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Enjoy Autumn Activities in State Parks

LINCOLN – Create a family tradition of celebrating autumn in one of Nebraska’s state parks. Parks statewide have planned events to help families enjoy the fall.

Halloween events, including pumpkin carving, costume contests and haunted hayrack rides are scheduled throughout October at Eugene T. Mahoney, Platte River and Ponca state parks.

Go back in time with living history events Oct. 18 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (SHP) and Oct. 19 at Arbor Lodge SHP. Call Rock Creek for more information at 402-729-5777 or Arbor Lodge at 402-873-7222. The Old Fort Atkinson Candlelight Tour is set for Nov. 8. Beginning at 6 p.m. and every 20 minutes thereafter, there will be a one-hour candlelight walking tour through the state historical park. The cost is $18 for adults, $14 for ages 55 and up, and $14 for ages 12 and under. Call 402-650-0598 for reservations and more information.

Explore Dutch Oven cooking with Lovin’ Dutch Oven at Wildcat Hills Nature Center on Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. Participants can help prepare a brunch. The cost is $5. Register by Oct. 24 by calling 308-436-3777.

Get a start on Christmas shopping when Mahoney SP hosts Cornucopia of Crafts on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendors will be showcasing home décor, jewelry, lawn art, jerky, outdoor décor, pottery, woodwork, fudge, face painting, and glass and porcelain art. The event will be held in the Peter Kiewit Lodge. Call 402-944-2523 for more information.

Nov. 9 is Military Appreciation Day at Platte River SP. The first 100 people with a military identification will receive a token for a free shooting activity, excluding trap. Chili will be served. Call 402-234-2217 for more information. On Nov. 29-30, the park is hosting a free Introduction to Archery event.

To view a full list of park activities, including the many Halloween-themed events, visit OutdoorNebraska.org and click on Calendar.

A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area.

About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

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