The Platte River and Todd Valley, near Fremont, Nebraska
Abstract
From a high point on the south side of the Platte Valley, 4.7 mi (7.5 km) west of Fremont (Fig. 1) and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) north of Cedar Bluffs (SE½SE½ Sec.22, T.17N., R.7E.; Fremont West 7¼-minute Quadrangle), one can view the present Platte River and valley as well as look across an abandoned valle segment through which at least part of the Platte River once flowed (Fig. 2). In addition, the south bluffs of the Platte, which have remained cleanly swept exposures of a large partof the Pleistocene record of eastern Nebraska since before 1900, can be seen from across the river in Hormel Park (N edge SW½Sec.34, T.17N., R.8E.) (Fig.3).
To reach the overview point, follow Nebraska 109 north from Wahoo to Cedar Bluffs, go east 0.25 mi (400 m), then north 2 mi (3.2 km) to County Road 2. Turn west 0.1mi (0.2 km) and stop at the top of the slope (Fig. 1). To reach Hormel Park in Fremont, return to Nebraska 109 and turn east 5 mi (8 km). At U.S. 77, turn northfor 1.5 mi (2.5 km), then west 0.4 mi (0.6km). Follow the gravel road to the southwest about 0.2 mi (0.3 km)to Hormel Park. Drive about 0.2 mi (0.3 km) farther, park, and walk to the edge of the Platte River. Field glasses are useful to examine the bluffs, which are across the river, about 600 ft(200 m) away.
Both the overview point