Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar
Game and Parks Events
Join us at the newly renovated James Family Conservatory & Nature Center at Mahoney State Park for a special reptile program over Memorial Day Weekend! Our park naturalists will have live reptile presentations at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. A valid park permit required for entry.
Join us at Platte River State Park to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend! May 25th: Beginner Fishing - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Owen Landing May 25th & 26th: Pond Critter Ecology - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Crawdad Creek The Nature Center will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a […]
Join us at Schramm Education Center to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend! We will have some fun and games set up on the front lawn of the Nature Center, including Backyard Bass, cornhole, antler ring toss and more.
Come to learn about Fly Fishing. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where a Community Fishing Event will be taking place. Avid Fly Fishing Angler will be set up near there to help you Discover Fly Fishing. There is no cost to attend and participate. This event is being held at Holmes Lake.
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Learn basic archery skills in a Becoming an Outdoors Woman three part series, May 8, 15, 22 & 29 at Platte River State Park. Workshop is open to ladies, over age 14 and are new to the BOW archery series program. Learn basic archery skills in a three part series Session 1: Wednesday, May 8, […]
Learn basic archery skills in a Becoming an Outdoors Woman three part series, May 8, 15, 22 & 29 at Platte River State Park. Workshop is open to ladies, over age 14 and are new to the BOW archery series program. Learn basic archery skills in a three part series Session 1: Wednesday, May 8, […]
The Range Safety Officer (RSO) course content consists of RSO's roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and range rules, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and Range Safety Briefings which include procedures to follow in the case of an emergency. To become a NRA Range Safety Officer, you must pass the RSO course and […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
DUE TO PREDICTED THUNDERSTORMS FOR THE DAY, EVENTS AFTER 3:30 HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. So what is a bioblitz anyway? A bioblitz can look several different ways, but essentially a bioblitz is an event where volunteers, community members, students, educators and plain ole nature nerds, work together to document as many wildlife species as we can, […]
NOTE: This is the OPTION A class. This is a full 6-hour classroom course. NOTE: $10 registration fee to be paid by cash or check at class. Pre-registration is required. Please bring a sack lunch, snack and a drink, or bring lunch money to purchase lunch from the marina.
Are you interested becoming a community scientist and helping conserve Nebraska’s rare, at-risk butterflies? Then the Nebraska Game and Parks Monarch and Regal Fritillary Survey may be for you! The Monarch and Regal Fritillary Survey is a community science project where volunteers help biologists document Monarch and Regal Fritillary Butterflies in Nebraska. This survey primarily […]
Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park! This weekend's theme will be "Other Voices Immersion". Living History events occur from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first weekend of each month between May and October. Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of […]
Take a step back in time this June and explore Rock Creek Station - a place where road ranches served pioneers along the Oregon-California Trail, Pony Express riders carried mail across the West, and Wild Bill Hickok began a legendary career as gunfighter! Pony Express demonstrations and a narration of the Hickok-McCandles incident will occur […]
Camp counselors are a key part of making the Outdoor Education Center's summer programs fun and memorable. This exciting new camp will provide specialty training for our camp crew for the summer season! Learn how to instruct a variety of outdoor activities: target archery, bowfishing, slingshot, tomahawk, atlatl, hiking, photography, survival, knot tying, outdoor cooking, […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 pm […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
Get ready to go birding by participating in the new Birds of a Feather program at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. This is a program for birders of all ages and levels. We introduce a different birding topic each session to begin the program. When weather permits, we […]
Wise and Wild is a program is designed for seniors (55 and up) who love the outdoors and want to enjoy time in the parks. We will share a variety of nature-related topics with activities indoors and out. Join us on your own or bring along friends of any age. These events will be held […]
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. Little Saplings, a monthly program designed for children ages 2 - 5 and their adult caregiver, […]
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. Little Saplings, a monthly program designed for children ages 2 - 5 and their adult caregiver, […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Environmental Educators—We need your valuable input! The Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan, our state's wildlife action plan, is in the process of being revised, and public comment is essential to make this plan for everyone. You're invited to attend a public meeting on June 6 at the Schramm Education Center in Gretna to give your feedback regarding […]
