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Parks

Nebraska’s Smaller State Recreation Areas are Hidden Gems

There are 76 areas in our park system and they truly offer something for everyone. I know. I have firsthand knowledge of all of them. In my 45 years with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. I have been to EVERY. SINGLE.ONE and even worked in our parks division for a time. So I have a good breadth of knowledge about these areas. Our larger state parks, what many call “destination parks” or “resort parks,” get a lot of attention …

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Big upgrades, big year underway at Chadron State Park

CHADRON, Neb. — A big year calls for big improvements for Nebraska’s first state park. Chadron State Park, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021, has been the subject of sizable upgrades and new construction at points throughout its 977 acres. “This is a special year for us, and I’m thankful for those who have worked to make sure the park is in tip-top shape come summer,” said Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent. Perhaps the most noticeable project is the …

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Game and Parks partners with Grow Nebraska for centennial year swag

Nebraska centennial patch

LINCOLN, Neb. — Outdoors fans now can show their Nebraska parks pride with merchandise celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission parks system. A variety of items, from camper favorites to collectibles, will be available online through Grow Nebraska. Find a direct link to the shop through YourNebraskaParks100.org/merchandise. “The partnership with Grow Nebraska is a great one, and one that will help get these commemorative products in outdoor enthusiasts’ hands — no matter where they live,” …

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Buttes of the Breakout

The Cheyenne Buttes provide one of the most scenic vantage points in the Pine Ridge. They also are forever tied to an event from Fort Robinson State Park’s history as a U.S. Cavalry post and got their name from a notorious event. Historians rate the happenings of Jan. 9, 1879, among the most significant events of the Indian Wars. While that day is certainly important, it is just one day among a period of more than three months. The previous …

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Fort Atkinson visitor center renovation gets two-grant boost

Fort Atkinson State Historical Park aerial views from cherry picker.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Two new community grants worth $270,000 combined will give Fort Atkinson State Historical Park’s visitor center revitalization project another needed boost. The two grants are from the Donald E. Nielsen Foundation for $250,000 and from the Lester A. Walker Fund of the Fremont Area Community Foundation for $20,000. The Neilsen Foundation’s donation will be used to renovate the park’s movie theater with an historic vibe. Once completed, the theater will be named after the family foundation. Established …

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Nebraska Game and Parks to celebrate parks’ centennial in 2021

Parks Centennial celebration logo

LINCOLN, Neb. — In 2021, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is celebrating 100 years of inspiring outdoor adventures at our state park system, which began when Chadron State Park was established in 1921. Now, Nebraska’s 76 state, historical and recreation parks are top destinations for Nebraskans and visitors from around the world to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and abundant recreation opportunities. The centennial celebration, themed “Your Memories, Your Adventures, Your Parks,” honors the park system’s legacy while also …

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First Day Hikes chance to explore outdoors at your own pace

First Day Hikes graphic

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska’s annual First Day Hikes are a chance to explore trails, watch wildlife, snap photos and create a lifetime of memories. This year, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages families to take self-guided hikes between Jan. 1 and 3 at a Nebraska state park, state historical park, or state recreation area. Though parks usually offer guided tours, hot chocolate and more, this year’s First Day Hikes have been adjusted to account for the current public health situation. …

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Lake McConaughy SRA boating access improvement to begin

An aerial photo shows the Martin Bay bayside boat ramp

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Martin Bay boat ramp at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area will temporarily close to public access Dec. 3. The closure comes just ahead of a one-year, $3 million capital improvement project for the Martin Bay and Cedar View areas of the reservoir, slated to begin the week of Dec. 7. The project at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission property will improve boating accessibility and create one of Nebraska’s first motorized water trail systems at the …

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Fort Atkinson State Historical Park awarded Helmsley grant for revitalization projects

Fourth of July Living History weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun.

LINCOLN, Neb. — A new grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust worth nearly $500,000 will assist Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in two revitalization projects. The two-pronged grant for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission property provides: $220,000 for the development of new, interactive museum exhibits at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center on the park grounds, and $272,500 for the replacement of logs in the barrack walls, an ongoing preservation project. The Fort Atkinson …

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Hallowfest

Celebrate Halloween at Ponca State Park For more than two decades, Ponca State Park’s Hallowfest has thrilled guests of all ages. The park modeled its event after Indian Cave State Park’s festival, starting out with just one weekend of haunted hayrack rides in 1998 and expanding its offerings to two weekends full of Halloween activities. This fall festival has become a tradition for families, many of whom begin booking their cabins and campsites a year in advance. Hallowfest 2020 falls …

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