Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – Grab the popcorn and enjoy some light-hearted family fun at a Eugene T. Mahoney State Park melodrama this summer. This year’s schedule features the premiere of three plays in conjunction with Popcorn Productions: — “The Easterner,” written by D. Chapelle, tells the tale of a slacker from New York City who strives to save the beautiful Millie from Mooselips Tompkins, the village villain. — Written by D. Chapelle, the play “Finefellow’s Fireworks Folly” features the story of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – See Nebraska history come to life during Rock Creek Trail Days June 2-3 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. Activities will include black powder gun demonstrations, Pony Express run, wagon rides, Hickok-McCanles Fracas reenactment, military skirmish, and demonstrations of various period trades. There will be a free-will donation lunch on June 2 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and a buffalo stew cookout June 2 at 7 p.m. The cookout will feature entertainment by David Marsh, presenting “Music …

North Platte, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) and Tout Bird Club of North Platte will host a birding event on Friday, May 25. All ages are welcome to come learn about birds at Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area (SRA) in North Platte as part of the Nebraska International Migratory Bird Month. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. at the shelter area at the SRA with birding stations to build bird feeders, nesting material and more. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Drinking water is temporarily unavailable for guests at Memphis State Recreation Area in Saunders County. Wells currently are not operational at the area because of groundwater conditions. Hydrants will be shut down until potable water is available. Guests are asked to bring their own water, or check availability of bottled water at the private concession located at the park, until the situation has been resolved. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working with the Village of …

One of the Nebraska state park system’s most modern attractions happens to be in the Panhandle. Those of you who have not visited the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering in the past year or so are sure to like what you see when you do. The newly renovated and expanded Nature Center with its interactive displays and event space have been a big hit among visitors, as has the new shooting complex that features targets for a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Willow and Wings event scheduled for May 19 at Willow Creek State Recreation Area in Pierce County has been rescheduled for May 26 due to expected inclement weather. The public is invited to celebrate International Migratory Bird Month at this event, which includes a bird identification hike and an introduction to eBird, an online citizen science tool for monitoring bird populations. All ages and experience levels are welcome. A park entry permit is required for each …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Morel mushroom hunters are out in force this month picking their favorite fungi. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds them that they must get landowner permission before entering private land. The non-commercial harvesting of morel mushrooms is allowed on Nebraska Game and Parks owned and controlled properties, unless otherwise signed. That includes state park areas, where a park entry permit is required, and wildlife management areas (WMA). Morel pickers should be wary of spring turkey hunters …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Women who want to learn how to shoot and increase their knowledge of handguns are invited to attend an introductory handgun series at Platte River State Park in June. Part of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, the Summer Shooting Series features a variety of topics throughout four sessions, including firearm safety, gun handling and range rules. Sessions will be held June 6, 13, 20 and 27, at $15 per class; attendance is required at the first …

GERING, Neb. — Children have long enjoyed exploring nature at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, whether by hiking the trails of the 1,000-plus-acre park or by viewing the interactive displays of its Nature Center. Now there is a new program to guide their exploration and make it official. This month, on Free Park Entry and Fishing Day on May 19, the Nature Center will begin awarding badges and certificates to children who complete its new Junior Explorer program. The program …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host a public meeting to gather input on hunting at Summit Lake State Recreation Area in Burt County on May 15. Currently, approximately 175 acres of the 535-acre area are open to hunting annually beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day. Rifle deer hunting also is permitted at the site. Game and Parks will seek input on the continuation of hunting at his area during the meeting, which will take place …