Environmental Educators—We need your valuable input! The Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan, our state's wildlife action plan, is in the process of being revised, and public comment is essential to make this plan for everyone. You're invited to attend a public meeting on June 6 at the Schramm Education Center in Gretna to give your feedback regarding […]
Why did the armadillo cross the road? To get to the shell station. Okay, so I promise the information will be better than the jokes. Although not native to Nebraska, the Nine-banded Armadillo has made its way north into Nebraska. These heavy-armored mammals are such an interesting species they deserve to have their own Science […]
Join us at Chadron State Park to celebrate its 103rd anniversary! Schedule: Friday, June 7th 5 - 10 p.m.: Food Vendors & Beer Garden Individual vendor's hours will vary 7 - 10 p.m.: Live Music Performed by Cheap Date Saturday, June 8th 8 a.m.: Run for the Hills - Registration: 7 A.M. - 7:45 A.M. […]
Join Nebraska Game & Parks and Nebraska Statewide Arboretum for this Wildflower Week event! Meet at the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Nature Center for the Plant Talk with Steve Rolfsmeier, director of the High Plains Herbarium at Chadron State College. Sunset hike (approximately 45 minutes) with Rolfsmeier, Game and Parks staff and NSA Horticulture […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
DATE Saturday, June 8, 2024 LOCATION Turpin Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N 44th St, Lincoln, NE 68504 This State Championship event is sanctioned by USA Archery as a 72-Arrow Outdoor Round and is eligible for Nebraska or Kansas State Championships. SCHEDULE Please start your check in at the outdoor registration tent to confirm your status. […]
Join us at Enders Reservoir SRA on Saturday, June 8 for Enders Outdoor Extravaganza! This year we are celebrating 50 years of hunters education. The event will take place at Area A Campground and will begin at 9 a.m. Mountain Time. Activities will include: • Activity trailer • Crime stoppers trailer • Corn hole • […]
Join us at Chadron State Park to celebrate its 103rd anniversary! Schedule: Friday, June 7th 5 - 10 p.m.: Food Vendors & Beer Garden Individual vendor's hours will vary 7 - 10 p.m.: Live Music Performed by Cheap Date Saturday, June 8th 8 a.m.: Run for the Hills - Registration: 7 A.M. - 7:45 A.M. […]
Due to low registration numbers this training has been canceled. Please visit www.nemasternaturalist.org for further information on our July and October training opportunities. Complete Training: This training format provides the required 60 hours of classroom content and field activities that allows you to achieve “Certified Nebraska Master Naturalist” status after participating in the full week […]
Camp counselors are a key part of making the Outdoor Education Center's summer programs fun and memorable. This exciting new camp will provide specialty training for our camp crew for the summer season! Learn how to instruct a variety of outdoor activities: target archery, bowfishing, slingshot, tomahawk, atlatl, hiking, photography, survival, knot tying, outdoor cooking, […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 pm […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Join us at Red Willow SRA for a Family Fun Night of kayaking! Instructors and volunteers will be there to guide and teach you everything you need to know. All equipment, including life jackets, will be provided. Feel free to bring your own life jacket if you prefer. Meet at the boat launching area near […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
UPDATE - This event has been rescheduled due to heat and wind advisories. Please join us June 26th at 6 p.m. at Holmes Lake. Wildlife need clean and healthy spaces to live and enjoy. And what’s good for wildlife is good for people too! We know our community believes in the need for healthy land […]
Tiger beetles encompass around 100 species in North America, and it just so happens that Nebraska houses one of the world’s rarest- the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle. These voracious predators may be small, but they are nothing to snub at. These insects are highly active and well-known for their quick running and agile flying abilities. […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
This basic USA Archery class is open to students who are new to JOAD and are looking for archery instruction before the next quarter of level 1 classes is available to new students. Explore Archery is a recommended prerequisite but not required. This class section is always open to new students and is prorated depending […]
Join us for Snake Storytime at 10am on Friday, June 14th. Ms. Monica with Nebraska Game and Parks will be here to read us a story, plus share a few live snakes you can find in Nebraska. All ages welcome! This event is co-hosted with Elleinad Books in Lincoln, NE.
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
NOTE: This is the OPTION A class. This is a full 6-hour classroom course. NOTE: $10 registration fee to be paid by cash or check at class. Pre-registration is required. Please bring a sack lunch, snack and a drink. NOTE: Please enter at the rear (east side) of the building.
