Schramm Education Center
Schramm Education Center is a state-of-the-art educational center that allows visitors to learn about Nebraska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through unique, interactive exhibits. Visitors can also access the ponds, nature trails and historic fish hatchery at Schramm Park, located directly east of the facility. The center, formerly known as the Aksarben Aquarium, was renovated and expanded in 2019.
Plan your visit
The Schramm Education Center is open year-round.
Live animals
- Aquariums feature Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats: cool water streams, rivers, reservoirs and farm ponds.
- Six tanks feature Nebraska’s smaller, lesser-known fish species.
- 17 live animal tanks feature Nebraska’s reptile and amphibian species.
Virtual reality experience
- Ride a stationary mountain bike along our virtual reality trails.
Interactive activities
- Digital topographical map
- Interactive wayfinding maps
- Touchscreens focusing on the species of the area
Educational areas
- Bird-watching area
- Maker’s space
- Reading nook
- Preschool play area
Venture Parks Programming
Nebraska’s Venture Parks, which includes Schramm Education Center, host free monthly programs and special events.
The Venture Park Naturalist Team is stationed throughout the four Venture Parks to provide learning opportunities for our guests. Naturalists are people who love the outdoors and are passionate about discovering, exploring and sharing the joys of nature with you. It is our goal to inspire appreciation and knowledge of natural and cultural resources while promoting greater understanding, support for and participation in conservation and outdoor recreation.
Little Saplings
This monthly program, designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their adult caregiver, will bring nature themes to life for your child through story time, sensory activities, crafts, and outdoor exploration! The program takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from 9 to 10 a.m. and 10 – 11 a.m.
Cost to participate: $4 per child, $5 per adult, family pass members participate free. No advance registration required. Cost includes admission to the Education Center after the program.
Homeschool Hikes
Join a naturalist for a guided hike with other homeschool families once a month. Each month we will focus on a different topic as we hike in the forest. We encourage families to RSVP in advance through our Google Form.
Cost to participate: $4 per child, $5 per adult, family pass members participate free. Cost includes admission to the Education Center after the program.
Hours
- Schramm Education Center: open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Schramm Park State Recreation Area (outdoor facilities only): open dawn to dusk daily
Education Center Admission
- Age 13 and up: $10
- Age 4-12: $7
- Age 60 and up: $7
- Age 3 and under: Free
Pass Details
- Cost: $100
- Valid for one year through the month of purchase
- Pass must be purchased in person at Schramm Education Center
- Covers unlimited entry for one adult bearer, one additional adult, and any children living in the same household
- At least one adult cardholder must be present and provide identification to use the pass
- Additional family members/visitors exceeding the 2 adults and children in the same household will need to pay full admission
- Family pass is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Misuse may result in forfeiture. Prices and benefits of family pass are subject to change.
Learning about Nebraska snakes at Schramm Education Center. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Schramm Education Center. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Schramm Education Center's aquariums feature Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats – cool water streams, rivers, reservoirs and farm ponds. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The maker's space includes activity tables and reading nook at Schramm Education Center. Amber Schiltz, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The aquariums were renovated in 2019 at Schramm Education Center. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Visitors enjoy the virtual mountain biking experience. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Interactive learning opportunities. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Slide into nature at Schramm Education Center. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Field trips, group visits and rentals
Schramm Education Center offers a full range of field trip programs for a variety of groups and audiences. From school field trips with curriculum aligned to state science standards to naturalist programs that allow you to explore nature and outdoor skills, our programming offers immersive experiences indoors and out.
Field trips are taught by dedicated education staff trained in science, environmental and outdoor education. You can also opt to schedule self-guided exploration time in the Schramm Education Center and Schramm Park State Recreation Area with your group.
Looking for a place to hold an event? Our classroom is also available for rental! From birthday parties to meetings, family reunions, and baby showers, your guests can enjoy your event while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature at Schramm Park.
How to reserve
To schedule a field trip, group visit or facility rental, contact us in one of the following ways:
- Fill out our Reservation Request Google Form.
- Email one of the Outdoor Education Specialists.
- For field trips (schools, homeschools, daycares, summer camps, daycares, senior centers, etc.) or classroom/facility rentals, contact Jen Ruyle at jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov.
- For community groups (scouts, 4-H, partner organizations) or Venture Park Region education, please contact Kelly Ekue at kelly.ekue@nebraska.gov.
- Call our education line: 402-332-5022.
Social media
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Schramm Education Center
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.