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The Perfect Platte River Getaway & Sandhill Crane Viewing

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Sandhill cranes flying over the river in March
Sit on the river banks just steps outside the cabin doors!
Welcome to our cabin
Open dining-living room area
Kitchen complete with a stove/oven and a built in griddle

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 15116.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Wood River, NE
  • Cheyenne State Recreation Area
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Fonner Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Nebraska State Fair Grounds
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Hastings, NE (HSI-Hastings Municipal)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Common area 1

2 Single Sofa Beds and 1 Single Futon

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

The bunk room

+1
2 Single Beds, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

The loft

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Perfect Platte River Getaway & Sandhill Crane Viewing

Cabin info & rules:

WECOME TO MAMA JENS GETAWAY LLC “THE RIVER CABIN”

The cabin sits on 12.43 acres of property that runs along the Platte river. Currently part of the acreage/property is being cleaned up and renovated so please do not cross any marked barriers for your safety. ALSO there is NO SMOKING in the cabin, no exceptions.

HERE IS SOME INFORMATION TO HELP YOU …
PLEASE ENJOY OUR SPACE BUT HELP US TO KEEP IT CLEAN AND NICE TO AVOID ADDING CLEANING or OTHER FEES!
#1 RULE….Relax and Enjoy! We hope you’ll love it as much as we do and you’ll return again!
The kitchen:
The kitchen is the first room you see as you enter the front door. We do ask that you remove your shoes upon entry of the front door. The kitchen is a full kitchen with a gas stove, a built in electric griddle, a half refrigerator with a small freezer compartment, a microwave, coffee pot, & toaster. Please make sure you spray the griddle before use (oil and pam spray in cupboard above stove) and please clean griddle with hot water only after use. Please also always make sure the burners and oven are turned completely off after use. Please feel free to use any utensils, plates, pots or pans in the kitchen and kindly clean up after yourselves. Dish soap is located on and wash-clothes & dish towels are in a drawer. Sponges are located in the hidden sink pull out right in front of the sink. The water is well water and is safe to drink!

The Living-room:
The living-room is complete with a large leather sectional, an oversized bean bag, a wood burning stove, two rocking chairs along with a reading area (with reading material for kids and adults and game cupboard ) that is located in the north east corner. Enjoy the sun in the window seat as well. Feel free to play all the games you’d like but return them as you found them please. You will also find wooden TV trays in the south west corner of the room if you need to relax while eating or enjoying a game in the living room but please clean up after yourselves. The living-room also features a smart tv so you can access all your favorite streaming aps. There are also plenty of throws and blankets to cuddle up in on our blanket ladder so make yourself at home. We ask that you do not wear dirty shoes on the wood floors and please no pets on the wood floors or the furniture. Also please only use the wood burning stove if you are familiar with starting/controlling a fire in one. Wood is provided right outside by the patio for $5/bundle or you can bring your own. (It is honor system and you can leave cash in the can in the small “wood shed” or you can venmo Jen at @Jen-Cornelius-2 ) Please do not turn thermostat heat above 70 degrees or the AC below 63.

The Bathrooms:
The are 2 bathrooms. The main bath is complete with an original claw tub that also has a working shower. The tub has a tray for you to use and enjoy if you want to soak in the tub while reading along with some bath soak you can feel free to use. If you shower please remove the tray and store it in the bathroom closet. Clean towels & washcloths are available on our towel ladder & in the bathroom closet along with shampoo and conditioner if needed. There is also a hair dryer provided for those in need to use located in the bathroom closet.

The second bath is the master bathroom which is connected to the master bedroom. The master bath has an oversized walk in shower and a double vanity with 2 sinks. PLEASE always squeegee and dry the glass shower doors after use to help keep our cleaning fees low. Towels can be found in the linen closet in this space.
Please put all used towels, etc. in the laundry hamper near the washer upon check out. We hope you enjoy both our bathrooms. The main bath is one that we preserved as a piece of history of this residence! (The bathroom closet also has cleaning supplies for your use to tidy up if needed.) The master bath is newly remodeled for a more modern taste. We feel these bathrooms should please everyone!

The Mud room/laundry room:
The mud room is complete with a full washer and dryer for you to use. Please use minimal laundry soap if you utilize this area. The mud room is also complete with a place to put boots/shoes and hang coats. Please take shoes off and store them in this area while you enjoy our indoor space. We also prefer if you will be enjoying our outside area that you try to use this back entry while going in and out to minimize the dirt that gets drug onto the wood floors in the other part of the house. The wash tub sink is also handy if you need to clean any wildlife while hunting or just to wash up when coming inside. (If the trash gets full it can be taken to the dumpster that’s across the driveway & new trash bags are in the closet.)

