Recreation

Parks

The park in Battle Creek covers 60 acres and has a swimming pool, three ball diamonds, lighted tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, three covered picnic areas, clubhouse (for rent) running water, and rest room facilities. The three unsupervised playgrounds have playground equipment and a WWII armored vehicle. Programs are offered in softball, T-ball, baseball, swimming, AYSO soccer, and flag football.

Summer Activities

Summer recreation programs in Battle Creek include sports camps, vacation Bible School, baseball, softball, library reading programs, and bicycling.

Other recreational programs include S.M.I.L.E (Stephanie’s Miracles in Loving Equine, which is horseback riding for the handicapped), Pheasants Forever, Youth Mentor Hunts, Wild Turkey Federation Youth Hunts, and Black Powder Club.

Annual Celebrations

Battle Creek Fun Days are held annually the third weekend in June. Activities include a carnival, barbecue, parade, games, and contests.

Annual celebrations in Norfolk, 12 miles east of Battle Creek, include the Northeast Nebraska Ethnic Festival in June, Big Bang Boom Fireworks in July, Classic Car Show in August, “LaVistef” in September, and Parade of Lights in November.

Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Located 1 1/2 miles southwest of Pierce, scenic Willow Creek State Recreation Area draws its name from the meandering stream that feeds the Elkhorn River in northeast Nebraska. It covers 1,634 acres, including a 700-acre flood-control reservoir. The area is particularly popular with campers, anglers, picnickers and hunters.

Oak Valley Wildlife Management Area

Oak Valley Wildlife Management Area is located 3 miles south, 3/4 mile west of Battle Creek. This area includes 640 acres of hilly grasslands and croplands with intermixed hardwoods intersected by Battle Creek. Wildlife includes deer, quail, pheasant, dove, squirrel, and rabbit.

Yellowbanks Wildlife Management Area

Yellowbanks Wildlife Management Area is located 3 miles, 2 1/2 miles west of Battle Creek. This area includes approximately 664 acres situated on a 1.5 mile frontage of the Elkhorn River. Topography of the area varies from relatively level floodplan to abrupt river bluffs supporting mature stands of hardwoods. Wildlife includes deer, squirrel, quail, pheasant, dove, rabbit, and catfish.