Nebraska Outdoor Calendar

Winterfest at Ponca State Park

Ponca State Park 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE

Join us at Ponca State Park for Winterfest! All activities are free during this outdoor family tradition. There will be Outdoor Education programs in the morning, followed by the National Championship Fruitcake Fling at high noon, where guest throw wildlife friendly fruitcakes competing for distance. Prizes will be awarded for the longest throws in four […]

Noon Year’s Eve

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 210615 NE-71, Gering, NE

Celebrate New Years Eve together as a family! Let’s count down to the new year at midday, making it just as special as midnight. Take part in craft, photo booth and balloon drop. This program is FREE, but participants will need to have a valid 2022 Nebraska Park Entry Permit. Please pre-register by Dec 17 […]

Old Market Magician at E.T. Mahoney State Park

E.T. Mahoney State Park 28500 W Pwy Hwy, Ashland, Nebraska, Online

Enjoy family-friendly Omaha magician Ryan Chandler as he performs at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Nov. 26 for the first of several dates. Chandler, who has appeared on television with magicians Penn and Teller, will perform at 3 p.m. at Kountze Memorial Theater. Other performances will be (all begin at 3 p.m. unless otherwise […]

First Day Hikes

Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors by participating in First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2023, at Nebraska’s state parks! Nebraska’s annual First Day Hikes are a chance to explore trails, watch wildlife, snap photos and create a lifetime of memories. This year, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages parkgoers to take […]

First Day Hike at Lake Ogallala SRA

Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area 1475 Hwy. 61 N., Ogallala, NE

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Lake Ogallala SRA! Meet at 8 a.m. at the Eagle Viewing Center for an easy, scenic 1.5 mile hike. Along the way, we'll keep an eye out for birds and wildlife! Remember to bring warm clothing, appropriate footwear and water bottles! Dogs are welcome […]

First Day Hike at Platte River State Park

Platte River State Park Louisville, NE

Start the new year off with a First Day Hike at Platte River State Park! Meet at 9 a.m. at the Walter Scott Lodge and join our Park Naturalists for a hike along the falls trail. Following the hike, warm up by the fireplace with hot cocoa or cider and Naturalists will have an activity […]

First Day Hike at Wagon Train State Recreation Area

Wagon Train State Recreation Area Hickman Rd, Lincoln, NE

Kick of 2023 with a First Day Hike at Wagon Train SRA! 9 a.m. - Meet at the RV campground Area 2.  We'll explore the Area 2 Trail and keep a lookout for birds and wildlife.  This will be an easy 1.5 mile hike. Remember to bring warm clothing, appropriate footwear and water bottles! Dogs […]

First Day Hike at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area 1020 V Road, Kearney, NE

Kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike at Fort Kearny SRA! Meet at 9 a.m. at the hike/bike trailhead. Dress for the weather, warm clothes and boots, water, and your dogs (must be on a 6 foot leash)! A Valid 2023 Park Entry Permit is required.

First Day Hike at Ponca State Park

Ponca State Park 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE

Start off your New Year's Day with a First Day Hike at Ponca State Park! Meet at the West Shelter in the park and join our park naturalist as we hike the Old Oak Trail looking for winter flora and fauna.  We will stop at the Old Oak Tree for photos. This is an easy […]

First Day Hike at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park

Rock Creek Station State Historical Park 57426 710 St, Fairbury, NE

Looking for an easy hike to get out and stretch those legs?  Meet at the Visitor Center at Rock Creek Station SHP for an easy one-mile guided history hike.  Walk a part of the Oregon-California Trail, as we learn interesting facts and dispel some myths about pioneer travel in the mid-1800s.  Follow wagon ruts along […]

First Day Hike at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area

Verdon Lake State Recreation Area 64530 712 Rd, Verdon, NE

Kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike at Verdon Lake SRA! Meet at the playground area at 10 a.m.  You'll be hiking the Lake Trail, an easy 1 mile hike with plenty of potential for bird activity! A snowball toss will take place after the walk (depending on the snowfall). Hot chocolate […]