Parks

CRAWFORD, Neb. — A summer speaker series in northwestern Nebraska’s two state parks continues with a program about the fascinating and often misunderstood flying mammals of the night — bats. Amanda Filipi, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor education specialist, will deliver the presentation Friday, June 28, at 8 p.m. It will be at Fort Robinson State Park’s Soldier Creek Campground shelter house, just off U.S. Highway 20. The program is targeted to park visitors of all ages. The …

GERING, Neb. – A traveling photography exhibit by renowned nature photographer Michael Forsberg of Lincoln is on display at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area through Aug. 20. Forsberg will greet the public during a reception Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the center’s Ponderosa Room. Forsberg’s imagery of wildlife and landscapes has long been revered for its contribution to conservation. His honors include the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography from the Sierra …

MERRIMAN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has reopened Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area. Park superintendent Diane Burress said visitors to the park should be cautious and choose camping areas wisely. Shallow water remains over the paved entrance road in places, and some camping areas are still flooded or muddy. Flooding prompted closure of the Sandhills park in late May.

CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State Park, which became Nebraska’s first state park in 1921, will celebrate its 98th anniversary with its annual celebration Saturday, June 8. New to the event this year is the Kiwanis Regatta canoe race, which is being moved from its usual date later in the summer. Registration begins at the park’s pond at 2 p.m. The Run for the Hills foot races, which include a 5k, 10k and a shorter fun-run or walk over the rugged …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a good meal or some fishing with dad on Father’s Day at a Nebraska state park. Four state parks and recreation areas will hold events for the public on June 16 in celebration of Father’s Day: — Danish Alps State Recreation Area: Join us for a Father’s Day fishing clinic at 10 a.m. Demonstrations on baiting a hook, casting, fish identification, and more will be presented. Bait and equipment will be provided. — Fort Robinson: Enjoy …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Most of the state’s 76 state park areas are open and full of opportunity for outdoor recreation. The most recent period of extended heavy rains has brought water levels back up in Nebraska, affecting some state parklands and trails. At Ponca State Park, Riverfront Campground is closed until further notice because of high Missouri River levels. The docks at the boat ramp have been removed until further notice, but the main boat ramp and the one at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans looking for outdoor summer fun have numerous options right in their backyard: the state boasts 76 state park areas filled with amazing wildlife and diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nebraska’s state park system has long been a go-to for outdoor recreation. Park areas are carefully managed to support a variety of activities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing and more. Excellent equestrian trails at Fort Robinson State Park and Jeep rides at Chadron State …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Watch the Pony Express ride again June 11-12 at two Nebraska state historical parks. Each year, members of the National Pony Express Association recreate the Pony Express in a commemorative re-ride over a 10-day period. Riders carry letters in a mochila over the original trail. The 1,966-mile, eight-state event is conducted 24 hours a day until the mail is delivered to its destination. Riders will hand off the letters to a fresh team at Rock Creek Station …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The access roads to the boat ramp and the historic cave at Indian Cave State Park are closed temporarily due to impacts from rising Missouri River water flows and heavy rainfall in the area. The cave access road is closed due to recent heavy rainfall that caused a portion of the bluff to slide onto the road. Also, portions of hiking trails 10 and 11 adjacent to the landslide area will be closed until they can be …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County currently is only accessible via Nebraska Highway 97 from Valentine. The highway north from Mullen to Merritt is closed temporarily because of water on the road following recent heavy rains.