The Bunkroom:
The bunkroom is complete with two very sturdy amish bunk beds that each have a trundle bed (can sleep 6 total). The bunk beds are fully made before each guest arrive and you will find pillows and blankets for the trundle beds in the armoire located in the bunk room. Additionally pillows and sheets for the pull out sofa are located in the armoire drawers but the bed spread is rolled up under the small end table located on the east side of the sofa. For everyone’s safety please limit weight on each bed to 200 lbs. and no jumping on any of these beds. The bunkroom also features a smart TV that you can stream all your favorite aps from. There is also an Atari located in the armoire if you’d like to try some gaming while relaxing on the two big bean bag chairs we’ve added to this space! Night lights can also be found in the armoire if needed. We do ask that no pets be allowed on any of the furniture. (Please remove all used sheets/linens and place them in the hamper near the washing machine upon checkout.)

The Master Bedroom:
The master bedroom is complete with a queen bed set and a new mattress that we have been told is very comfortable. There is one outlet located behind the dresser but for your convenience there is a new alarm clock plugged in sitting on the dresser that has two outlets and a charging station. There is a small heating blanket located in the cupboard of the dresser if you need. There is also extra blanket in the other cupboard. The room is complete with a portable fan as well as a closet area. Due to allergies in our family we do ask that no pets be on the furniture. (Please remove any used sheets upon check out and place them in the hamper near the washing machine.)

The Loft Room:
The loft room is located up the spiral staircase located in the living-room. The loft room features a high quality queen mattress and also has a small window to view any wildlife outdoors. This room has a closet as well. We also have a small sitting area that has the only working outlet near it so we have put an alarm clock in this area equipped with plug ins for your use. This room also has battery operated rope lights on the railing overlooking the living-room. We kindly ask you turn the lights off when you are not at the cabin. Additionally for safety please do not hang or lean on any railing and please do not let children play on the stairs. Please also keep any pets off the bed. (Please remove any used sheets/linens upon check out and place them in the hamper near the washing machine.)
The Cellar:
There is a cellar located outside the south side of the house. We ask that you do not enter the cellar unless you need to in the event of severe weather. There is a unique crawl space located below the kitchen. We ask that you do not enter this space.
The Patio:
The patio area is complete with a couch, two chairs, a bar, and a charcoal grill. We have also added a table and chairs with an umbrella to seat 6 near the grill. We hope you enjoy it! There are grilling utensils located in the cupboard of the island in the kitchen. Feel free to use them all just return them how you found them. Also some charcoal will be provided. The patio has additional chairs stacked there that you may use for wherever as long as you return them when finished. (Much of the patio furniture is stored inside in the winter months so it will not be available then.)
The Outdoor Fire-pit
There are 6 chairs that are by the outdoor fire-pit. Wood that is bundled and located in the small green covered “wood shed” north of the patio can be purchased by the bundle (It is honor system and you can leave cash in the can in the small “wood shed” or you can venmo Jen at @Jen-Cornelius-2 ) for your convenience. Please make sure if you use the fire-pit that you keep children clear of the fire and you safely put the fire out before leaving the area.
The Yard:
We recently added a hammock area, a volleyball court, and horse shoe pits for your use. Have fun!! (These are only available during the warmer months and are not set up in the winter.)
River Area:
If you go enjoy the river area please be safe. We are not responsible for accidents or injuries. Enter this area at your own risk. We do have 5 kayaks and 6 tubes for guest use available upon request plus 2 beach chairs you may use in the river. Please just clean them up and return them where you found them if you utilize them. We do require signed waivers for each family if your group will be using the river area. Please ask ahead of time and Jen will email the waivers to you so all your guests can sign ahead of your stay.
Also while we are cleaning up the outdoor area please enjoy hiking or exploring but be cautious of anything being renovated. (Please DO NOT ENTER THE SHOP as that is our sons home/ property.)
Pets MUST be pre-approved and a pet deposit must be paid at time of reservation. Please contact Jen for further information. Check in information will be sent to you the morning of your check in along with directions to get to the cabin. Check in time is anytime after 4 PM and checkout time is 11 AM. Occasionally early or late check out can be granted depending on other guest(s) so don’t be afraid to ask if you were in need of this!

Property manager

Jen C
Premier Host

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Contact us …. We do offer other packages.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Waivers must be signed to enter or be around the r
ALL check out rules MUST be followed to avoid extr
Absolutely no smoking indoors or around outdoor fu

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Contact us …. We do offer other packages.
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Wood River

Located in Wood River, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Grand Island Tennis Center and Elks Country Club Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Heartland Public Shooting Park and Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Travelling with kids? Consider Aquacourt, or check out an event or a game at Heartland Events Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Wood River, NE

What's nearby

  • Cheyenne State Recreation Area - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Fonner Park - 20 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Nebraska State Fair Grounds - 22 min drive - 33.6 km
  • Heartland Events Center - 22 min drive - 33.2 km
  • Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park - 22 min drive - 33.3 km

Getting around

  • Hastings Station - 29 min drive
  • Grand Island, NE (GRI-Central Nebraska Regional) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Country Pride - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Filling Station - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪D's Place - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Perfect Platte River Getaway & Sandhill Crane Viewing pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Perfect Platte River Getaway & Sandhill Crane Viewing?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Perfect Platte River Getaway & Sandhill Crane Viewing?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Perfect Platte River Getaway & Sandhill Crane Viewing located?

