Parks

Boaters planning to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday weekend at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas will find ramps available at select locations. The available boat ramps at McConaughy will be: Lemoyne low water, Martin Bay low water and Burma Road/Diver’s Bay. Two boat ramps will be open at Lake Ogallala. As of June 27, Lake McConaughy’s level was at 3,236.1 feet. That’s nearly a foot lower than a week ago, 7.1 feet lower than a month …

The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health, raised more than $8,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails. The donation triggers access to up to $32,000 in matching federal Recreation Trails Program funds. Event organizers, Shannon and Tim Vanderheiden, Tyler’s parents, and Trudy Merritt of Platte River Fitness Series, presented a check to Game and Parks on June 22 at Platte River State Park. “Because of their generous donation, …

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s state parks. During July, a variety of events are planned for those interested in history, conservation, nature and just having a good time. Here are several examples: Fort Atkinson to host Living History July 2-3 Travel 200 years back in time and experience living history weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on July 2-3. On both days, Donald Hickey, a historian of the War of 1812, will present the history of the …

Enjoy music, barbecue and many hands-on activities at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area on June 25. The free daylong event will be near Area A Campground off Highway 61. All activities, craft and food vendors will be within walking distance of each other. Campground A will be closed to the public June 23-26, but other campgrounds are open for those wishing to camp. The lineup (all times MDT): A 5K run starts at 8 a.m. with registration at 7 a.m. …

By Renae Blum Looking for a place to go fishing with the family? Nebraska Game and Parks has identified dozens of public fishing waters across the state that are perfect for families – known as Family Friendly Lakes. These sites are safe, comfortable and have great fish-catching potential. They also have a combination of barrier-free fishing piers, fishing trails, groomed park areas, concessions, playgrounds, picnic areas and highly maintained fish populations. Here are several Family Friendly Lakes to put on …

Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas are fully booked from July 1-5 for overnight campgrounds, including beach campsites. Overnight visitors interested in visiting the two western Nebraska reservoirs for the upcoming holiday are encouraged to find alternative lodging. Find local community hotels, vacation homes by rental, cabins and private campgrounds at ILoveLakeMac.com. Visitors should check availability at private overnight accommodations. Day-use activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and bird watching remain available with no capacity limits. …

Join Fort Kearny State Historical Park for an afternoon of free cowboy fun from 2 to 4 p.m. June 28 at 1020 V Road, Kearney. The event will feature Miss V, the traveling cowbelle; Dan Melton, cowboy; Bob Lamberson, storyteller; and Lyle Henderson former cowboy and owner of the Platte Valley Saddle Shop. Free “old time” root beer and sarsaparilla will be served. Reenactors also will be at the park to discuss life as a soldier during the fort’s early …

Join the National Marina Days festivities June 18 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton. Activities will include a sand castle building tournament, yoga by the lake, hayrack rides, boat tours, kayaking, a fish fry and more. Get a map of the park and the complete schedule of events at the park office. A vehicle park entry permit is required. Get one in advance at OutdoorNebraska.org. Event Schedule 9 a.m. Yoga by the Lake: Bring a yoga mat or towel …

As summer begins to heat up, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would like to remind those enjoying water-based recreation to follow these safety reminders. Never swim alone — Always swim with a buddy. Pay attention — Avoid distractions and focus on those you are swimming with and the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children, according to the American Red Cross, and drownings can happen in seconds, as well as in shallow waters. Staying watchful — even of …

Visit Nebraska parks, engage in healthy recreation — and possibly win prizes — by joining the 2022 Great Park Pursuit, an exploration of 20 official parks sites across the state. The free program encourages participants to visit the designated community, regional, state and federal parks between now and Oct. 31, 2022. Participants must register at negpp.org. Teams of up to 10 people register to participate online, then follow clues from the website or Great Park Pursuit mobile app to find a program …