Nebraska Outdoor Calendar

  • Plant Talk & Guided Sunset Wildflower Hike at Wildcat Hills

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

    Join us at the Nature Center for an evening of discovery in the Wildcat Hills! The program begins with a Plant Talk by Bob Henrickson, Horticulture Coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Learn about native and regional plants—their beauty, benefits, and role in our local ecosystems. Following the presentation, enjoy a guided sunset hike (approximately […]

  • Wildflowers in Watercolor

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

    Join us for a peaceful morning of watercolor painting inspired by Nebraska’s beautiful native wildflowers! Learn about the plants that color our prairies while creating your own prairie-inspired masterpiece to take home. 🖌️ All materials provided ☕ Light refreshments served 💵 Just $5 per person 📞 Call 308-436-3777 to reserve your spot—space is limited! Perfect for […]

    $5
  • Plant Power: How Plants Shaped the Prairie

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

    Discover how plants helped people survive, build, and thrive on the plains. From Indigenous knowledge to pioneer survival skills, you’ll explore how plants were used for food, medicine, shelter, tools—and more. Includes a guided hike to see real native plants in the Wildcat Hills! What to Bring:• Sturdy shoes• Water• Sunscreen & bug spray• Weather-appropriate […]

  • Bighorn Sheep Hike

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

    Track one of Nebraska’s most iconic cliff-climbers—the elusive Bighorn Sheep! Join us for a guided hike through the Wildcat Hills as we search for these mysterious—and hard-headed—animals. While bighorn sightings aren’t guaranteed, the adventure definitely is! We will carpool to the best location for bighorn viewing, which may involve a longer hike depending on their whereabouts. […]

  • Creatures of the Night: Bats

    Fort Robinson State Park Crawford, NE
    Parks

    Discover the creatures that go bump in the night at Fort Robinson State Park! Join us for a family-friendly evening exploring the fascinating world of bats—some of the most mysterious and misunderstood animals in the natural world. Get an up-close look at these secretive nocturnal creatures and learn about the important roles they play in […]

  • Wheels in the Wild: Bicycle Show & Ride

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

    Bring your favorite set of wheels—vintage cruisers, rugged trail bikes, colorful kids’ bikes, or anything in between—for our first-ever Bicycle Show at The Wildcat Hills! We’ll kick off the morning with a bicycle safety workshop, followed by a chance to show off your ride in a fun, casual show with mini awards for: Best Decorated […]

  • Night Sky Viewing at Wildcat Hills

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

    Join us for an evening at Wildcat Hills SRA to observe the Perseid Meteor shower. We'll have a high-powered telescope set up for incredible views of the night sky—including stars, planets, and maybe even a shooting star or two. This program will take place at the back loop of the park. Bring along a blanket […]

  • Chadron State Park Bioblitz

    Chadron State Park Bioblitz
    Chadron State Park 15951 Highway 385, Chadron, NE
    Parks

    Discover Biodiversity at Chadron State Park! Join natural resource experts and community volunteers as we explore the incredible biodiversity of Chadron State Park! This free, family-friendly event is part of Biodiversity in State Parks, a community science initiative led by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. A valid 2025 Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required. […]

  • Wildcat Hills Homeschool

    Wildcat Hills Homeschool
    Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 210615 NE-71, Gering, NE
    Wildlife Education

    The Wildcat Hills homeschool programs will meet once a month at 10 a.m. MT at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that will showcase a different theme; focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations, and habitats found only in western Nebraska. Activities will focus hands-on learning and observations, targeted to […]

  • Birds, Bagels & Birdability Outing

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

    Join us for a welcoming and inclusive morning of birding, breakfast, and fun at the Wildcat Hills! Whether you're a seasoned birder or brand new to the flock, this Birdability event is designed with accessibility in mind, offering two ways to participate: Indoor Birding Experience – Enjoy accessible indoor bird viewing with comfortable seating and great views of […]

  • Wildcat Hills Homeschool

    Wildcat Hills Homeschool
    Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 210615 NE-71, Gering, NE
    Wildlife Education

    The Wildcat Hills homeschool programs will meet once a month at 10 a.m. MT at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that will showcase a different theme; focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations, and habitats found only in western Nebraska. Activities will focus hands-on learning and observations, targeted to […]

  • Howl in the Hills Night Hike

    Howl in the Hills Night Hike
    Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area 210615 NE-71, Gering, NE
    Parks

    Step into the mysterious world of the Wildcat Hills after dark during our Howl in the Hills Night Hike! As twilight falls, join us for a guided hike (just over half a mile long) through rugged terrain where night sounds come alive, shadows dance, and your senses take the lead. Whoooo might we hear? What […]