This family-friendly Wood River holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Cheyenne State Recreation Area and Platte River. War Axe State Recreation Area and Loch Linda State Wildlife Management Area are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pat V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Crane migration

We had an awesome time! The cabin was just as expected and was perfect for our group! Everything we needed or wanted was there!Jen was a great hostess- she responded very quickly with any of my questions. She even had great suggestions on where and when to view the crane migrations. Thanks again, Jen! If we ever do a repeat of this trip, we will definitely stay with you!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Don D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location, with cozy amenities

The sandhill cranes were very close and we listened to them settle in at night and take off in the morning. We could see them very clearly. The property is centrally located between Kearney and Grand Island. Lovely comfy furniture and loads of soft blankets. We loved it there. The only cautionary I've of info is that this property isn't suited for "older" people who have balance issues if there are more than 4 of you. The loft bedroom has a very narrow winding stairwell. There are 4 bunckbeds, but it might be problematic to climb to the top 2 bunks. There were two of us "younger" 70year olds so we shared the king-sized bed. The second shower would require climbing over a huge older tub. We loved it, but it might
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Christmas

We loved our stay! It was perfect for family to get together. The large kitchen and open area to the living room was ideal to be able to interact as we were preparing our meals. Although it was a little chilly outside, my grandkids enjoyed all the outdoor space. We will definitely be back to enjoy the area again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Reunion

This was a perfect spot for a family reunion. So many things to do and lots of space. Sadly the river was low so we couldn't tube or kayak but we did use the beach chairs and sat in the river while listening to music and threw the football. There were many games of sand volleyball. It was a hot weekend so we also spent plenty of time indoors playing games. The kitchen is fully stocked. Highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlene J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jens Getaway

Nice clean place with plenty of amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Crane paradise

Jen is great! The place is everything you need to spend your time on the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and relaxing

We came to visit with my 95 year old mother in law and really needed the nature walks and the peaceful atmosphere of the house.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott B., Omaha

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to celebrate with family

It was a great place for us to celebrate our anniversary with family and friends. There is tons of space inside and a lot of things to do outside as well. We had a great time having a horseshoe tournament. Jen was a great host. She was very responsive and helped with every question I had. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Birthday Weekend

The property was great but the sleeping arrangements and advertising of how many people the cabin slept was a little misleading. We are all over 60 and the advertising said it sleeps 15 - that's if you blow up air mattresses, sleep on bunk beds and couches. I think it's a PERFECT place for a family but not old people LOL - Still a wonderful weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location to view the Sandhill Cranes

We had a great stay, this was a great location for us to view the migration of the sandhill cranes. Jen was very friendly and responsive. Nice place with lots of extras!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicky J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bird watchers

Had a great time. The cabin is well stocked and well located.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillip F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend

Overall nice place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Troy C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas in January

Our family had a wonderful time. The hosts went out of there way to clear snow and ice for our stay. We so appreciate this. They also left up their Christmas decor which made our family gathering feel just like home. The cook top griddle is such a wonderful touch. We would love to stay there again especially in the spring or summer where we could enjoy the river and abundant wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great lace

The place was excellent, and the host was great. It was perfect for our Christmas get together.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joey C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Mama Jen’s place was a great place to stay! We were there for 2 nights and couldn’t have been happier!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jen C

Host profile image
My husband & I own the property with our three boys. We live near as we farm and run a feedlot. We bought the property to enjoy some family time away from our 24/7 business & are opening it up to share with others! Our oldest son lives in a shop-house that shares the driveway with the cabin so he is there in case of an emergency!

Why they chose this property

You can walk right outside to the river! It’s nestled in the trees with a beautiful view & it’s pretty quiet & relaxing! During sandhill crane migration in the spring time you can view the cranes from the comfort of the front lawn as they fly over and roost on part of the property at times. The cabin is also a great place for families to gather for holidays or just relax. The Platte river is literally steps out the front door. We offer hunting access for additional fees but you must inquire about that.

What makes this property unique

-On the Platte River where the sandhill cranes visit
-additional acres to hike & hunt on (packages available ..ask owner)
-sand volleyball court
-mini football field
-horseshoe pit
-large outdoor patio with fire pit
-hammocks
-wildlife
-steps from the river

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests