The earliest shipments on the rail line included coal that was mined in the area and the final shipments on the line included spent fuel from the Nuclear Station. In June of 1992, Burlington Northern Railroad, after determining that there was no longer enough traffic to maintain the rail corridor to Brownville, filed an abandonment of the line. In October of 1995, following a failed attempt to establish an excursion train from Nebraska City to Brownville, the Rails to Trails Conservancy purchased the line and deeded it to the Nemaha Natural Resource District. A volunteer group established by the Nemaha NRD recommended that the trail be called the Steamboat Trace. This group, now the Steamboat Trace Association and Nemaha NRD have worked together to make this trail a reality.
Work continues all along the trail to enhance the experience for trail users.
History continues to play a large part in the lives of the people of this area. From Brownville with its restored business district and over 20 homes dating from the 1860s to Peru with the first college in Nebraska, to Nebraska City the home of J. Sterling Morton founder of Arbor Day, this area is both beautiful and fascinating. Come experience a little bit of history in a peaceful setting along the Missouri River. Come travel the Steamboat Trace.