Parks

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Construction will begin Sept. 20 at Indian Cave State Park to replace the boardwalk that was damaged by landslides in 2019. Flooding at that time caused numerous landslides and resulted in the removal of a section of the boardwalk leading up to the cave that bears prehistoric Native American petroglyphs. Those rock carvings previously could be viewed from the boardwalk that extends the length of the cave wall. The boardwalk has been inaccessible since May 2019. Construction …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb – This Saturday, Sept. 18, is the Scout’s Rest Ranch Landmark Celebration at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park celebrating 100-years of Nebraska State Parks. The free festivities start at 9 a.m. with a historical scavenger hunt. Tours of the Cody mansion begin at 10 a.m. followed by old fashioned games at 11:30. At noon enjoy hayrack rides and a buffalo chip throwing contest. A plaque unveiling by the National Park Service and Nebraska State Parks will be …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking input on a draft master plan being developed to improve Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area in North Platte. The master plan covers potential new development, programming and recreational activities that enhance the experience for future visitors. The plan incorporates new interpretation and programming goals centered around the life of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his home at Scout’s Rest Ranch. The public is …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Help Nebraska state parks wrap up their summerlong centennial celebration by attending a final signature event Oct. 1-2 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City. Guests may compete in Baskets and Blankets: An Evening Harvest Picnic contest on Oct. 1 for a chance to win a custom picnic set-up for two courtesy of Pic’d on Purpose of Omaha or a two-night cabin stay at a Nebraska state park. Judges will look for tablescapes incorporating natural …

VALENTINE, Neb. — A new breakwater planned at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area will protect a nearby boat launch and shoreline. The construction project is scheduled to begin this month as workers capitalize on the low water levels at the Sandhills irrigation reservoir. The new breakwater of rock and soil will extend northwesterly from the Willow Cove area at the northeast part of the lake. Also, at the adjacent Main Area boat launch, the contractors will install a new dock …

LINCOLN, Neb. — After a one-year hiatus, the Missouri River Outdoor Expo is back Sept. 18-19 at Ponca State Park, with a diverse array of family-friendly, hands-on activities that showcase outdoor education, sports and recreation. Be inspired by Matt Stutzman, the silver medalist in the 2021 Paralympic Games archery competition, pro angler Aaron Petersen, Gould Brothers, Axe Women Loggers of Maine and the conservation efforts of Wild Encounters. Then try your hand at a variety of outdoor activities: monarch tagging, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The meeting for the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area draft master plan has been rescheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 23. The public meeting will be via Zoom. Participants will be required to register at outdoornebraska.gov/buffalobillranch or outdoornebraska.gov/buffalobillsra. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is developing a master plan to improve the two state parks in North Platte. The master plan covers potential new development, programming and recreational activities that …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The melodrama “The Dark Widow’s Deceit” opens at the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre in Eugene T. Mahoney State Park at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Performances will take place each Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. through Oct. 17. Julie Eschliman wrote this story about a deceptive woman who has been terrorizing bachelors. Her next target, a millionaire, plans to marry the woman’s sister. The Dark Widow has other plans, …

LINCOLN, Neb. — There’s still plenty of camping spots available — even over Labor Day weekend — at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas. Campers are reminded they will need a reservation to stay overnight, and reservations should be made before leaving home. Reservations can be made online at NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com, via mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours. Same-day reservations may be made online or by phone until 5 p.m. Mountain time, if sites …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Join Ash Hollow State Historic Park as they present “Pioneer Song” performance by The Great Bear Folk Theater on Aug. 29 from 4 – 5 p.m. MT. The theater group, consisting of a husband, wife and daughter trio, will be presenting an hour-long production, adapted from the play “Pioneer Song.” The play recounts the perilous journey many emigrants faced while traveling the Overland Trail in the mid 1800’s. The Great Bear Folk Theater, based out of …