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Enjoy Valentine’s specials at state parks

a lodge faces a lake in a snowy landscape
Mini-lodges are one option for guests looking to stay at Ponca State Park during the Birds and Breakfast event. Jeff Kurrus/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Whether it’s a nice Valentine’s Day dinner or a cozy stay in a warm cabin, you can find them in February in Nebraska’s state parks.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter Nebraska Game and Parks state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Enjoy a Valentine’s getaway at Niobrara SP

Niobrara State Park will host a special Valentine’s getaway Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16.

During their two-night-minimum stay, guests can get a 30% discount on lodging, with early check-in and late check-out. They also will get a complimentary package from more than a dozen local businesses.

Call the park at 402-857-3373 to make reservations.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day cabin getaway at Lewis and Clark

Reserve a lake-view cabin for a minimum two-night stay at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area on Feb. 7-9 or 14-16 and get a 30% discount.

A Sweetheart Package can be added on for $35. This includes early check-in and late check-out, waived pet fee, beverages, snacks, flowers, sweet treats, wine glasses and more.

Reserve your stay by calling the park office at 402-388-4169.

Birds and Breakfast set for two weekends at Ponca SP

Ponca State Park’s Birds and Breakfast, a two-weekend, two-night getaway package focused on the Great Backyard Bird Count and Valentine’s Day, is for lovers and bird lovers. It is scheduled for Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16.

Guests receive a 30% lodging discount, complimentary bottle of wine or cider in their cabins, and hot breakfast in the Resource and Education Center.

Expert birders with the Loess Hills Audubon Society and Bluebirds across Nebraska will assist Ponca naturalists with birding programs throughout the day. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there will be plenty to learn and do for all ages.

For more details and to reserve your spot, contact the park at 402-755-2284 or at ngpc.ponca@nebraska.gov.

Platte River SP hosting Valentine’s Day dinner, brunch

Visit scenic Platte River State Park for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or brunch at the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge and Restaurant.

On Feb. 14, guests can enjoy a dinner from 4-9 p.m. featuring choices of steak, chicken, fish, appetizers, a salad bar and more. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to see the menu. To make reservations, call 402-234-2217.

A Valentine’s weekend brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 15. The menu includes egg casserole, French toast, biscuits, mashed potatoes and more, as well as a salad bar and desserts. View the full menu and prices at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. The brunch is walk-in only; no reservations will be accepted.

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day meal at Mahoney SP

Bring your loved ones to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, for a fantastic meal at Carl’s Restaurant.

The park restaurant, located in Peter Kiewit Lodge, will offer entrees including steak, salmon, chicken, shrimp and sea bass from 4 to 9 p.m. View the menu at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov and make reservations by calling 402-521-5711, ext. 6.

Mahoney SP will host Valentine’s special

Reserve a select cabin or lodge room Feb. 14-15 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The two-bedroom cabins are $180-200 before tax, and the lodge rooms are $100-120 before tax. For another $55, get the optional Valentine’s Package. Contact Group Functions at 402-944-2901 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily to make a reservation.

The Valentine’s Package includes an embroidered travel tote, sparkling juice, two wine glasses, Baker’s chocolates, specialty popcorn, raffle tickets for prizes, tickets to activities and a 2025 Nebraskaland calendar.

Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to see more details and activities.


About Renae Blum

Renae Blum is a writer and copy editor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraskaland Magazine.

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