Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar
Game and Parks Events
Nebraska Outdoor Calendar
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Fort Hartsuff’s 150th Anniversary Event
August 31 @ 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the building of Fort Hartsuff! In September of 1874, US military soldiers and hired civilian workers began construction on an infantry outpost on the edge of Nebraska’s Sandhills. 150 years later, Fort Hartsuff’s original and reconstructed buildings stand as one of the most complete examples of forts from the Plains Indian Wars. With lime/concrete buildings, wide verandas, and white picket fences, Fort Hartsuff has been called one of the prettiest posts on the plains.
To commemorate this historic milestone, the park is hosting a two-day event on Labor Day weekend. The celebration will include military and civilian reenactments and demonstrations, invited speakers, kids activities, food vendors – and more!
Join us for a pre-Prohibition Era brew from Scratchtown Brewing Company or enjoy local wine from Niobrara Valley Vineyards on Saturday afternoon in the Beer & Wine Garden.
Saturday schedule:
10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Front desk, gift shop & historical buildings open
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Dr. Jean Lukesh presents, “‘Trooper’ Lee Herron and Fort Hartsuff”
10:30 a.m.-Noon: Kids military drill
Noon-12:30 p.m.: Alan Bartels presents, “100 Things to Do in the Sandhills Before You Die”
1-2 p.m.: Kimberlee Berezuk presents, “Daughters of Mars: Women with the Frontier Army, 1870”
3-4 p.m.: Humanities of Nebraska presents: Jerome Kills Small, “Songs and Dances of the Lakota”
4-9 p.m.: Beer & Wine Garden
5-6 p.m.: Humanities of Nebraska presents: Jeff Barnes – “Forts of Nebraska”
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Artillery demonstration & evening parade
8-9 p.m.: Candlelight tour
9-10 p.m.: Artillery demonstration/night shoot
Sunday schedule:
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Front desk, gift shop & historical buildings open
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Humanities of Nebraska presents: Jeff Barnes, “Forts of Nebraska”
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Humanities of Nebraska presents: Jerome Kills Small, “Songs and Dances of the Lakota”
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Dr. Jean Lukesh presents, “‘Trooper’ Lee Herron and Fort Hartsuff”
2-3 p.m.: Garry Wells presents, “The Early Military Occupation of the North Loup Valley”
3-4 p.m.: 150th Dedication Ceremony, artillery demonstration & evening parade
Admission
Daily admission is $4 per adult (13 years and older) and $1 per child (3-12 years). There is no charge for children 2 and under.
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park or in advance at GoOutdoorsNE.com.
Contact/Volunteer Signup
Please contact the park with any questions or for volunteer opportunities before and during the event.
