Enjoy events in state parks this August
Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s state parks. During August, a variety of events are planned for those of all ages and interests.
Don’t forget to purchase a Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
August offerings are:
Paint the Pickets at Fort Hartsuff
Volunteers are needed to help paint the picket fence at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park.
Honor America’s 250th Anniversary by participating in this Nebraska Volunteer in Parks Challenge from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1.
Water, snacks, and all the materials for painting fence will be provided. Wear weather and work appropriate clothing for painting. This is open to families, groups and people of all ages and abilities.
Contact the park at 308-346-4715 with any questions.
Arbor Lodge to host Mystery at the Mansion
Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park on Aug. 1 for Mystery at the Manson — A Villain’s Vendetta. This old-fashioned whodunit will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion from 6:30-8 p.m.
Participants will solve clues, look for evidence and break the case while mingling. They will receive a character to portray as they arrive at the mansion. Participants must be 19 or older and should arrive by 5:45 p.m.
Space is limited. Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets.
Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson SHP
Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park during Living History Weekend on Aug. 1-2.
Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.
Watch a reenactment of a wedding from 200 years ago, and on Aug. 1 only, enjoy dancing with reenactors to music and moves from the past.
Visitor Center admission is $5 for ages 13 and older and $1 for ages 3-12.
For more information, contact the park at ngpc.fort.atkinson@
Mahoney SP to host atlatl throwing
Think you would have been a great bison hunter? Test your skills and learn how to use the primitive spear throwing device called an atlatl at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Aug. 5.
Meet behind the Bur Oak Shelter at 9 a.m. This activity is free and open to anyone age 6 or older.
Record nature during Outdoor Observer
Learn how to observe nature and record what you notice in a nature journal or through art during Outdoor Observer at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Supplies are provided and the program will be held both indoors and outside.
Meet at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at 1 p.m.
This program is free and all ages are welcome.
Naturalist-Led Hike at Ponca on Aug. 8
Come to Ponca State Park for a naturalist-led hike on Aug. 8.
Meet at the West Shelter at 10 a.m. and enjoy the scenic views, native wildlife, and fellowship until 12:30 p.m. Along the way, naturalists will talk about the cultural and natural history of the park and the flora and fauna found in the area. The trail will end with a warm fire and fresh baked dessert in a Dutch oven.
Space is limited. The cost is $15 (card only). Registration is required by calling the park office at 402-755-2284.
Trail Trek Guided Hike: Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP
Visit Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park on Aug. 8 for a guided hike as a part of the Your Parks Adventure: Trail Trek program.
Join Nebraska historian and author Jeff Barnes for a tour of Buffalo Bill Cody’s home property, which is a National Historic Landmark. The walking tour will discuss the mansion, horse barn, several outbuildings, and Duck Pond, as well as other historic features of the property.
A Buffalo Bill impersonator will be on hand and Barnes will sign purchased copies of his book, “The Great Plains Guide to Buffalo Bill.”
The free tour will be approximately half a mile on level ground.
This program is in partnership with the Nebraska State Historical Society’s WanderNebraska program.
Kayak cleanup scheduled at Louisville, Minatare
Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators and partners on Aug. 11 for a night of kayaking and cleaning up aquatic habitat at Louisville and Lake Minatare state recreation areas while kayaking.
Meet at the Kayak Dock area on Louisville’s Lake No. 2 at 6 p.m. Central time. At Lake Minatare, meet at the West Wind Bay Boat Ramp at 6 p.m. Mountain time.
Safety and basic instruction will be given at the start of the event. Trash bags and gloves will be provided for participants.
A limited number of loaner kayaks are available.
Registration is required and can be completed at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, where more information is available.
Send any questions to [email protected].
Go bullfrogging with BOW program
The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is offering an opportunity to learn all about bullfrogs at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Louisville State Recreation Area.
This hands-on program will include instruction on how to catch them safely and responsibly from a kayak or the bank. Participants will learn tips, techniques and regulations for experts. Later in the evening, caught frogs will be cleaned and cooked for those interested in staying.
A Nebraska fishing permit is required for ages 16 and older who participate in frogging.
Registration is required through the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Enjoy stargazing Aug. 21 at Mahoney SP
Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on Aug. 21 and enjoy some summer stargazing.
Telescopes will be provided so visitors may get a glimpse at the night sky beginning at dusk. Meet behind the park’s golf shack for this free event from 9-11:30 p.m. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.
The rain date is Aug. 22.
Sunset on Summer at Schramm Park
Spend a Saturday evening enjoying all that Schramm Park State Recreation Area has to offer. Join us around the Hatch House and Canyon Ponds from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22 and celebrate outdoor time and nature’s beauty as summer transitions to fall.
There will be outdoor activities like round rafting and canoeing on the park ponds, kids fishing, geology, outdoor cooking, and other nature activities. The Treehouse Classroom will be open.
Hot dogs and bison burger meals will be available for purchase (card only), as well as ice cream. Naturalists will lead a hike at 8 p.m.
Schramm offers volunteer opportunity
Schramm Park State Recreation Area is offering a volunteer opportunity to assist with land management efforts.
From 9-11 a.m. Aug. 26, join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff on activities such as invasive species removal, seed collection, trail maintenance, brush piling, and tree planting.
Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long pants, bring water, and outdoor work/garden gloves. Long sleeves also are recommended. All ages are welcome, but anyone under the age of 18 must have an accompanying adult.
Meet at the park shelter next to Pond A, where an introduction to the project will kick things off. Volunteers must sign a waiver upon arrival.
Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register.
Full Moon Hike at Ponca State Park
Join Ponca State Park naturalists on the Corps of Discovery Trail to watch the moon rise Aug. 27.
Meet at the Riverfront Playground at 7:45 p.m. for a guided hike of approximately one hour along the beautiful, wooded trails. The hike will include some steep inclines and is considered moderately challenging. Hikers are encouraged to bring water and snacks.
Handheld flashlights will be provided, but guests may bring their own.
The hike may be cancelled due to weather or staffing. Call the park office at 402-755-2284 to confirm.