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Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in November

Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Enjoy Candlelight Tour at Fort Atkinson Nov. 2

Come to the Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on Nov. 2 for the Fort Atkinson Candlelight Tour.

Each stop along the way will reveal another part of the evening’s theme, “The Election of 1824 and the Return of General Henry Atkinson.”

This walking tour among the historic buildings and around the grounds of the park at Fort Calhoun will take approximately 1½ hours.

Reservations for this event, from 6-9 p.m., are required and can be made by visiting the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov or calling 402-203-8046 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Non-refundable payments must be received within seven days to confirm reservations.

Proceeds will help support the Living History Program at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $15 for ages 12 and under.

Flash photography, flashlights and pets are not allowed.

Platte River State Park to host Veterans Appreciation Day

Nov. 9 is Veterans Appreciation Day at Platte River State Park’s Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the first 50 visitors with any military ID will receive a token for one free shooting activity. Instructors will be available for the following activities: trap shooting, .22 rifles, pellet guns, archery, tomahawks and slingshots.

Families are invited. Naturalists will be on hand for outdoor learning activities.

Black Friday hike at Platte River State Park

Instead of shopping on Black Friday, spend the day after Thanksgiving outdoors on a free, guided hike at Platte River State Park. Meet at the Waterfall Trailhead parking lot at 10 a.m. Nov. 29.

A naturalist will lead the 2-mile hike, stopping to share some of his favorite fascinating finds along the way. The hike will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes and follow the Waterfall Trail, which is considered moderately challenging. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

To access the parking lot, visitors should turn left after they enter the park, then turn into the first parking lot on the right.

Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Call ahead to the park at 402-234-2217 if local weather advisories are in effect.


About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

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