Nebraska Outdoor Calendar

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 next to the red tower and join our Park Naturalists for a hike to Stone Creek Falls. Following the hike, warm up by the fireplace with hot cocoa, coffee and donut […]

First Day Hike at Ponca State Park

Ponca State Park 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE

Join us to celebrate the new year by exploring the Old Oak Trail at Ponca State Park! We will meet at the West Shelter for an easy/moderate 1.25-mile hike. Hot cocoa, cookies and a warm fire will be available after the hike. You may want to bring a water bottle, snack, camera, Bird ID book, […]

First Day Hike at Fort Hartsuff

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park 82034 Fort Ave., Burwell, NE

Want to get outside on a First Day Hike, but don’t feel like hiking a long trail? Come explore Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park and take a self-guided tour. Stroll the path around the parade ground, explore a few historical buildings and imagine what a New Year’s Day might have been like 150 years ago! […]

First Day Hike at Fort Kearny SRA

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

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Fort Kearney SRA! Visitors will see nature and learn about the history of the park on this easy, 1.8-mile paved trek to and from the South Railroad Bridge. Dress for the weather and remember to bring snacks and water! Dogs are allowed on a […]

First Day Hike at Indian Cave State Park

Indian Cave State Park 65296 720 Rd, Shubert, NE

Join to us to celebrate the new year by exploring Indian Cave State Park on New Year's Day! Meet at 10 a.m. CT at trailhead #7. The trail we'll be hiking is a just over half a mile and is relatively flat and kid-friendly. Dress for weather conditions and bring bottled water and binoculars if […]

First Day Hike at Chadron State Park

Chadron State Park 15951 Highway 385, Chadron, NE

Kick off the new year with a first day hike at beautiful Chadron State Park! Join us exploring 2.5 miles of the Cabin Trail, which loops through the center of the park and follows the buttes. The trail is mostly flat, but expect a couple of steep inclines. The Cabin Loop Road will be an […]

First Day Hike at Ash Hollow SHP

Ash Hollow State Historical Park 4055 US-26, Lewellen, NE

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Ash Hollow State Historical Park! Meet at the Overlook Trailhead parking lot on the West side of HWY 26 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time. The hike offers a sweeping and scenic view of the North Platte River Valley. This hike is approximately one mile […]

First Day Hike at Johnson Lake SRA

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area 1 Drive 25A, Elwood, NE

Join us for a First Day Hike at Johnson Lake SRA! Enjoy the winter scenery and wildlife along the Roper Section Trail along Johnson Lake on this 1 to 2 mile, easy hike on a paved, accessible trail. Bring your warm clothing, cameras and binoculars! Dogs are allowed on a six-foot leash. Bottled water and […]

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 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the Eagle Viewing Station for an scenic 3.5 mile, out-and-back hike on flat gravel. Along the way, we'll keep an eye out for birds and wildlife. Hot beverages will also be served, along with […]

First Day Hike at Windmill SRA

Windmill SRA - Buffalo County Gibbon, NE

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Windmill SRA! Meet at the Waupans Trail Head (Lake #1 Loop) for a 1.5-mile, easy hike on a grass-mowed trail. Be on the lookout for birds and winter wildlife. Remember water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing! Dogs are allowed on a six-foot leash. A valid […]

First Day Hike at Schramm Park

Schramm Park State Recreation Area 21502 W. Highway 31, Gretna, NE

Start off your new year in Nebraska's great outdoors with a First Day Hike at Schramm Park SRA! Meet at the Schramm Education Center at 10:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. Choose which hike works best for you: a short hike along our Catalpa Trail with flatter terrain, or a longer hike at Schramm Park […]

First Day Trail Ride at Branched Oak SRA

Branched Oak State Recreation Area 12000 West Branched Oak Rd., Raymond, NE

Saddle up for the first horseback ride of the year at Branched Oak SRA! Horses (not provided - must bring your own) and their riders will meet in Area #2. The ride will be about 4 to 5 miles on grass and trails that range from flat to hilly. There is water on site for […]