Parks

A camping trip is not complete without spending some time around a campfire in the evening. Swapping stories and roasting marshmallows to make s’mores is all part of it! There is no question that a campfire provides the backdrop for lots of outdoor fun and camaraderie. But, if folks are careless, those campfires can ignite a damaging wildfire or severely injury a person. So, what do you need to know about campfires? First, we have some ground to cover (no …

LINCOLN – A variety of fun workshops based around nature and outdoor activities is scheduled for July 26-31 at Ponca State Park (SP). Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can enjoy introductory sessions on archery, kayaking, wilderness survival skills and various types of firearms. Wildlife and nature sessions will highlight species such as owls, butterflies and nighttime creatures. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about different habitats at Ponca SP and to compete in outdoor games. A park permit is required …

LINCOLN – Learn how to prepare a tasty outdoor meal in a Dutch oven at a workshop Aug. 11 at Louisville State Recreation Area. Instructors will teach participants of all ages how to season, maintain temperature, cook with, clean and store a Dutch oven, as well as basic tools needed. All equipment and supplies will be provided. This Becoming an Outdoors-Family event begins at 6 p.m. at the Meisinger Picnic Shelter on Lake No. 2. The workshop fee is $5. …

CHADRON, Neb. — Bats, owls and other nocturnal species will be in the spotlight this week as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission presents its Creatures of the Night program at Chadron State Park. The program, which is open to the public free of charge, will be Saturday, July 30, at 8:30 p.m. beginning at the lagoon shelter. Amanda Filipi, an educator for the Commission, will lead the hike through the dark, in which participants may bring a flashlight or …

LINCOLN – Volunteers will portray life at an 1820s military post Aug. 6-7 during Fort Atkinson State Historical Park’s Living History Weekend. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, reenactors will gather to portray the fort’s military history and to demonstrate various period trades and crafts, such as blacksmithing and weaving. Living history interpreters will read the Monroe Doctrine aloud each day. Visitors may also visit a Lewis and Clark encampment near the visitor center. Fort Atkinson, the first …

LINCOLN – Enjoy a movie under the stars at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park on July 22 with the screening of “The Trial of Standing Bear.” The movie, which begins at 9:30 p.m., tells the story of Ponca chief Standing Bear’s 1879 trial, in which he successfully argued that a Native American was a “person” under the law. A large portion of this 1988 television movie was filmed on location at Fort Hartsuff. The movie will be screened outdoors, between …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host a public meeting on Aug. 4 regarding the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan. The meeting will include a review of the June public meeting, a presentation regarding development and management of the lakes, and a public input session. The Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan, which is still in development, is overseen by an advisory committee made up of commission staff, lake concessionaires; friends group members, land owners and economic development …

It’s that wonderful time of year when many of us adore cooking OUTSIDE of our kitchens.  Let’s face it, staring at those same, boring kitchen walls all the time can get a bit mind-numbing, not to mention heating up the house . Luckily, backyard barbecues and family camping trips are calling your name. An open-air, change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. Whether it is over a sizzling grill, a flaming fire-pit, or a crackling campfire, the outdoor …

LINCOLN – Shooters of all ages and experience levels are invited to learn, have fun and try out their skills at Platte River State Park’s (SP) Steel Plate Challenge Fun Shoot on July 16. The event will include expert instruction for shooters and friendly competition. Participants will be timed as they take aim at steel plates set at distances of 20 feet to 30 yards. Families and those new to shooting are encouraged to participate. All equipment will be provided. …

This week’s installment of the summer speaker series at northwestern Nebraska’s two state parks has been postponed because of illness. The “Creatures of the Night” presentation at Chadron State Park, which was planned for the night of Friday, July 8, will be rescheduled for a date to be determined. The series will resume Friday, July 15, at Fort Robinson State Park with the same “Creatures of the Night” presentation by Amanda Filipi, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educator.