Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar
Game and Parks Events
Nebraska Outdoor Calendar
Free Fishing & Park Entry Day – 2025
May 17
Visit a state park for Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 17th! Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day.
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect.
Featured park events
Several family-friendly activities are scheduled in state park areas across the state to celebrate Free Fishing and Park Entry Day.
VENTURE PARKS CELEBRATION
In addition to Free Park and Fish Day we would like to celebrate the completion of the Venture Parks Project. In response to a demand for unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has expanded activities and amenities at four popular state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area. The expanded features, called Venture Parks, were possible thanks to innovative public/private partnerships. While many of the activities kick off Memorial Day weekend, we will have some of the activities available to tour during Free Park and Fish Day.
Eugene T. Mahoney & Platte River State Parks
Bait a hook, cast a line and catch a fish! Join our naturalists and Youth Fishing Instructors anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to give fishing a try. Free loaner equipment will be provided. The climbing wall and the Nature Conservatory will also be open.
Louisville SRA
There will be a bounce pillow available at Louisville State Recreation Area.
Schramm Park SRA
Join us for A Day to Play at Schramm Park SRA on May 17! Activities will include the grand opening of the new Treehouse Classroom, float on a pond in a round raft, or learn how to read rocks in the geological outcrop. VIEW DETAILS
ADDITIONAL PARK EVENTS
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
Children under age 18 are invited to fish Ash Hollow’s pond and keep everything they catch. A free hot dog lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m.
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park
Living history volunteers plan to take over the fort with 1860s impressions and demonstrations from the time of the War Between the States. VIEW DETAILS
Fort Kearny SRA
Come out to Fort Kearny SRA to enjoy free fishing and park entry day! Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available for free to participants.
Fremont Lakes SRA
Come join us at the Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby at Fremont Lakes SRA for fun, food and fishing! Local radio stations, volunteers and civic groups will be on hand to provide food, prizes, as well as free loaner fishing tackle, bait and instruction. VIEW DETAILS
Ponca State Park
Ponca will host the annual Bill Morris Fishing Derby for anglers of all ages, beginning at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to longest bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout in three age categories (6 and under, 7-12 years old, and 13 and older). Bait can be purchased at the Resource and Education Center. Loaner fishing poles are also available upon request at the front desk.
Summit Lake SRA
Summit Lake SRA will be hosting a Tree Memorial Dedication to honor Burt County military members and first responders who lost their life while serving or due to their service. VIEW DETAILS
Two Rivers SRA
Celebrate Nebraska’s spring turkey hunting season by learning All About Turkeys! Strut on up to our educational table to make a turkey caller, look for turkeys and their tracks and more. VIEW DETAILS
