Feb 16, 2023
Campground Electricity Among Chadron State Park Improvements
Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this
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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.
Compete in Ponca SP’s snow-building contest
Get creative outdoors. Spend some time at Ponca State Park and build something unique out of snow, for the chance to win a free night’s stay in a four-bedroom mini lodge.
This contest runs through March 19. Snow sculptures must be built at Ponca SP and can be of any size. Participants must supply their own accessories and may not take accessories from others. When finished, submit a photo of the sculpture to lynn.mellick@nebraska.gov.
Prizes will be awarded for the top three places.
Mystery at the Mansion is Feb. 3 at Arbor Lodge
Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City on Feb. 3 for an evening of fun with Mystery at the Manson: Murder at the Hatters Mardi Gras Ball. This old-fashioned mystery, which guests may participate in, will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion at 6 p.m.
Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at the mansion by 5:45 p.m.
Cost is $30, and space is limited for this adults-only event. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov to buy tickets or for information on adding dinner or lodging.
Arbor Lodge celebrating Love is in the Air Weekends
Love is in the air at Arbor Lodge each weekend in February. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 3-4, Feb. 10-11, Feb. 17-18, and Feb. 24-25, step back in time and discover vintage Valentine’s Day cards, weddings in an era gone by, and the history of Valentine’s Day.
This event is included with Arbor Lodge Mansion admission. Visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov to buy tickets. Call 402-873-7222 for more information.
Mahoney SP will host Valentine’s special
Reserve a select cabin room Feb. 9-14 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The two-bedroom cabins are $170-$190, before tax. For another $55, get the optional Valentine’s Package. Contact Group Functions at 402-944-2901 to make a reservation.
The Valentine’s Package includes sparkling juice, two wine glasses, Baker’s chocolates, insulated cooler tote bag, raffle tickets for prizes, tickets to activities, and a 2024 Nebraskaland calendar.
Visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov to see more details and activities.
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. 9-10 and Feb. 16-17.
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 will conduct a bird-related program during breakfast and guided bird tours after breakfast Feb. 10. Bluebirds Across Nebraska will conduct a bluebird program during breakfast Feb. 17 and Ponca State park naturalists will conduct bird-related programs throughout the day.
For more details and to reserve a spot, contact the park at 402-755-2284 or at ngpc.ponca@nebraska.gov.
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. 9-11 or 16-18 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 and more.
Reserve your stay by calling the park office at 402-388-4169.
Enjoy Valentine’s getaway at Niobrara State Park
Niobrara State Park will host a special Valentine’s getaway Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 16-17.
Guests can get a 30% discount on lodging, with early check-in and late check-out. They also will get a complimentary package from local businesses.
Call the park at 402-857-3373 to make reservations.
Platte River SP hosting Valentine’s Day dinner
Visit scenic Platte River State Park for a romantic Valentine’s Day Steak Night on Feb. 14 at the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge and Restaurant.
The dinner, served from 4-9 p.m., will include choices of steak, chicken, fish, appetizers, a salad bar, desserts and a kid’s menu. Visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov to see the menu. Call 402-234-2217 for reservations.
