Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar
Game and Parks Events
Nebraska Outdoor Calendar
- This event has passed.
Free Fishing & Park Entry Day
May 20, 2023
Visit a state park for Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 20th! 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.
Ponca State Park
Ponca will host the Bill Morris Fishing Derby for anglers of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in age groups. There also will be naturalist programs, macro-invertebrate dipping, fishing lure building class and backyard bass casting.
View the Fishing Derby flyer HERE. View the rules for the derby HERE.
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 1 to 3 p.m.
Chadron State Park
Explore the park by participating in the Northwest Nebraska Volksmarch, a non-competitive 5K or 10K hike of your choice along mostly paved paths. Register to participate in the hike through event host, The Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, at forms.gle/uspmtHNyYqW8uQZA7. Learn more.
E.T. Mahoney State Park
Beginner Fishing Program – Join our naturalists at the lake to give fishing a try. Bait a hook, cast a line and catch a fish. Equipment Provided. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at Century Link Lake.
Fort Robinson State Park
Fishing Derby 12 & younger 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Grable Ponds Prizes awarded to participants at the lake. BBQ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the west lawn $11 per person
Platte River State Park
Beginner Fishing Program – Join our naturalists at the lake to give fishing a try. Bait a hook, cast a line and catch a fish. Equipment Provided. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at Owen Landing.
Schramm Education Center
FUN with Fishing Program— Make a fish print, design your own fishing lure and play fish-themed games. We will meet in the park across from the lower trailhead in the park shelter with a blue roof. The event will take place at 11 a.m. Meet at the new park shelter.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Take part in several great activities going on throughout this day-long celebration! Join us for a bird hike, wildflower walk, kids crafts and much more!
