Parks

Those of us who enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, boating and camping are spending an awful of time around the house when it rains or is cold outside. Nevertheless as you think of or plan your next outdoor trip, those conditions offer an opportune time to go through your gear – cleaning, repairing, restoring and organizing various items that most likely were shelved, locked in a cabinet or safe or neglected. You have the time to do this, …

GERING — Amanda Filipi, who leads western Nebraska’s outdoor education efforts for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, is usually busy this time of year. Filipi is usually hosting a surge of field trips, leading children on hikes and presenting classroom programs. Similar to other educators she is sad to be sidelined from her normal routine. “This is usually my favorite time of year. We have roughly 2,000 students that come through in the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The summer season of the Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson State Park has been cancelled to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus. “We plan to pick up next year with our 2021 season and be stronger than ever,” said Tom Ossowski, producing artistic director for Post Playhouse Inc. The Post Playhouse has been providing live theatre at Fort Robinson since 1967. For more information and options for persons who have purchased tickets already, visit postplayhouse.com.

I’ve paddled many of the state’s rivers, mostly during the past 20 years creating stories on the state’s water trails in this magazine. But until 2018, I hadn’t floated the Platte, despite living a mere 30 miles from its course. By then, my wife, Theresa, and I had owned kayaks for five years, but we mostly paddled lakes around our home in Lincoln. On this day, it wasn’t long before we asked ourselves why we’d waited so long to float …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission temporarily will close state park lodging in April. Game and Parks will close park lodging facilities and cabin rentals April 1-30. A possible extension period may be implemented if conditions do not improve. Tent camping and RV camping are available and will be evaluated regularly, following state and federal directives, as well as local health department …

Though we are in uncharted territory with COVID-19 regarding advisories and mandates, truly there is no better place to gain easy personal solitude or social distancing from the virus than in nature! All state park area grounds are open! They are not closed! They remain open to you for all sorts of outdoor pursuits – Sightseeing, picnicking, running, hiking, biking, camping, wildlife watching, fishing, mushroom hunting, etc. The Cowboy Trail is also open for use. Enjoying time in our state …

CRAWFORD, Neb. – Visitors who camp with their horses at Fort Robinson State Park are expected to enjoy upgrades and repairs to the Mare Barn Complex. Park superintendent Jim Miller said the wooden Mare Barn, which stands at the west side of the park’s main campus with a narrow 20,000-square-foot 300-yard-long C-shaped footprint, has been getting an upgrade from the ground up this winter. Constructed during Fort Robinson’s period of developing and supplying horses for the U.S. Cavalry in the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn more about how Nebraska Game and Parks conservation officers protect the state’s natural resources and serve Nebraskans at Conversations with Your Conservation Officer, March 14-15 and April 18-19. Hosted at the Schramm Education Center in Gretna, the presentations will offer the public the chance to ask questions, hear stories, and learn more about the role of a conservation officer. An educational trailer will also be available that sheds light on the issue of wildlife poaching in …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The works of three Nebraska photographers and artists are on display through April 11 at Ash Hollow State Historical Park in Garden County. Renowned nature photographer Michael Forsberg of Lincoln, artist Jean Jensen of Lewellen and photographer Kylee Warren of Lewellen will exhibit their work. The displays are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, or by appointment. Michael Forsberg’s imagery of wildlife and landscapes has long been revered for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The portion of Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area south of Military Avenue in Fremont reopened to vehicle and foot traffic on Feb. 28. It had been closed due to high flows of the Platte River and the potential for rapid changes in the area’s lake levels. Water levels on Lake 18 and Lake 20 remain high. County Road 19 west of Lake 20 remains closed to vehicle and foot traffic. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission asks …