Norfolk removed an old mill dam from the North Fork of the Elkhorn River and built a whitewater park in its place — seven drop structures through the middle of town, including a standing wave you can surf at all flows. The result is a 2.6-mile water trail from the north end of Norfolk to the southeast corner, running through Johnson Park.
It’s free, open year-round dawn to dusk, and genuinely unusual: there are not many downtowns in America where you can watch someone surf before lunch. The park draws paddlers from well outside Nebraska, and the riverfront around it got a full renovation — trails, amphitheater, beach — as part of the same project.
No rentals at the park, so bring your own boat, board, or tube (local shops rent). Water levels matter after heavy rain — check the daily flow sign at Winter Park or call Parks and Rec before you drive in.