Travel

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 …

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 …

Bushcaft. Have you heard the term? If run in outdoor circles like I do you probably have. Do you know what it means? It was brought to my attention recently, and I did not have a good explanation of its definition. So, I turned to Nebraskan Sam Larson, who is a renown, well-traveled Bushcraft (there’s that word again) Instructor and Wilderness Skills Expert and winner of the popular TV show survival challenge ALONE – Mongolia on the HISTORY Channel. He …

It’s winter. Snow has already fallen. It’s cold outside. Brrrr … But there is a no need to be a couch potato this time of year staying cozy by the fire for hours or binge watching a dramatic TV show series. Nah, not when there are fun things to do outdoors, that is! There is actually host of activities that can be done outside in Nebraska throughout the winter months. So, gather up your winter garb, here are some ideas …

I sure enjoy ice fishing when the thick, solid ice arrives on frozen lakes and ponds in Nebraska, but I admit I don’t do much of it. Nevertheless, when there’s an invitation to go with seasoned ice-fishing veterans, you can bet that I will have my fishing permit, grab my current fishing regulation guide and jump at the opportunity. Hey, there’s fish to catch! Such was the case several years back when Ty Stromquist of Norfolk and his dad, Alan …

By Eric Fowler While on a hunting trip in the Pine Ridge in northwestern Nebraska in 2010, I photographed a picturesque butte in northwestern Sheridan County. When I got back to the office, I looked, as I often do, at the U.S. Geological Survey topographical maps to see if it was named. I couldn’t believe that, in the 21st century, a feature could still carry a name that was both sexist and racist. It no longer does. In September, the …

Story and photos by Jeff Kurrus There is a long list of ways to raise money. In the outdoor world, it’s often banquets, auctions or raffles. Others host fishing tournaments, shoots or competitions like one-box hunts. One Johnson County resident, however, came up with an entirely different plan to raise money to support his community. Arlen Beethe, with the support of the Elk Creek Men’s Club, had a thought: Why not introduce a 16th century game made popular in Europe, …

Flying above fog gives you a new perspective of these clouds on the ground. Photos and story by Eric Fowler We have all, on occasion, had our heads in the clouds. I’m not referring to our tendency to daydream. I’m referring to those cool mornings when our world is shrouded in mystical fog. On rare occasions, I’ve been lucky to have a photo flight scheduled on one of those mornings. In such cases, fog can be a blessing and a …

By Jamie Bachmann, Wildlife Educator In Nebraska, high summer reigns as the busiest season for family camping, but I’m the kind of mom who prefers to camp in seclusion, seeking to avoid the distractions of busy campgrounds. With less than 3 percent of land in Nebraska designated as publicly accessible, opportunities for isolation are limited. But when my kiddos were young, I heard tales — near legends — of families embracing cold-weather camping. Then in March 2003, a single car …