Natural swimming hole
Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach
Lake · Nebraska
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Iron Horse Trail Lake is a Nemaha Natural Resources District recreation area of 360 acres, including an 85-acre lake, north and west of DuBois in Pawnee County. The district's park brochure lists a sand beach and swimming area, with swimming at your own risk and no lifeguards on duty. A Nemaha NRD park permit is required.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | $5 daily Nemaha NRD park permit; annual permits available |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Park parking at the recreation area |
| Amenities | sand beach, picnic shelters, picnic tables, grills, drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp and dock, kayak launch |
| County | Pawnee County |
| Nearest town | DuBois |
| Safety notes | Swim at your own risk; no lifeguards on duty; check Nebraska Beach Watch - the lake was under a harmful algal bloom health alert in June 2026 and beaches close during alerts |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach?
Yes — Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Nebraska. Heads-up: Swim at your own risk; no lifeguards on duty; check Nebraska Beach Watch - the lake was under a harmful algal bloom health alert in June 2026 and beaches close during alerts. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach?
Reported fee info: $5 daily Nemaha NRD park permit; annual permits available. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Iron Horse Trail Lake sand beach?
The best season is typically June-August.