Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – Birders are invited to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for Southeast District Birding Day on May 2 at Indian Cave State Park. Birders will meet at 7:30 a.m. in the park entrance parking lot. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle. Birders will split into groups and hike various sites within the park looking for bird species. A lunch break will feature speakers and a review of species observed. Participants should bring lunch, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host an open house April 12 about possible future development at Indian Cave State Park. The open house will take place in Falls City from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Grand Weaver Hotel, 1800 Stone St. The open house concludes a two-day design charrette held at the park. A design charrette is a planning session where citizens and stakeholders collaborate on the vision of a development project. The open house will …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Get ready for summer by learning some new outdoor skills at the 12th annual Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo on May 12. This free Expo, designed for family members of all ages and experience levels, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, located just south of Kearney. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the park. The Expo offers opportunities for participants to get hands-on experience in …

LINCOLN, Neb — Go Ape, the nation’s leading treetop adventure company, is opening its first location in Nebraska on Saturday, April 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland. The course, which was developed through a partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, is centrally located between Lincoln and Omaha. The media is invited to attend a special preview on Arbor Day, Friday, April 27 at 11 a.m. “Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a premier recreational destination …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn traditional rifle marksmanship skills in a safe, family-friendly environment at the Project Appleseed clinic April 15 at Platte River State Park’s Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex. Project Appleseed events teach traditional rifle marksmanship skills while reconnecting Americans of all ages and backgrounds to the people and events of our nation’s founding. Only .22 rimfire rifles will be allowed at this daylong event (Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 rifles not allowed). Participants will learn the six …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Fisheries staff at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission again this spring will capture spawning walleyes to collect eggs to meet stocking requests. Sherman Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy have again been selected locations for this operation. The collection goal to meet 2018 walleye stocking requests is approximately 88 million eggs (700 quarts). As of April 1, a designated area along the dam at Sherman is closed to bank anglers and boats following sunset. The collection …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County will be drawn down immediately so the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission can replace a boat ramp. The United States Army Corps of Engineers will draw down the water level 2 feet so construction on a replacement boat ramp on the south side of Pawnee State Recreation Area (SRA) can begin the first week of April. In addition, the south boat launch’s dock will be replaced and a breakwater to protect launching …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Reserve a spot for your child in the Fishing is Fun Clinic on April 21 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area in northeast Nebraska. The 4:15 p.m. workshop at the Weigand boat ramp is for ages 5 to 15. Volunteer instructors will teach young anglers casting, knot tying, bait, tackle, water safety, and fish identification and anatomy. Anglers may practice their skills by fishing following the clinic. Register before April 18 to guarantee a spot in …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Platte River Art Show is scheduled for April 7-8 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Many nationally known artists from around the Midwest will be offering their work for display and sale. This event, hosted by Prairie Images, will be held at the Peter Kiewit Lodge from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 7 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the following day. The works of art will include wildlife, landscape, cityscape, portrait, still life, Native American, Southwest, Americana …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visit Ponca State Park on March 31 for a day dedicated to eggs. Easter Egg-travaganza will kick off with a 10:30 a.m. workshop about animals that lay eggs in Nebraska. Touch live egg-laying animals and paint eggs to take home. An Easter egg hunt for the entire family will follow at 1:30 p.m. A hike through the woods at 3:30 p.m. will have participants looking for wildflowers, mushrooms – and more Easter eggs. A park permit is …