Strategic trail ride changes made at select state parks

To strategically improve efficiencies and manage resources across the Nebraska state park system, guided horse trail rides have been discontinued at Ponca State Park and Chadron State Park.

Nebraska Game and Parks will continue offering trail rides at Fort Robinson, Platte River, Eugene T. Mahoney and Niobrara state parks, and at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.

Centralizing horse rides at the five parks across the state that are best equipped to accommodate them strengthens Nebraska Game and Parks’ equestrian services, improves efficiency, and enhances the user experience. “This approach will allow us to further develop Ponca and Chadron as destination parks by enhancing and expanding their diverse, multi-use trail systems,” said Jeff Fields, Parks Division administrator. “Our priority, as always, is to provide exceptional experiences throughout our state parks, while making responsible management decisions.”

The change reflects growing participation in hiking, biking, and trail running across the state and nation, as well as the need to accommodate new interests from Nebraska’s outdoor enthusiasts. The Pine Ridge near Chadron and Loess Hills near Ponca are popular destinations for trail users.

The move to centralize equestrian services also allows Game and Parks to focus on trail-ride amenities, staffing, training and animal care at those five parks, improving the guest experience and delivering cost savings.

Nebraska is the only state park system in the nation that operates its own horse trail rides. Public horse trail rides require significant staffing, infrastructure and animal care resources, often at a financial loss. In 2024, Game and Parks ended horse rides at Indian Cave State Park due to low participation and ongoing operational challenges.

The horses and equipment from Ponca and Chadron will be transferred to Niobrara and Fort Robinson state parks.

Equestrian trails at Nebraska Game and Parks locations will continue to be maintained. Guests looking to travel with their horses can find more details at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Editor’s note: Updated to correct the last paragraph on equestrian trails at Nebraska state parks.