Parks

Complicated Past, but a Bright Future Despite its proximity to busy Highway 275 north of Scribner, Dead Timber State Recreation Area is hidden. Even its entrance, which faces a crop field on the other side, is unassuming and plain. The sign indicates that you’re in the right place, but you turn off the county road and wonder, “Is this it?” From your vehicle, you wouldn’t be able to see that to the southwest, just beyond the stretch of mowed grass, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Construction has been completed and the access road to the Dead Timber State Recreation Area campground has reopened. The campground access road at the Dodge County park area was temporarily closed earlier in June so that it could be widened. Other road improvements and flood repairs also were made. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park. Permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to six state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on July 4. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging them to be especially careful this year. Visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks but should be mindful of the dry conditions that exist across the state this year and the risk of wildfire. The areas that will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on July 4 are Branched Oak (Liebers …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in celebrating its first state recreation area in a Blast from the Past throwback event July 10 at Victoria Springs in Custer County. Watch a vintage baseball game; follow along on a history walking tour of grounds; take a paddleboat out for a spin on the lake; or catch a spectacular laser light show highlighting the parks’ centennial year. “This event truly will be a Blast from the Past and …

It bothers me to no end that people have such cavalier excuses regarding why they don’t want to wear life jackets on the water in a boat. In my 44 years at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, I have seen my share of boating tragedies. I have seen the victims of boating fatalities who were not wearing their life jackets. You never, ever forget them. Often the victims died right in front of close family members and good friends …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas are fully booked from July 2-5 for overnight campgrounds, including beach campsites. Overnight visitors interested in visiting the two western Nebraska reservoirs for the upcoming holiday are encouraged to find alternative lodging. Find local community hotels, vacation homes by rental, cabins and private campgrounds at ILoveLakeMac.com. Visitors should check availability at private overnight accommodations. Day-use activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and bird watching remain available with …

LINCOLN, Neb. — In honor of 100 years of state parks, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is calling on birders to find and identify 100 bird species in its park areas by the end of 2021. Birders of all experience levels are invited to visit Game and Parks’ state parks, state recreation areas, state historical parks or wildlife management areas to spot birds and log them using eBird or iNaturalist. Both are available online or via mobile app. Once …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks system centennial is in full swing, and June still offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate at state parks across the state. So hop in the car and hit the road for one of the following opportunities for adventure. Rock Creek Station hosts Ranch Life Saturdays LINCOLN, Neb. — Travel back in time to the mid-1800s during living history Saturdays at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park in southeast Nebraska. From …

CHADRON, Neb. — Among the highlights of Chadron State Park’s centennial celebration June 11-12 will be the opening of its new indoor archery and pellet gun range. The grand opening and ribbon cutting is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 12. Situated between the park’s office and Trading Post activities center, the 3,100-square-foot building will include both 3-D and bulls-eye archery targets, and a five-station pellet gun range with an automated interactive shooting gallery. The facility has a hunting theme …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A master plan is being developed for the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and State Historical Park; and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input. The proposed plan strikes a balance between historic preservation and recreation opportunities for current and future visitors. The public is invited to an in-person open house from 5:30-7 p.m. June 22 in the Event Room at the Archway in Kearney. The open house will have several stations where the …