Prairie is located in Hamilton County between the Platte River and the little town of Marquette.
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The land was purchased from a local farming family with a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook The land formerly belonged to Mert and Gwen Griffith and was initially named Griffith Prairie.
Its Platte River-adjacent location and gently rolling loess hills landscape have made it one of Nebraska’s most beautiful, peaceful places to take a walk in nature.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute
If you visit in the spring and summer, you’ll be rewarded with an experience that stimulates all of the senses.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute The trails are open all year, though, and there are different things to love about every season on this prairie.
Wildflowers can be found throughout the prairie. As you walk the mowed path, you’ll see little clusters of these colorful beauties poking up among the tall grasses.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook
Gjerloff Prairie is a popular place for field trips thanks to its many opportunities to observe a variety of plants and animal life.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook
But you don’t have to be a student to appreciate the spectacular sights and sounds of this magical destination.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook The wind whooshing through the grasses and around the hills, the bees and butterflies flitting around, and the fresh aroma of the plants thriving here will make you want to return as soon as you leave.
The prairie is the site of organized, guided hikes throughout the year. A local favorite is the springtime wildflower hike that leads to some colorful blooms and a new understanding of prairie ecology.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook
If you want to learn even more, stop by the Whitney Education Center located in a historic barn. That’s where you’ll find plentiful information about the prairie and the work of the Prairie Plains Resource Institute. You can even rent the facility for events and classes.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook
Get a better view of the vast beauty of this special place in this aerial video of Gjerloff Prairie.
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Prairie Plains Resource Institute/Facebook
The land formerly belonged to Mert and Gwen Griffith and was initially named Griffith Prairie.
Prairie Plains Resource Institute
The trails are open all year, though, and there are different things to love about every season on this prairie.
The wind whooshing through the grasses and around the hills, the bees and butterflies flitting around, and the fresh aroma of the plants thriving here will make you want to return as soon as you leave.
To learn more about Gjerloff Prairie and the other prairie preserves in Nebraska, visit the Prairie Plains Institute online. You can also keep up with current and upcoming events at the preserves on the Institute’s Facebook page.
While you’re in the area, stop by the nearby Central City and enjoy everything the town has to offer.
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Address: Gjerloff Prairie, 2206 N M Rd, Marquette, NE 68854, USA