Join us for National Marina Days on Saturday, June 15 at Lewis and Clark SRA! Activities will include yoga by the lake, fish cleaning demonstrations, hayrack rides, boat tours, and more! Event schedule: 9 a.m.: Yoga at the Lake 1 - 4 p.m.: Fish Cleaning Demonstrations Fishing Clinic Boat Tours Touch Tanks NPS Ranger Station […]
Celebrate Nebraska pollinators at the Schramm Pollinator Party! The Schramm Education Center will be hosting our annual Pollinator Party event on Saturday, June 15 in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Bee Lab, Nebraska Extension, the UNL Entomology Department, and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. This FREE event is taking place as part of a […]
Join us at Ponca State Park for our annual Father's Day Fish Fry! Enjoy naturalist-lead programs, 22 miles of hike/bike trails, wildlife viewing areas, fishing in the stocked pond or Missouri River, swimming at the Aquatic Center, history of the region displayed at the Resource and Education Center, and partake in the annual Fish Fry! […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 pm […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
Come to Rock Creek Station State Historical Park on June 18 for the 2024 Pony Express Re-Ride Exchange. Each June, the National Pony Express Association recreates the Pony Express in a commemorative re-ride. Letters are carried by horseback over the original trail stretching from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. The 1,966-mile, eight-state event is […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared towards homeschool families. Each month, families can join a naturalist for a guided hike on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area hiking trails. During the program, participants will ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. Participants will have […]
Not plant, not animal, not fungus…so what is it? It’s a slime mold. Slime Molds come in every color of the rainbow, except a true green and can form strange and sophisticated shapes. Some look like honeycomb lattices, and others resemble blackberries. And then you have the “dog vomit” slime mold, because, well…you get it. […]
Second Shots Pistol is designed to build on the handgun skills introduced in our FIRST SHOTS course. It's also a good refresher for those who are years out of practice. Students learn more about ammunition, loading a magazine, clearing a pistol and locking the slide back, and handling malfunctions. Plus, students get the practical experience […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
Enjoy a guided hike under a full moon with a Ponca State Park Naturalist on the Corps of Discovery Trail! Meet on the riverfront. Dates:May 23rd at 9:30 p.m.June 21st at 9:30 p.m.July 21st at 9:30 p.m.August 19th at 8:30 p.m. This hike will last 45 minutes to an hour and may be canceled due […]
Join Nebraska Game and Parks and Prairie Pines for a buzz-worthy event celebrating our pollinator pals! Discover the vital role that bees, butterflies, and more play in our ecosystem through interactive activities. From DIY bee baths to a pollinator bioblitz, there's something for all ages to enjoy. Learn how you can make a difference in […]
Learning how to prepare for adventures (expected or unexpected) without modern conveniences is a worthy challenge. This camp will teach participants essential skills that will come in handy when something doesn’t go according to plan, or might be particularly fun to try on a camping trip. Participants will gain knowledge useful for single day outdoor […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of archery FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro class or 'next-level' advice section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro section features a lesson and time on the archery range practicing with a bow each week. Class goes from 5:30 pm […]
Mondays in June, you are invited to join in an evening of firearm education FOR women, taught by women. Choose from a four-week intro pistol class or a 'next-level' weekly practice and skill-building section, depending on your comfort with the material. The intro class features a lesson and time on the firearm range practicing with a pistol […]
Registration for the Outdoor Education Center's Umbrella Match for handguns on June 25 -or- 29, 2024. This match will be offered on two dates - attend on whichever day works best for your schedule (Tuesday or Saturday). This is a three-match series open to pistols from all manufacturers. The course of fire will be the same as the […]
Environmental Educators—We need your valuable input! The Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan, our state’s wildlife action plan, is in the process of being revised, and public comment is essential to make this plan for everyone. You’re invited to attend a public meeting on June 25 at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research & Extension Center in Scottsbluff […]
Join us at Schramm Park State Recreation Area for a Round Raft Adventure! Round Rafts are the perfect watercraft for floating around in a pond. Look for the Round Raft Adventure trailer in the park area during the listed times. You must fit in a lifejacket to participate (sizes XXS to 4XL). View Venture Park […]
