This Valentine’s Day, plan something truly memorable and enjoy a getaway at a Nebraska State Park. Several parks will offer romantic meals, lodging specials and much more. And as the weather warms up, venture to a state park to experience the wonder of spring migration, experience living history events, and learn about the natural world.
Valentine’s Special
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Feb. 9-14
Book a reservation at a cabin or lodge room Feb. 9-14 and add a Valentine package with items like a single stem rose, glassware, sparkling juice, NEBRASKAland items, chocolates and more! Lodging is priced at a 30-percent discounted rate Sunday through Thursday.
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Birds and Breakfast
Ponca State Park
Feb. 15-16
The ever-popular Birds and Breakfast event at Ponca State Park includes bird tours/count, a Saturday morning breakfast, complimentary wine or cider, lodging discounts and other activities.
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Valentine’s Dinner
Platte River State Park
Feb. 14-15
Perfect for both families and couples, the Valentine’s dinner at Platte River State Park offers entrees like steak, chicken, shrimp and grilled walleye. Enjoy dinner and a cabin!
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Valentine’s Special
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area
Feb. 15-17
Enjoy lakeside views, discounted lodging and Valentine’s gift packages at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area! Gift package items include flowers, sparkling juice, chocolates, cheesecake and more.
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Marsh Madness
Ponca State Park
March 2, 9, 16
Witness the wonder of spring waterfowl migration along the Missouri River with Avian Adventure tours and viewing blind sessions.
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Snipe: Reality or Legend
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
March 9
Uncover the myths and realities behind this legendary animal.
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Sandhill Crane Viewing and Dutch Oven Cooking
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
March 23
This fun event features sandhill crane viewing, presentations by Dutch oven chefs from across Nebraska, and tastings of Dutch oven meals.
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Platte River Art Show
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
April 6-7
View some of the finest art in the country! Many reputable and nationally known artists from four Midwest states will be offering their work for display and sale.
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Spring Tea
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
April 13
Join us in the sunroom in your favorite Easter bonnet or spring hat! You’ll enjoy an assortment of teas and tasty selections, while learning about spring blossoms and Easter customs.
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Earth Day
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
April 13
Celebrate Earth Day at a beautiful park. Activities include exploring the history behind Earth Day and taking part in a service project.
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Spring Eggstravaganza
Ponca State Park
April 20
Enjoy Easter at the park! Bring you family out for a weekend of fun-filled activities that focus on the season of spring.
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Easter Weekend Celebration
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
April 20-21
Discover the history of Easter traditions, enjoy fresh blooms, learn about spring planting on the Morton Farm, and view a vintage Easter postcard display.
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Arbor Day Celebration
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
April 26-28
Celebrate the tree planter’s holiday where it all began, with free admission to the mansion home of J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day.
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8th Annual Outdoor Adventure
Indian Cave State Park
April 27
Enjoy spring to the fullest with a mushroom hunt contest, fish fry, Morel Mile run and 5k, and more!
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Bacon and Beer Feed
Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
April 28
Enjoy local bacon and local beers fireside in the Council House at historic Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.
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Living History
Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
May 4-5
Glimpse what life might have been like at the fort with reenactments, hands-on demonstrations and volunteers portraying day-to-day fort life and military drills.
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Spring Muster
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park
May 4-5
Come see volunteers bring to life the world of a frontier soldier at Fort Hartsuff!
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National Bird Day
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
May 4-5
Come see volunteers bring to life the world of a frontier soldier at Fort Hartsuff!
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Take Pride in America Clean-Up
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area
May 4
Help us keep this park beautiful! All hands on deck for Take Pride in America Clean Up day.Learn more
Sip Nebraska Wine and Craft Beer Festival
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
May 10-11
Enjoy 100+ tastings from Nebraska wineries, breweries and distilleries, as well as live music, food and artisan and craft vendors.
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Take Pride in America Clean-Up
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area
May 4
Help us keep this park beautiful! All hands on deck for Take Pride in America Clean Up day.
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Mother’s Day Weekend
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
May 11-12
Celebrate the women in your life with a visit to Arbor Lodge Mansion. View special displays of women’s clothing and accessories and a china painting demonstration and enjoy live music.
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Mother’s Day Buffet
Ponca State Park
May 12
Treat your mother to a special day among family and friends with a wonderful meal and musical entertainment.
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Mother’s Day Buffet
Platte River State Park
May 12
Join us for a special Mother’s Day buffet at the Walter Scott Lodge.
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Mother’s Day Buffet
Fort Robinson State Park
May 12
Enjoy a Mother’s Day buffet at historic Fort Robinson State Park! Mothers and children under 12 eat for half price.
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Bill Morris Memorial Fishing Derby
Ponca State Park
May 18
Anglers young and old, come compete in the fishing derby! Prizes will be awarded for the longest bass, bluegill, and trout caught in Ponca State Park’s fishing pond.
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Free Park Entry/Fishing Day
Parks statewide
May 18
On this day, anyone can enter a state park, state recreation area or state historical park without a permit. Enjoy a day of fishing (no permit needed for this activity either on this special day!) or park activities.
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Wildlands Day & Free Park Entry
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
May 18
Join us for a bird hike, wildflower walk, kids crafts and much more during this day-long celebration.
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Youth Fishing Clinic
Platte River State Park
May 18
This free fishing clinic is a fun way for kids to spend the day!
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Take Aim at Summer
Platte River State Park
May 24
Relax with a fun evening of archery and shooting sports at this beautiful park.
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Vintage Flag Collection at Arbor Lodge Mansion
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
May 24-27
Join us Memorial Day Weekend for a special display featuring vintage American flags of the Arbor Lodge collection, among other activities.
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Early-Bird Bird Watching
Niobrara State Park
May 25
Birdwatchers of all ages and experience levels can enjoy this viewing experience.
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Migratory Bird Day
Indian Cave State Park
May 25
Come celebrate with us at Indian Cave on a day that’s for the birds.
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George Drouillard: Hunter, Interpreter and Sign-Talker for Lewis & Clark
Niobrara State Park
May 25
Using a full expedition costume and voyageur accent, combined with history and acting ability, Darrel Draper portrays the life of Lewis and Clark’s most valuable expedition member.
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Sidewalk Chalk Art with Bird Program
Niobrara State Park
May 26
At this event, kids can enjoy both education and chalk-drawing fun.
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