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Schramm Education Center

Schramm Education Center is a state-of-the-art educational center that allows visitors to learn about Nebraska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through unique, interactive exhibits. Visitors can also access the ponds, nature trails and historic fish hatchery at Schramm Park, located directly east of the facility. The center, formerly known as the Aksarben Aquarium, was renovated and expanded in 2019.

Plan your visit

The Schramm Education Center is open year-round.

Live animals
  • Aquariums feature Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats: cool water streams, rivers, reservoirs and farm ponds.
  • Six tanks feature Nebraska’s smaller, lesser-known fish species.
  • 17 live animal tanks feature Nebraska’s reptile and amphibian species.
Virtual reality experience
  • Ride a stationary mountain bike along our virtual reality trails.
Interactive activities
  • Digital topographical map
  • Interactive wayfinding maps
  • Touchscreens focusing on the species of the area
Educational areas
  • Bird-watching area
  • Maker’s space
  • Reading nook
  • Preschool play area
Venture Parks Programming

Nebraska’s Venture Parks, which includes Schramm Education Center, host free monthly programs and special events.

The Venture Park Naturalist Team is stationed throughout the four Venture Parks to provide learning opportunities for our guests. Naturalists are people who love the outdoors and are passionate about discovering, exploring and sharing the joys of nature with you. It is our goal to inspire appreciation and knowledge of natural and cultural resources while promoting greater understanding, support for and participation in conservation and outdoor recreation.

Little Saplings

This monthly program, designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their adult caregiver, will bring nature themes to life for your child through story time, sensory activities, crafts, and outdoor exploration! The program takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. and 10 – 11 a.m.

Cost to participate: $4 per child, $5 per adult, family pass members participate free. No advance registration required. Cost includes admission to the Education Center after the program.

Homeschool Hikes

Join a naturalist for a guided hike with other homeschool families once a month. Each month we will focus on a different topic as we hike in the forest. We encourage families to RSVP in advance through our Google Form.

Cost to participate: $4 per child, $5 per adult, family pass members participate free. Cost includes admission to the Education Center after the program.

Hours
  • Education Center open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
  • Permit office open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Admission
  • Age 13 and up: $10
  • Age 4-12: $7
  • Age 60 and up: $7
  • Age 3 and under: Free
Pass Details
  • Cost: $100
  • Valid for one year through the month of purchase
  • Pass must be purchased in person at Schramm Education Center
  • Covers unlimited entry for one adult bearer, one additional adult, and any children living in the same household
  • At least one adult cardholder must be present and provide identification to use the pass
  • Additional family members/visitors exceeding the 2 adults and children in the same household will need to pay full admission
  • Family pass is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Misuse may result in forfeiture. Prices and benefits of family pass are subject to change.

Field trips, group visits and rentals

Schramm Education Center offers a full range of field trip programs for a variety of groups and audiences. From school field trips with curriculum aligned to state science standards to naturalist programs that allow you to explore nature and outdoor skills, our programming offers immersive experiences indoors and out.

Field trips are taught by dedicated education staff trained in science, environmental and outdoor education. You can also opt to schedule self-guided exploration time in the Schramm Education Center and Schramm Park State Recreation Area with your group.

Looking for a place to hold an event? Our classroom is also available for rental! From birthday parties to meetings, family reunions, and baby showers, your guests can enjoy your event while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature at Schramm Park.

How to reserve

To schedule a field trip, group visit or facility rental, contact us in one of the following ways:

Close-up of big snapping turtle in the tank at Schramm Education Center.

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Schramm Education Center

21502 West Highway 31
Gretna, NE 68028

Park Pricing

A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.