Nebraska Outdoor Calendar

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 […]

First Day Hike at Sherman State Recreation Area

Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area 79025 Sherman Dam Rd, Ste 1, Loup City, NE

Explore the Redwood Trail at Sherman Reservoir SRA at 10am meeting at the Trail Head parking area at Redwood Area for a moderate 1.95 mile hike.  explore park trail, potential for bird and wildlife viewing along with an opportunity for sledding if snow is present.  Hot cider and donuts will be provided. Bring a warm […]

First Day Hike at Ash Hollow State Historical Park

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

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Ash Hollow! 10 a.m. - Meet at the Ash Hollow Visitor Center area for this easy 3/4 mile hike on the Oregon / cliff trail. Our hiking guide will provide historical information about the park and Oregon Trail as you exlpore. Following the hike, […]

First Day Hike at Johnson Lake SRA

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

Start the year off with a First Day Hike at Johnson Lake SRA! Meet outside the park office by 10 a.m. in the main parking lot. This fun, easy hike will be a little over a mile on Roper Trail. The hiking trail is paved and accessible for wheelchairs. Keep an eye out for migratory […]

First Day Hike at Schramm Education Center

Schramm Education Center 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at Schramm Education Center! Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Education Center and join the Schramm Park Naturalists for a short hike along our Catalpa Trail or head down to Schramm Park SRA for a longer hike. We'll have warm beverages and an art activity […]