Parks

Roasting marshmallows over a campfire is one of the highlights of a camping trip or an outdoor gathering, especially to a state park area. No question. You would think roasting a marshmallow over the coals and embers in that furnished fire ring may seem like the easiest thing to do, right? Not necessarily. How many times have you seen someone pull their stick from the fire to reveal a perfectly roasted marshmallow? That’s right, not very often. What you normally see is somebody quickly removing their …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon of music and history June 17 for “How Western Music Won the West” at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. Bob and Sheila Everhart, recording artists for the Smithsonian Institution and historians of America’s Western music, will begin the program at 3 p.m. The Everharts are members of the National Traditional Country Music Association and have performed in Europe and Asia. The program is free, but a park entry permit …

LINCOLN, Neb. – An estimated 1,000 to 3,000 fish have died in a fish kill that was reported May 26 at Lake Maloney. Those fish were primarily white bass and wipers. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists suspect a disease caused the die-off. The white bass were in spawning condition, and the high temperatures likely added stress to the fish, which would have made them more susceptible to disease. Samples of dead fish have been collected and will be analyzed …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The War of 1812 and its connection to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park will be the theme of a living history event June 2-3. Two displays will be available at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center. “The War of 1812” display from the Archives of Ontario in Toronto is on loan to Fort Atkinson until October. Also on display will be “War on the Sea: The Naval War of 1812,” from the Naval Museum in Washington D.C. …

CRAWFORD, Neb. – The Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson State Park is launching another season of entertaining musicals for all ages. The theater will open its regular production schedule Friday, June 1, with Disney’s classic, The Little Mermaid. The summer lineup, presented by Post Playhouse Inc., also includes Footloose, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Urinetown and 42nd Street. Showings are presented on a repertory schedule and take place most days except Mondays from June 1-Aug. 19. Ticket prices range from $15-$28 …

It is late May, spring has finally sprung, and only the most ardent of homebodies are not excited about getting outdoors. It is no secret — some of the best places to enjoy that time outdoors is at our state parks. From horseback riding to swimming, the parks are putting their activities and amenities into full gear this month. While the parks may be open and enjoyable year-around, the first official day of the busy season is May 26. I …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has introduced a mandatory permitting process for tractors operating on the beaches of Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (SRA). In response to public demand, Game and Parks has created a simple, required permitting process that follows state park regulations and allows for more towing operations on McConaughy’s beaches. There is currently no fee for the permit and an application can be picked up at the Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center or …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Show an appreciation for trails and help restore them at Indian Cave State Park on June 2 in celebration of National Trails Day. Volunteers are needed for trail restoration projects that may include wood chipping trails, pruning encroaching vegetation, defining corridors, erosion maintenance and general cleanup. Work will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., or at the volunteer’s discretion. Bring work gloves and appropriate clothing. Pre-registration is required by May 29 by calling the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Platte River State Park’s shooting sports facility opens for its summer schedule on May 28. The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex will be open weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., except it will be closed on Thursday. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The facility is a family-friendly shooting sports complex with a focus on safety and family fun. This center features an archery range with a shooting tower, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Post Playhouse, Inc., located at Fort Robinson State Park just west of Crawford, is set for another season of popular plays for all ages. The theater’s summer lineup includes favorites such as Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Footloose,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Urinetown,” and “42nd Street.” Showings take place throughout the week from June to August. Ticket information and pricing is available online at Postplayhouse.com. A Nebraska park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park.