Parks

CRAWFORD, Neb. — Fort Robinson State Park has canceled its annual historical Christmas dinner because of coronavirus concerns, but two other holiday events that take place completely outdoors will continue. The park will host its outdoor Haunted Halloween festivities from 4:30-7 p.m. Oct. 30. The event, based at the Soldier Creek Campground near U.S. Highway 20, will have wagon rides through the “haunted campground,” a chili feed and trick-or-treating. The park also will host its annual “Light Up the Fort,” …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The road inside the Martin Bay entrance at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is closed temporarily to northbound traffic, to allow for the construction of an improved entrance. Visitors may enter at the Martin Bay entrance and go southbound only, to reach the Low Water Boat Ramp and Beach Areas 1 and 2, until Dec. 1, at which time southbound access also will close. All other areas of Shoreline Road must detour through the Arthur Bay or …

CRAWFORD, Neb. — Horse-drawn wagon rides, trick-or-treating and a chili feed will highlight the new Haunted Halloween festivities at Fort Robinson State Park on Saturday, Oct. 30. The activities will occur at the park’s Soldier Creek Campground near U.S. Highway 20 from 4:30-7 p.m. For the trick-or-treaters, the park is planning “Camp & Candy” — an activity in which the public is invited to decorate campsites, campers or other vehicles. The wagon rides and chili feed will be based at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The visitor center and cave at Ash Hollow State Historical Park are closed through Oct. 12 due to a staffing shortage. They will reopen at 10 a.m. Oct. 13. The grounds of the historical park will remain open for visitors to enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching and other activities. Ash Hollow’s fall hours of operation for the visitor center and cave are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. They will close for the season Oct. 31. Tours are by …

When discussing Fort Robinson State Park, fishing may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Perhaps it should be. Tall buttes rising over pine forests and sweeping grasslands. Herds of bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and other megafauna. Historical architecture. Theatrical performances, weekly rodeos, two museums, cookouts and an indoor swimming pool. More than 120 miles of trails suited for horse hooves and hiking shoes. With so much to see and do at Fort Robinson State Park, it is …

LINCOLN, Neb. — State park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska. Many of them have family-friendly activities on weekends in October. This year is no exception. Aside from Halloween-themed events at parks, enthusiasts of history and crafts will find activities to enjoy in October. See what opportunities for adventure you can find. Learn more at YourNebraskaParks100.org. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Living History Scheduled Oct. 2-3 at Fort …

HEMINGFORD, Neb. — Campers at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area will have to go without electricity for a while, but they will have more juice when the wait is over. Beginning Oct. 1, all of the electrical camping sites at Box Butte will be closed while construction workers upgrade six sites from 30 to 50 amps. The upgrades will result in all of the lake’s 14 electrical sites having 50-amp service. The campground’s 40 non-electrical sites will remain open …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to Nebraska state parks have until Oct. 4 to take a survey online to share their experiences this summer. More than 4,000 park users have completed the survey since April, when crews started conducting surveys in select state parks. Additional responses will only help the study, survey organizers say. “Public feedback helps our agency make informed and intentional decisions that enhance experiences within our state park system,” said Hannah Jones, assistant planning division administrator for the …

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Construction will begin Sept. 20 at Indian Cave State Park to replace the boardwalk that was damaged by landslides in 2019. Flooding at that time caused numerous landslides and resulted in the removal of a section of the boardwalk leading up to the cave that bears prehistoric Native American petroglyphs. Those rock carvings previously could be viewed from the boardwalk that extends the length of the cave wall. The boardwalk has been inaccessible since May 2019. Construction …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb – This Saturday, Sept. 18, is the Scout’s Rest Ranch Landmark Celebration at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park celebrating 100-years of Nebraska State Parks. The free festivities start at 9 a.m. with a historical scavenger hunt. Tours of the Cody mansion begin at 10 a.m. followed by old fashioned games at 11:30. At noon enjoy hayrack rides and a buffalo chip throwing contest. A plaque unveiling by the National Park Service and Nebraska State Parks will be …