Outdoors Challenge Returns with a Historical Twist
Spend your summer outdoors, soaking in Nebraska history. Take part in Your Parks Adventure: Trail Trek, an outdoors challenge that’s getting a historical twist this year, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Starting May 1, participants can explore historical trails and sites across Nebraska, logging their visits with selfies for a chance at prizes. This year, all 50 sites have a history theme, incorporating museums, state historical parks and other landmarks that speak to the state’s rich history.
In addition, six guided hikes are planned at select locations, with history guides presenting on their significance.
Nebraska state parks assistant administrator Bob Hanover is excited for people to dive into the different program locations. They reflect a range of Nebraska history, from pioneer travels to famous authors and historical figures, Native American history, military forts and even prehistoric animals fossilized at Ashfall Fossil Beds.
Hanover highlighted several lesser-known locations, such as the Oshkosh Historic Water Tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as Alkali Station in Ogallala and Engineer Cantonment Site near Omaha.
“Some of these places aren’t normally open to the public,” Hanover said. “We’re going to have the archaeologists who did a lot of the excavation work lead the guided tours.”
Another unique feature is the chance to complete two challenges at once. WanderNebraska, a statewide travel adventure program, is a partner for this year’s program.
WanderNebraska focuses on historical sites and offers a booklet that visitors can get stamped as they visit locations. Now, as you visit sites for Your Parks Adventure, your visits will automatically register for WanderNebraska, too, and its tiers of prizes.
Prizes for Your Parks Adventure include outdoor gear, Nebraskaland Magazine subscriptions, a two-night cabin stay and more, provided by sponsors and WanderNebraska. Winners’ names are drawn randomly, and the more sites you visit, the more your odds of winning improve.
Your Parks Adventure kicks off May 1 and runs through the end of September. Participants can register at any Trail Trek selfie station, either solo or in groups. Hanover encourages participants to bring their kids and even their dogs.
“It’s fun for everyone,” Hanover said. “There’s good prizes, there’s good fun, and it’s statewide. Do it as a family.”
To learn more and register, visit YourParksAdventure.com.; details on trail locations will go live May 1. Your Parks Adventure is hosted in partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks, WanderNebraska, Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District and Nebraska Recreation & Park Association.