Environmental Educators—We need your valuable input! The Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan, our state’s wildlife action plan, is in the process of being revised, and public comment is essential to make this plan for everyone. You’re invited to attend a public meeting on June 26 at the UNL Extension Center in North Platte to give your feedback […]
Visit Fort Kearny State Historical Park on June 26 for a 1 p.m. to experience homesteading history on the plains! Schedule 1 p.m.: The first 75 people at the event will receive FREE Fairbury hot dogs, sourdough bread with jam, lemonade and cookies. 1:45 p.m.: John Hunt, author of "Secrets of the Sandhills", will speak […]
Wildlife need clean and healthy spaces to live and enjoy. And what’s good for wildlife is good for people too! We know our community believes in the need for healthy land and waters. Join Nebraska Game & Parks outdoor educators for a night of service to our local waters while kayaking! We will be providing […]
Milkweeds and Monarch butterflies, these two things go together like peanut butter and pickles…no really, they go great together. But anyway Milkweeds are perennial plants which get their name from their milky sap. They occur just about anywhere and are critical for the lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly. But, these butterflies aren’t the only insects […]
Take your first shots with us! The biggest challenge for new shooters is getting started. First Shots makes getting started in shooting very easy - and, thanks to NSSF partnership*, it's only $10! At a First Shots seminar, you'll receive: -An educational introduction to the safe and recreational use of firearms -Individual and group training […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Environmental Educators—We need your valuable input! The Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan, our state’s wildlife action plan, is in the process of being revised, and public comment is essential to make this plan for everyone. You’re invited to attend a public meeting on June 28 at the Hastings Museum to give your feedback regarding the education section […]
Join us at Schramm Education Center for Nature at Nightfall! Nature at Nightfall is an evening celebration of nature that is made possible thanks to many valued partners. Meet live animals, view the night sky, go on a night hike, observe bat netting science, discover moths, find pond critters and more! At arrival, look for […]
Our recreational archery club is open to participants who have previously been enrolled in JOAD at the intermediate level OR have achieved the listed prerequisites. There will be no formal archery lesson or achievements for this section - archers are able to come and work at their own pace and can request guidance if desired. […]
Registration for the Outdoor Education Center's Umbrella Match for handguns on June 25 -or- 29, 2024. This match will be offered on two dates - attend on whichever day works best for your schedule (Tuesday or Saturday). This is a three-match series open to pistols from all manufacturers. The course of fire will be the same as the […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Join us at E.T. Mahoney State Park for Mudville! Yes, you’ll get muddy and should definitely pack a change of clothes. Join us at the Outdoor Pavilion for excitement, education and mud! Make mud pies & mud art, dig in dirt and discover our slip & slide with a very muddy twist! Dress for a […]
Join us on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day at Fort Robinson State Park! July 2-4: Enjoy the 51st Western and Wildlife Art Show. Open at 9 a.m. at the Fort Robinson Veterinary Hospital. July 3: Children's Wall of Art Contest from 10 a.m. - noon. This popular art contest is for children ages 2 […]
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. Little Saplings, a monthly program designed for children ages 2 - 5 and their adult caregiver, […]
Do you have a little one who loves animals, nature, and the outdoors? Are you looking for opportunities to explore the outdoors together with your children? Join us for Little Saplings, Schramm Education Center’s early childhood nature discovery program. Little Saplings, a monthly program designed for children ages 2 - 5 and their adult caregiver, […]
In celebration of America, and honoring our local veterans, Arbor Lodge is hosting a patriotic quilt display during from June 24 - August 14, 2024. Visitors are welcome to view the displays any time during open hours, Tuesdays-Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The display includes over 25 Quilts of Valor and other quilted […]
Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, events will be held at venues across the state. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished […]
Travel 200 years back in time to celebrate Independence Day weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park! Visitors will be able to glimpse the holiday activities that would have taken place at this 1820s era outpost. Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, […]
Join us the weekend of July 6 & 7 at Fort Robinson State Park to witness living history with Buffalo Soldiers of the American West! African-American soldiers of the Ninth and Tenth cavalry regiments (called “buffalo soldiers” by the Plains Indians) garrisoned Fort Robinson for eighteen years and played an important role in northwestern Nebraska's history. A […]