Schimmer's Lake

Martin Schimmer, owner of Sand Krog Tavern, desired to create a recreational lake south of Grand Island. Excavation of a 20-acre man-made lake and construction of a Wood River diversion dam was completed in 1898. Schimmer’s Lake became a popular summer resort with picnic grounds, bathhouses, swimming areas, boathouses, summer cottages, and an octagon-shaped ballroom. The St. Joseph and Grand Island Railroad transported day visitors from Grand Island and Hastings. In winter months, visitors enjoyed ice skating and the lake supplied Grand Island residents with ice before refrigeration became available.

In 1942 flood waters washed out the dam, draining the lake. One of the final community celebrations on the lake that year was a two-day July 4th event with boating, fishing, picnicking, dancing, fireworks, speeches from military and government officials, and vaudeville acts from Chicago. Sand Krog was razed in 1959 to make room for U.S. Highway 281. In 1968 Hall County assumed ownership of the property and created a county park with a paved road that winds along the rim of the former lake.