Enjoy events in state parks this May
Spend some time this spring in Nebraska’s state parks. During May, a variety of events are planned for those of all ages and interests.
Don’t forget to purchase a Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
May 16, however, is the one day this year when a park entry permit is not required. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect. Activities are planned at several parks for May 16.
Sip Nebraska returning to Mahoney SP
The 13th Annual Sip Nebraska Festival is returning to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on May 8 and 9.
Sip Nebraska is an opportunity to explore and enjoy wineries, breweries and distilleries from across Nebraska. Enjoy unlimited tastings, live music, shop artisan vendors, take a tour through food truck alley, play lawn games, and ride the trolley to enjoy the park.
Visit the calendar event at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets or get more information.
To reserve cabins, lodge rooms, and campsites at Mahoney, call 402-882-2448.
Stargazing the dark sky at Merritt Reservoir
Enjoy the night sky of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area on May 9. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2022, Merritt is a prime location for stargazing.
From 8:30-11 p.m., rangers from the Niobrara National Scenic River and members of the Platte Valley Astronomical Observers will lead a program and guide participants through the night sky at this uniquely dark location. There will be several telescopes to use.
Bring layers and blankets, if needed. A red covering over a flashlight to protect your night vision also is recommended.
Cloudy or windy conditions will reschedule this event for May 8. Check this calendar event at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov or check with the park office for updates.
Hammer’s Hill Exhibit Dedication
Visit Rock Creek Station State Historical Park on May 16 for the dedication of a new exhibit at the Visitor Center Museum – a collection of prehistoric Native American artifacts discovered in Jefferson County.
This exhibit tells the story of the Hammer’s Hill cache, stone tools that are rare to find intact and provide a special glimpse into the life of the early indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.
An open house will be held from 1-4 p.m. Former Nebraska state archeologist Rob Bozell and Doug Kapke, one of the original discoverers of the cache, will speak on the significance of the find and how the items were found and cared for over the years.
This event is free and open to the public.
Visit the calendar event at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.
Death on the Plains: 1876 at Fort Hartsuff
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park continues its 150th anniversary with a commemoration of the 1876 Battle of the Blowout and honors for a fallen soldier. The fort will host reenactments, presentations and living history on May 16 and 17.
Several presentations are scheduled for May 16. The next day, there will be a Battle of the Blowout narration, eulogy for Sgt. William H. Dougherty, and funeral procession around the parade ground.
Historical buildings and the gift shop open will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
May 16 is Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, but museum admission fees still apply.
Arbor Lodge celebrates Memorial Day
While many countries have their own days of remembrance, Memorial Day is an American holiday. Arbor Lodge honors fallen American service men and women with a Memorial Day display May 17-31.
Learn the history of Memorial Day and its early beginnings as Remembrance Day. Guests also will enjoy a display of historic flags and patriotic items from within the Arbor Lodge Collection.
Local historian Amanda VanderBroek will present “A Boy in Years, A Man in Deeds: Stories from Researching WWI Fatalities of Otoe County” at 11:30 a.m. May 23 in the sunroom.
The event is included with Arbor Lodge Mansion admission. Visit the calendar event at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets. Call 402-873-7222 for more information.
Full Moon Hike at Ponca State Park
Join Ponca State Park naturalists on the Corps of Discovery Trail to watch the moon rise May 31.
Meet at the Riverfront Playground at 9:45 p.m. for a guided hike of approximately one hour along the beautiful, wooded trails. The hike will include some steep inclines and is considered moderately challenging. Hikers are encouraged to bring water and snacks.
Handheld flashlights will be provided, but guests may bring their own.
The hike may be cancelled due to weather or staffing. Call the park office at 402-755-2284 to confirm.