For almost as long as Nebraska has been a state, Grandpa's Woods has been a part of it. In the 1870's, in search of a place to cut firewood for the winter months, Chauncey Bailey negotiated and traded with Native Americans to secure a place for him to cut wood. This area, which is still a part of Grandpa's Woods, was acquired by trading a horse with the Native Americans for the rights to cut wood on the land. This history can now be traced to direct descendants of Chauncey Bailey who still own the original piece of ground. Today, the land is owned by Boyd and Donna Clements (great grandson), and their son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Donna (great-great grandson).
Over the years, Grandpa's Woods has expanded to include approximately 55 acres of land surrounding a large portion of the old Weeping Water Creek. The area was first called Grandpa's Woods when Guy Clements, uncle of Boyd, purchased additional land and decided to start a nature park for local residents. Guy wanted the park to build a place "to offer solitude, strengthen family ties, and preserve a little bit of nature." The park was quickly named Grandpa's Woods and several members of the family assisted with the growth and development of the park. Grandpa's Woods was purchased by Boyd and Donna Clements in the 1970's and they continued to develop the park into something special. Families could enjoy fishing, camping, and golfing and enjoy the true "nature" of the area.
In the early 1990's, the park took another advance forward with the installation of grass greens and significant changes on the 9-hole golf course. Grandpa's Woods now draws thousands of golfers and families wanting to enjoy the true nature that is still evident in the area. In addition to a newer clubhouse located on the golf course, visitors can still see some of the original landmarks of the park, including a 1905 silo, an old trading post, and the signature covered bridge.
In the everlasting words of Grandpa, "Long after I am forgotten, I hope people are still enjoying the park." With thousands of visitors yearly, that goal is definitely being met.