Gretna in Sarpy County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gretna Fish Hatchery

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

1. Gretna Fish Hatchery Marker

Inscription.
In 1879, the State Legislature created the Board of Fish Commissioners, the forerunner of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. That board contracted with a privately owned firm known as the Santee Hatchery. The owners, Mr. Romine and Mr. Decker, attended to early fish propagation in the original building on this site. Three years later the board purchased the hatchery and 54 acres for $1,200.

The site was chosen because of an ample supply of spring water which still supplies the canyon ponds above this site. The fish commission replaced the original hatch house in 1889, and in 1914, when that frame structure proved inadequate, it was replaced by this structure at a cost of $4,000. Today the old hatch house serves as a museum devoted to fish culture and related activities.

The original 54-acre tract has been adjoined with 277 acres donated by the late E. F. “Pop” Schramm, Professor of Geology at the University of Nebraska.

Erected by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 284.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals

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• Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 41° 1.227′ N, 96° 14.851′ W. Marker is in Gretna, Nebraska, in Sarpy County. It can be reached from State Highway 31 0.4 miles north of South 204th Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the south side of the Fish Hatchery Museum parking lot in Schramm Park State Recreation Area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21502 Nebraska Highway 31, Gretna NE 68028, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Omaha.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to the Canyon Ponds

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

2. Gretna Fish Hatchery Marker

Looking south from the Fish Hatchery Museum parking lot.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Prehistoric Burial Site (approx. 3½ miles away); Platte River (approx. 3.9 miles away); Native Americans in the Lower Platte Valley (approx. 4.6 miles away); Melia (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Ox-Bow Trail (approx. 5.9 miles away); In Honor Of John McBride Belnap (approx. 6.2 miles away); The Mormon Pioneer Trail (approx. 6.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gretna.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. History of Schramm Park (OmahaExploration.com).

Excerpt: Located on the north side of the Platte River, Schramm Park is home to the oldest state fish hatchery in Nebraska which operated for nearly 100 years. The Gretna Fish Hatchery was established in 1882 after the purchase of 54 acres of land. The site was selected due to the spring water that supplies the Canyon Ponds. Fish such as trout, carp, and channel catfish were hatched to stock the waters of Nebraska.
The Gretna Fish Hatchery became Schramm Park after University of Nebraska at Lincoln Professor of Geology Eck “Pop” Schramm
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

3. Gretna Fish Hatchery Museum
The Fish Hatchery Museum is about 20 meters west of the historical marker.
donated 276.7 acres of adjoining land to the Gretna State Fish Hatchery in 1937. Terms of the donation stipulated that the land would forever be used as a public park and be known as Schramm Park. It includes a geologic display with limestone, shale and marine fossils. The old fish hatchery building still stands and today serves as a museum.

(Submitted on February 14, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Schramm Park State Recreation Area (OutdoorNebraska.gov).

Excerpt: The historic site of the state’s first fish hatchery boasts well-maintained wooded trails that are popular with runners, bikers and casual hikers alike. The park is a noted destination for birdwatching, particularly during spring migrations.
Families can explore a geologic display, explore the new interactive stream, tour the Schramm Education Center and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs. The grounds also offer an access point to the Platte River water trail. The park is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset and is located midway between Lincoln and Omaha. Camping facilities are available at nearby Louisville State Recreation
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

4. Gretna Fish Hatchery Museum (west elevation)
The historical marker is partially visible in the background, looking between the last two porch columns on the left.
Area, Mahoney State Park or Platte River State Park.

(Submitted on February 14, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Canyon Hatchery Ponds image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

5. Canyon Hatchery Ponds

Looking south (downhill) through the canyon hatchery ponds. The Fish Hatchery Museum is visible in the distant background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 112 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 13, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5. submitted on February 14, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.