Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in January. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. Jan. 1 – First Day Hike, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca; Platte River SP, Louisville; Chadron SP, Chadron; Indian Cave SP, Shubert; Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland; Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area (SRA), Fremont; Wildcat Hills SRA, Gering; Ash Hollow State …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a full day of winter activities for all ages Dec. 30 at Ponca State Park’s Winterfest. The day’s activities include crafts, lunch, trick pony show, National Championship Fruitcake Fling, Yule Log Quest, and lighted hayrack rides. Visit Calendar.outdoornebraska.gov or call the park at 402-755-2284 for more information. In addition, guests can receive a 30 percent discount off lodging rates now through April. Some restrictions apply. Make reservations at OutdoorNebraska.org or by calling 402-471-1414. An entry permit …

MINATARE, Neb. — The public will have a special opportunity for viewing birds during an event at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area on Friday, Dec. 8. The event marks the only opportunity for the public to access the 2,158-acre reservoir on the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge for its annual closure between Oct. 15 and Jan. 14. Birdwatchers who want to participate in the one-day event may arrive at the lighthouse on Lakeview Point any time between 8-11 a.m. Binoculars, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Take part in a winter tradition and participate in the Christmas Bird Count this month at three state park areas across the state. Events will be held Dec. 14 at Ponca State Park (SP), Dec. 16 at Indian Cave SP, and Dec. 30 at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area (SRA). The Christmas Bird Count is a program of the National Audubon Society, with more than 100 years of citizen science involvement. This event is a one-day bird …

Dearest Jackson Edward, Today is your birthday, your second birthday. My grandson, this is the day we celebrate you. I’ve been thinking back about the interesting directions on how my love for you has continued to expand this past year. Yes, you’re two, and it’s occurred to me that my love for you actually goes far beyond your connection to me. I see it when you continually say: “Ouuutsiiiiide!” There’s no place you’d rather be in any season than outside, on our porch, on your deck at home, at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn the basics of ice fishing or pick up a few new tips at three free Family Ice Fishing clinics in January. On Jan. 6, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at Yanney Heritage Park’s Environmental Resource Center in Kearney from 5 – 9 p.m. This clinic will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top ice fishermen. An on-ice clinic will be held Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in December. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. Dec. 1 – Bobcat hunting and trapping season opens Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23 – Christmas at the Mansion, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (SHP), Nebraska City Dec. 1-31 – Cow elk hunting season, private and public land Dec. 1-31 – …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Celebrate the holiday season at Ponca State Park, where families can enjoy the weekly seasonal activities of Christmas in the Woods. Christmas in the Woods, which takes place Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, is a chance for families to do seasonal crafts, get a family photo taken, decorate a cookie or cupcake, attend an outdoor program, or ride on a decorated and lighted hayrack. In addition, the park is holding its annual Snowman …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for a fun day of free archery Dec. 2 at Archery on Fire at Platte River State Park. All ages and experience levels are welcome for this event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Archery, 3-D archery, crossbows and tomahawk throwing will be available. There also will be campground games, kids’ crafts and a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Angler Access Area in the northwest corner of Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area (SRA) will be closed to the public briefly in mid-November. The area will close on Nov. 13 so a new floating fishing dock can be installed. The construction is expected to be completed by Nov. 17. All other areas of the SRA will be open during installation of the dock.