Get out to Nebraska’s state parks this May

Spring soon will turn to summer. Get outdoors and spend some time in Nebraska’s state parks this May. A variety of events are planned for those for all ages and interests.

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

Saddle up for Enders Trail Ride

Saddle up your horse join the annual Enders Trail Ride on May 4 at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area.

The two-hour ride, which will begin at Church Grove at 9 a.m., will give riders views of wildlife and beautiful scenery from the beach and through the wooded areas of the SRA.

This free ride is for novice to advanced riders who bring their own horses. Camping is available, with applicable fees, but there are no equestrian pens at the SRA.

Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson SHP

Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park with Living History Weekend on May 4-5.

From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, 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.

A fee of $4 per adult and $1 per child is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center.

For more information, contact the park at ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov, 402-468-5611 or visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.”

Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is May 11

Spend a fun day outside learning a new skill at the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo on May 11. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area will host the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is a full day of free, hands-on outdoor activities for all ages and experience levels. Volunteers and experts will provide instruction so participants can try activities new to them and possibly use newly learned skills to become more active in the outdoors.

Those who attend can try fishing, archery, kayaking, backyard games and outdoor cooking, among other activities. They can also see, touch and learn more about Nebraska fish and wildlife species from wildlife biologists.

For more information, visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Sip Nebraska is May 10-11 at Mahoney SP

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park will host the 11th annual Sip Nebraska Festival on May 10-11.

Explore and enjoy wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across Nebraska, with unlimited tastings of wine, craft beer, hard cider, and spirits. If you find a favorite, you can purchase a glass to savor on-site, or even a bottle or 6-pack to take home and share with friends and family.

Enjoy live music while you sip and shop curated artisan vendors, take a tour through food truck alley, play lawn games, and ride the trolley to enjoy the springtime atmosphere at the park.

For more information on prices and to buy tickets, visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Red Willow SRA Bioblitz is May 25

Take part in an all-day community science project by participating in the Red Willow State Recreation Area Bioblitz on May 25.

Wildlife biologists will show the species they study and answer questions about their careers. This is a great chance for people of all ages to learn about community science and participate in Nebraska’s conservation efforts.

A bioblitz focuses on finding and identifying as many different types of plants and wildlife as possible in a specific area over a specific period. Most bioblitzes have a public component so anyone interested can join experts and scientists in the field. Participating in these interactive events is a fun and exciting way for people to learn about Nebraska nature and better understand how to protect it.

For more information, including the schedule, visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at Platte River SP

Spend Memorial Day Weekend at Platte River State Park with activities May 25-26.

Beginner Fishing will be 9 a.m. to noon. May 25 at Owen Landing.

Pond Critter Ecology will be from 1 to 3 p.m. May 25 at Crawdad Creek and from 9 a.m. to noon May 26 at Owen Landing.

The Nature Center will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with a special beginner birding program at 2 p.m. May 25 and a special reptile program 2 p.m. May 26.