Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – While boating season still is months away, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests that now is the time to take a boater safety course. A list of boating safety classes is available at boatsafenebraska.org. The list includes six-hour classroom courses and three-hour home-study review and test courses. More classes will be added to the list during the year. Persons born after Dec. 31, 1985, who operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska, must have successfully …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider proposed dates for the 2017-18 waterfowl seasons during a March 17 meeting in Grand Island. The meeting will take place at the Full Circle Venue and Conference Center at Boarders Inn and Suites, 3333 Ramada Road, and is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission will consider recommendations for waterfowl seasons including opening the early teal season on the Saturday after Labor Day – approximately …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is stocking catchable-size rainbow trout in city ponds and lakes across the state in March to enhance spring fishing opportunities. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is an excellent way for families to introduce young and new anglers to fishing as simple equipment and baits can be used. The trout lake (Lake No. 5) at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA) near Waterloo will open for fishing March 11. It has been …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Spend a late-winter Saturday at Ponca State Park on Feb. 25 and learn about the wildlife that can be seen at the park. The day’s scheduled activities include bird-themed crafts, an educational session about the different types of wildlife in Nebraska, a guided .8-mile hike on park trail often used by white-tailed deer, and a guided blind tour to watch birds return to the marsh at dusk. A park entry permit is required. A fee is required …

February is the month for love and a great time to get you Sweetie outdoors.  So skip the dinner and a movie and head outdoors for a more exclusive and adventurous date. February in Nebraska provides a variety of novel date activities for any lover of the outdoors. Turn an ordinary hike with your partner this month into a hunt for sheds dropped by deer, pronghorn antelope, or elk. February also provides adequate  weather for you and your significant other …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Guests who purchase a ticket to the Sip Nebraska wine festival at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park before Feb. 20 are eligible for a special discount. Now in its fourth year, the May 5-6 festival features wine and hard cider tastings from Nebraska wineries, as well as live entertainment, artisan vendors, education sessions, dance lessons and trolley tours through the park. Transportation options to and from the park will be offered, as well as Uber on-site. A …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Sandhill crane enthusiasts are invited to visit Fort Kearny State Historical Park to enjoy the spring migration. The visitor center will open daily March 3 – April 9 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Staff will answer questions and direct visitors to viewing areas. One popular viewing location is the hike-bike bridge over the Platte River at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. The bridge is one-third mile from the parking area. The best viewing times are a half hour …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Watercraft inspection workshops are scheduled for Feb. 22 at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area Visitor Center and March 1 at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium. The workshops, which begin at 7 p.m., will provide an overview of the current Nebraska Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program, current regulations, status of these problem species across Nebraska, things boat owners, operators and/or mechanics need to look for and what they can do to prevent the spread of AIS, and steps to remove AIS …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Cowboy Poetry and Music Jam, scheduled for Feb. 12 at Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, has been canceled because of weather conditions. The event might be rescheduled. The park is located north of Merriman in Cherry County.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Escape the hustle and bustle this year and spend Valentine’s Day in a relaxed setting at a Nebraska state park or recreation area. Several parks will be offering discounted lodging, gift packages, special dinners and birding tours. Reserve a cabin or lodge room at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP) between Feb. 10-14 (Friday through Tuesday) and add a Valentine package to your reservation. Reservations on Monday and Tuesday are at a 30 percent discounted rate. Gift …