Victoria
Established in 1923, Victoria Springs State Recreation
Area is the third oldest area in Nebraska’s state park
system. Situated 6 miles east of Anselmo or 9 miles north
of Merna, it is one of the most picturesque areas in the
state. Victoria has aptly been described as an oasis in the
Sandhills.
The 60-acre area draws its name from the mineral
springs located there. It was once part of the homestead
of an early pioneer and Custer County judge, Charles R.
Mathews, who settled here in the early 1870s. Still located
on the site are the log cabins Judge Mathews built
(pictured on the cover) one as his home and the other as
the first post office in Custer County, named New
Helena, after his old home in Virginia. The doors of the
cabins face each other because of his southern
upbringing.
Grasshoppers devoured the settlers first crops, and
the next year, 1876, there was a general uprising by the
Sioux Indians in response to the intrusion of Whites into
the Black Hills. Most settlers around New Helena moved
to Loup City. A few, including Mathews, built a fort of
cedar logs, and they received arms from Governor
Garber. Later, most families returned, although the women
and children were moved to safety at any hint of trouble.
In 1877, the notorious Olive Brothers moved into the
Loup Valley with 15,000 head of cattle, which caused
great trouble as they spread out over neighboring farms
and settlements. “The cattlemen employed a lot of rough
men from Texas, who had no respect for the rights of
anybody. The writer has spent many a long night in
keeping cattle out of his cornfield,” Mathews wrote.
At the turn of the century, in the heyday of the spas,
New Helena saw some possibilities of using the natural
springs in the area.Victoria’s waters were much acclaimed,
and Judge Mathews even bottled the spring water for
sale. An old newspaper article stated,“The famous springs
have been the wonder of all who have visited them. The
one peculiarity is that each spring is heavily charged with
a different medicinal property.” A health resort company
was formed and built a bathhouse with a capacity of 600
baths per day, lunch stands, and new bridges. Hundreds of
people came from abroad to the resort, and the bottling
works put out 500 bottles of mineral water, ginger ale,
pop, champagne and cider daily.
CABINS
Victoria has two modern, two-bedroom, housekeeping
cabins, equipped with two double beds, kitchenette,
shower, bedding and other linens. Kitchenette is
furnished with range, refrigerator, cooking utensils, table-
ware and sink. Lodging is normally available from
Memorial weekend through mid-November, although the
dates are subject to change. Rollaways and/or cribs are
available for a small fee, with a limit of two additional beds
per cabin.
RESERVATIONS
Cabin reservations are accepted for two or more nights
up to a year in advance of arrival date, and can be made
on-line, by phone or in person during regular park office
Springs
hours. A two-night minimum stay is required, unless it is a
one-night stay positioned between two prior reservations
or a walk in registration for that day’s business.
Half of the modern campsites at Victoria Springs SRA
can be reserved prior to arrival; the remainder are
available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations
may be made up to a year in advance of arrival date, and
can be made on-line, by phone or in person.
To make reservations online, go to
State
www.OutdoorNebraska.org. Phone reservations can be
made through the Nebraska State Park reservation call
center at (402) 471-1414.
Recreation
There is a nonrefundable reservation fee for each site
or unit reserved. The reservation fee applies to each site
or unit reserved, regardless of the number of nights
Area
staying.
CAMPING
Facilities include showers, restrooms, water, and picnic
tables. The 21 designated sites have 20-30-50 amp
electrical hookups available. Maximum stay is 14 days.
PICNICKING/FISHING/BOATING
Well-wooded picnic areas have tables, fireplaces, drinking
water, and toilets. There is one group picnic shelter. Both
fishing and non-power boating are allowed on the small
lake. Fish species include channel catfish, bullheads, bass and
bluegill. Paddle boats are available for rent.
PARK ENTRY PERMIT & GENERAL RULES
A valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required for all
vehicles entering the area. Pets are permitted, but must be
kept on a leash. Vehicles must remain on the designated
roads, and fires are allowed only in the places provided.
Fireworks and minibikes are prohibited.
MORE INFORMATION
For information on any Nebraska state park areas,
write to: Parks Division, Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission, PO Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370,
phone (402)471-0641.
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
www.OutdoorNebraska.org
Preview Nebraska’s great state parks.
Under federal and/or state law, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race,
color, religion, age, gender, marital status, national origin, disability or political
affiliation. If you think you have been discriminated against in any program, activity
or facility or want more information, contact the Affirmative Action Officer,
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE, 402-471-0641; the Equal
Opportunity Commission, Lincoln, NE, 402-471-2024, TTY / TDD 402-471-4693.
USFWS, Division of Bird Habitat and Conservation, Civil Rights Coordinator, 4401
North Fairfax Drive, MBSP 4020, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink 5/07 SO
Welcome to ...

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission