Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to six state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on Independence Day, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks. Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) near Malcolm, Fort Kearny SRA near Kearney, Memphis SRA near Memphis, Fremont SRA near Fremont, Pawnee SRA near Emerald and Wagon Train SRA near Hickman will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on July 4 only. Signs …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Activity Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland will close temporarily Monday, June 25 to allow for construction of an interior wall adjacent to the indoor playground. The Activity Center will reopen for regular hours beginning on Thursday, June 28.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to Wagon Train State Recreation Area (SRA) should expect detours beginning this week. Lancaster County is replacing a culvert at the corner of South 96th Street and Hickman Road. The park will remain open during construction, but visitors to the popular area should watch for detour signs. Construction is expected to last approximately eight days. Wagon Train SRA is located 2 miles east of Hickman in Lancaster County. A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The dump station at Area 1 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) is currently closed. The dump station is closed for extensive repairs to the area’s septic system. Park staff anticipate the closure to last for some time. Dump stations in areas 4 and 11 remain open. Park staff recommend campers plan for longer waits than normal. Branched Oak SRA is located in Lancaster County. A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required for each vehicle …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers of all ages interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing are invited to attend Carp-O-Rama on June 23 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA). This free event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liebers Point. Carp caught by anglers will be used in demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch. Other activities include fish printing and Dutch oven cooking …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Send in your vote to nominate Lake Ogallala as one of the Top 10 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat in the Nation. The Top Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat was created for moms, by moms in partnership with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). RBFF worked with moms across the nation to select one lake from each state that offers everything a family needs to experience the outdoors. Lake Ogallala made the list, and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to approve a proposed 2019 mountain lion season when it meets June 22 in Ogallala. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Mid-Plains Community College conference room, 512 East B St. A public hearing on the mountain lion recommendation will begin at 9 a.m. The proposed season would provide a harvest opportunity for up to eight mountain lions in two sub-units within the Pine …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A new, two-tiered spray park is now open at Platte River State Park (SP) near Louisville. The spray park, one of the only two-tiered spray parks in the region, includes various spray features, three waterslides, a waterfall, dump buckets and a fountain, among other water features. The upper level is designed for younger children and the lower level for older kids. It also has an area that may be reserved for birthday parties, as well as picnic …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. –  A kid’s day will be held Saturday, June 16 at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA) hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The public is invited to come and enjoy fishing, kayaking, games, door prizes, and fun at the lake. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT at the North 40 boat ramp area at Enders Reservoir. Enders Reservoir SRA is located about 10 …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. –  The 26 annual Ash Hollow Historical Pageant at Ash Hollow State Historical Park (SHP) will be on stage Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16, giving park visitors a glimpse back in time with live performances of The Great Cowboy Race; Chadron to Chicago a celebration of the pioneer spirit. The event has a regional cast and band of lively volunteers that will tell a panhandle story of endurance, horses, horsemanship, and the great western cowboy, …