Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska is well into its 2021 state parks centennial year, but the celebrations continue across the state in September. Take advantage of the cooling temperatures and get outdoors for a fall road trip. See what opportunities for adventure you can find. Learn more at YourNebraskaParks100.org. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Indian Cave SP to host centennial celebration event Sept. 4 LINCOLN, Neb. – Celebrate Nebraska’s state parks centennial …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Construction of the Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park has been completed and reservations will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 20. The first available rental date is Sept. 10. The Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge is an 11,600 square-foot multi-function event space that takes advantage of a stunning hilltop location overlooking the Platte River. “The new Crete Carrier Riverview lodge is a stunning and welcome addition to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park,” said Superintendent …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will begin a nearly $3.5 million boating access improvement project Aug. 16 at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area. To accommodate construction, the Martin Bay Bayside Boat Ramp and Beach Area No. 3 temporarily will be closed to the public until early 2022. Boaters in that area will be able to access Lake McConaughy from the Martin Bay Low Water Boat Ramp, which will open to the public at the same time …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In celebration of 100 Years of State Parks, Schramm Park State Recreation Area is hosting a free evening of live music and outdoor fun Aug. 21. Enjoy live music from 5-8 p.m. from the Omaha-based band 37 Years, which will play favorites from the 60s- and 70s-eras. Visitors can participate in outdoor activities such as fishing with a Youth Fishing Instructor, canoeing, visiting with a geologist, learning about watchable wildlife, exploring nature photography, meeting Master Gardeners and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – As Nebraska’s state parks prepare for the fall season, some are adjusting their activity hours because of a limited workforce. As schools return to session and park staffing levels become more limited, park managers must reduce hours of operation and services. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages its patrons to call ahead before visiting a park to check on activity times and availability to ensure a great park experience. “We have had a tremendous and busy …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a day of historical reenactments Aug. 14 during Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park’s Fall Muster. The day, themed War and Remembrance: An Event Following Little Bighorn, will include reenactors portraying roles of the fort in the 1870s. There will be a skirmish, military drills, cannon firing, mock surgeries, flag raising, blacksmithing and a vintage baseball game. Activities begin at 9 a.m. There will be activities for children, food vendors and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations. Admission is …

From the annual Nebraska Star Party to sandcastle building and pioneer musicals, August promises a variety of events at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission locations. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a park area. Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.org. Celebrate dark skies at annual star party Aug. 1-6 at Merritt Reservoir LINCOLN, Neb. – Take advantage of Merritt Reservoir’s dark skies and take in the wonders of the night sky during the 28th annual Nebraska Star Party on …

LINCOLN, Neb. – For a touch of holiday cheer at a beautiful park, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park on July 16-17 for the 8th Annual Campfire Christmas in July. Traditional holiday activities include visits with Santa, lighted Polar Express hayrack rides, a Yule log quest, holiday crafts and a Christmas-themed outdoor movie. Try your hand at the antler toss, snowball toss and horseshoes, and snack on tin roof sundaes, chili dogs and root beer floats. Other activities …

I watched closely as the guy excitedly reeled in the fish he had hooked from a local sandpit lake in eastern Nebraska. Upon landing it, I heard him dismally say: “Oh man, it’s a damn drum, that’s a trash fish, I gotta throw this back.” At this point, I walked over to the man and casually said: “Hey, that’s a nice freshwater drum you’ve caught. Did you know those are good eating if you prepare them right?” “Are you kidding …

Serenity in southwestern Nebraska At the very southwestern corner of Nebraska in Dundy County lies a truly serene area that is sure to surprise those that venture there. Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area is a small 54-acre area, with a 50-acre lake fed by the cold spring waters of Rock Creek. Located 4 miles north and a mile east of Parks, Nebraska, this quaint SRA has primitive camping only at roughly 43 non-pad sites, one vault toilet and five …