The Dark Island Trail follows a former railroad grade about 8.4 miles between Central City and Marquette, crossing the Platte River on the Bader Bridge, a long 1880s span of more than 1,000 feet. The crushed-stone trail runs through farmland, river woodland and the Platte's braided channels, and it carries the cross-country American Discovery Trail on its way across Nebraska. The trail is owned and cared for by the Platte Peer Group, the nonprofit that also runs Bader Park near Chapman.

Visiting: park at the Central City trailhead, 1304 16th St. The trail is open to walkers, runners and bicyclists. The Platte Peer Group holds events on the trail, including a spring half marathon.

Contact: Platte Peer Group, PO Box 164, Chapman; 308-986-2522.