Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert is in effect for Rockford Lake in Gage County, while Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County remains on health alert for a second week. During water testing earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in Rockford Lake. Visitors to Rockford State Recreation Area should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to seven state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on Independence Day, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks. Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) near Malcolm, Fort Kearny SRA near Kearney, Memphis SRA near Memphis, Fremont SRA near Fremont, Two Rivers SRA near Venice, Pawnee SRA near Emerald and Wagon Train SRA near Hickman will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A Becoming an Outdoors-Family Dutch oven cooking workshop is scheduled for June 29 at Louisville State Recreation Area in Cass County. Learn all about preparing tasty outdoor meals in a Dutch oven. The event is from 6-8:30 p.m. at Lake 2’s Meisinger Picnic Shelter. All equipment will be provided. The fee is $10. A park entry permit is required. To register or get more information, contact Christy Christiansen at 402-471-5547 or christy.christiansen@nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn about and see some fascinating reptiles at the Snakes of Nebraska event July 22-23 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland. The free event will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day at Riverview Lodge, with snakes on display and naturalist programs. University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro will give a presentation at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day. A park entry permit is required.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Strong storms Friday evening caused damage at state parks and recreation areas in Dodge, Lancaster, Cass, Saunders and Sarpy counties, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. High winds and heavy rain caused damage to trees, as well as power outages and minor damage to structures at virtually all state parks and recreation areas from Fremont, south to Lincoln and Omaha. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission crews were working to clean up fallen trees and other …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host an open house to share updates on current and future activities as part of the 20-year Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Management Plan recently adopted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners. The open house will take place on June 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Mountain Time at the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center/Water Interpretive Center. Nebraska Game and Parks staff will share information on and answer questions about …

GERING, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is inviting the public to celebrate the completed construction at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center and Shooting Complex during a grand opening Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The festivities will begin just south of the nature center with remarks and a ribbon cutting by Commission officials and partners involved with the two projects. A free hot dog lunch will be available while supplies last, and guided tours and other activities …

Camping trips are some of the most rewarding experiences and times spent in the great outdoors with family and friends. It is hard to pin point what the best part of camping really is. Is it the roaring campfire you find yourself gathered around to toast that perfect golden marshmallow for your s’more? Maybe, it is the serenity felt beneath the starry night sky? Or, maybe, it is the accomplishments you prove to yourself as you set up a home …

CHADRON, Neb. — Chadron State Park will again celebrate its distinction as Nebraska’s first state park with its 96th anniversary Saturday, June 10. Activities will take place at various locations throughout the park beginning at 9 a.m. At the park’s group meeting facility, visitors can dine on a lunch of bison sloppy joes or hot dogs for 96 cents each – a price that goes up a penny a year to reflect the park’s age. The band Cheap Date will …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers of all ages interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing are invited to attend Carp-O-Rama on June 17 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA). This free event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lieber’s Point. Carp caught by anglers will be used in demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch. Other activities include fish printing and Dutch oven cooking …