Parks

It’s been a hot, dry summer, and boaters visiting Lake Minatare and Box Butte state recreation areas may find launching and loading boats to be a challenge in coming weeks. Because of low water levels, the docks have reached the end of their track systems, making them unusable until the water rises sometime after irrigation season. Dan Thornton, Lake Minatare superintendent, said the dock there is expected to be completely out of the water before the coming weekend. “There isn’t …

Hunters are reminded Nebraska’s state recreation areas are closed to hunting until Sept. 6. Several hunting seasons open in early September, including archery deer, dove, grouse and other small game and furbearer seasons on Sept. 1. Early teal opens Sept. 3 and fall turkey on Sept. 15. Regulations state that portions of some SRAs are open to hunting from the first Tuesday following Labor Day – this year is Tuesday, Sept. 6 – through the end of the spring turkey …

The floating playground at Louisville State Recreation Area will not reopen for the season after the inflatables sustained damage during an incident in mid-August. Eight of the playground’s 70 floating pieces were damaged Aug. 11 and became partially submerged. During inspections and repair of that damage, additional damage requiring repairs was discovered. Out of concern for public safety, and due to the time required to make repairs, the floating playground will not reopen this season. The Nebraska Game and Parks …

Declining water levels at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine has provided the opportunity for additional upgrades to the main ramp area. The work will result in temporary closure of the ramp. Upgrades include extending the concrete boat ramp to accommodate safe low-water elevation launching, installing a new dock and rail system, and extending the breakwater off Willow Cove to protect the ramp area. Construction will take place over the next few weeks, weather and water-level depending.  The Beeds …

Blending recreation and conservation By Grace Gaard, Outdoor Educator When we think of kayaking, we might picture paddling on a waterway, and that’s where it stops. But I always had this feeling that kayaks had more potential than paddling alone. That magic we experience on the water can be hard to put a label on, and the word “conservation” can seem a bit complicated, like something people can’t relate to because it’s so scientific. Recently, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission …

By Renae Blum/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Nebraska’s state parks hold a wealth of history that can be discovered by walking a few of the trails tied to the past. Here are our top suggestions for parks to visit when you’re ready for a good stroll that allows you to explore — and experience — Nebraska history. Ash Hollow State Historical Park A major stopover on the Oregon and California pioneer trails, Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen has …

Join us at Nebraska’s Venture Parks in southeast Nebraska for a variety of educational opportunities this fall. Daily programs are planned throughout the week in September; for more information, visit Schramm Education Center on Facebook. Our event highlights include: Celebrate hatch day of world’s largest common snapping turtle Visit Schramm Education Center in Gretna in September to help celebrate the hatch day of the world’s largest common snapping turtle, Big Snap Daddy. The turtle is estimated to be 93 years …

The melodrama “Ghost of a Chance” opens at the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre in Eugene T. Mahoney State Park at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26. The play, which runs through Oct. 23, tells the story of a banker with a heart of stone and his quest for the beautiful young May. Find out if May can be saved, or if she only has a “ghost of a chance.” Find the schedule at Melodrama.net or Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Ticket prices are …

The public is invited to explore the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge and help catalog the species found there during the Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Sept. 9-10. The free, family-friendly event will join members of the public with natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at the park. Then, participants will work to identify as many plants and animals as possible during the event. “This is a great way for folks of all …

Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month at the range by participating in a steel plate shooting challenge Aug. 27 at Platte River State Park near Louisville. The competition will be 9 to 11 a.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex. Cost is  $15 to compete, and participants must be 16 years old or older. Register at register-ed.com/events/view/186202. The competition is based on accuracy and speed combined to shoot five targets using .22 handguns or rifles. All equipment will be …