Parks

Discover the activities that will be offered this summer and job opportunities available during the Venture Park Region Discovery Fair on April 8 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. The Venture Park Region offers visitors opportunities for discovery, exploration, excitement, serenity, and imagination with unique features and activities at each park. Parks in this region that will be hiring are: Mahoney SP near Ashland, Platte River State Park near Louisville, Louisville State Recreation Area in Louisville, Schramm Education Center and …

The main road through Schramm Park State Recreation Area, because of construction, is partially closed to vehicles until further notice. Both entrances to the park will remain open but the road will be closed to through traffic near the hatchery museum. Access will remain open to the hiking trails and picnic shelters, and foot traffic is allowed. For more information about the park, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/schramm.

Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this year, workers are scheduled to upgrade 44 campsites to 50-amp electricity. With the 25 other campsites that have received the upgrade in recent years, all of the park’s paved camper sites will now have 50 amps. The improvements complement many other campground upgrades in recent years, including six sites upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a new showerhouse. …

Horseback riders are among those sure to appreciate upcoming improvements to Fort Robinson State Park. Plans include a $1.2 million addition of campsites and facilities for visitors traveling with horses, said Jim Miller, park superintendent. Late this summer, construction will begin on an expansion to the equestrian campground at the northwest corner of the main park complex, doubling its size. Included will be 24 additional sites with hook-ups to 50-amp electricity, water and sewer. Also new will be an adjacent …

Come experience the natural wonder of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a new viewing blind at Niobrara State Park near Niobrara. Reserve the viewing blind between March 15 and April 15 for the best opportunity to see this sunrise ritual, an ancient and glorious display from one of Nebraska’s most famous grassland birds. The blind holds up to 12 guests. Reserve a spot by calling the park office at 402-857-3373. Improve your chances of early arrival by staying at …

By Renae Blum Get outdoors this winter and enjoy the invigorating fresh air of a winter’s day on a Nebraska state park trail. These five trails are excellent choices, offering wildlife viewing, shelter from the wind and beautiful, scenic views to appreciate. Bring a friend and take in the unique beauty that this time of year offers. Turkey Run Trail – Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Shielded from the winter wind, this 1.2-mile trail at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area …

Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Hall County is undergoing a sewer improvement project that could affect ice-fishing. With the area’s typically high groundwater level, contractors must pump groundwater away from the construction site. So, water will be pumped into Lake No. 1 north of the accessible fishing pier and east along the north shoreline beginning this week. This will melt the ice on the surface of the lake where the water is displaced. Ice anglers should take extra caution …

Winter offers the best opportunities for viewing these large birds of prey. By Olivia DaRugna, Watchable Wildlife Biologist Is there an animal more majestic than the bald eagle? A once-endangered bird due to insecticides, including DDT, and hunting, bald eagles have rebounded and are now flourishing across the country. They represent one of America’s greatest conservation success stories. In Nebraska, bald eagles can be observed year round, but arguably, winter offers the best opportunities for viewing these large birds of …

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Looking for your next date idea? Or maybe a fun afternoon you can enjoy with family, friends, or just yourself? Look no farther than a Nebraska state park. Whether you want to learn something new, stretch your legs or see something beautiful, here are some ideas for outdoor fun that can be completed in just a day. Visit a nature center Spend an afternoon indulging your curiosity and learning about nature. Schramm …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn tree and brush piles on the west side of Ash Hollow State Historical Park on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The burn will be conducted in conjunction with local fire departments.