August packed with fun events in northeast state parks

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s northeast state parks. During August, a variety of events are planned for those for all ages and interests.

Don’t forget to purchase a required vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Kayak cleanups scheduled at Willow Creek, Danish Alps SRAs

Wildlife and people need clean and healthy spaces to live and enjoy. Join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor educators at one of two lakes Aug. 1 for a night of service to local waters – removing trash from lakes while kayaking.

Lake cleanups will take place at Danish Alps State Recreation Area near Hubbard and Willow Creek SRA near Pierce.

Trash bags and gloves will be provided as leaders and volunteers clean up trash from 6-8 p.m. local time.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, but a limited number of kayaks will be available on a first-come basis. Registration is required.

For more information, including where to meet, and to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Living History Weekends at Fort Atkinson SHP

Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. Living History Weekends will occur twice in August.

The theme for the Aug. 3-4 Living History Weekend is “Preparing for the Arrival of the 1st Infantry.” Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors. Humanities Nebraska guest speaker Bill Hayes will present “George Shannon of Lewis & Clark.”

For the Aug. 31-Sept. 1 weekend, the theme will be “The Desertion of Musician Knight.” Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life from the Revolutionary War will occur throughout the park. The military timeline will focus on the Revolutionary War to present-day. Humanities Nebraska guest speaker Eric Krelle will present “Flag Raising at Iwa Jima.”

Living History events occur from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. the first weekend of each month between May and October.

The park will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $4 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, email ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov, call 402-468-5611 or visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/location/fort-atkinson/.

Full Moon Hike at Ponca State Park

Enjoy a guided hike under a full moon Aug. 19 with a Ponca State Park naturalist on the Corps of Discovery Trail.

Hikers will meet at 9:30 p.m. on the riverfront. This hike will last 45 minutes to an hour and may be canceled due to weather or staffing.

Call the park office at 402-755-2284 to confirm the schedule prior to arrival.

Fort Hartsuff to celebrate 150 years

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park near Burwell is celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the building of the fort with a special event Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

In September of 1874, U.S. military soldiers and hired civilian workers began construction on an infantry outpost on the edge of the Sandhills. Now, Fort Hartsuff’s original and reconstructed buildings stand as one of the most complete examples of forts from the Plains Indian Wars. With lime/concrete buildings, wide verandas, and white picket fences, Fort Hartsuff has been called one of the prettiest posts on the plains.

The celebration will include military and civilian reenactments and demonstrations, speakers, kids’ activities, food vendors and more. Call the park for more information at 308-346-4715.

Admission is $4 for ages 13 years and up and $1 for ages 3-12.