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Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. During September, 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.
Arbor Lodge to host Mystery at the Mansion
Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park on Sept. 6 for Mystery at the Manson. This old-fashioned whodunit will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 6 features Murder Among Mateys.
Solve clues, look for evidence and break the case while mingling. Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at the mansion. Wear your own pirate attire or select from our props. This event is family friendly. Plan to arrive at the mansion by 6:15 p.m.
Space is limited. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets.
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 during Living History Weekend on Sept. 6-7.
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.
The park will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $5 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, email ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov, call 402-468-5611 or visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/location/fort-atkinson/.
Enjoy stargazing Sept. 12 at Mahoney SP
Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on Sept. 12 and enjoy some summer stargazing.
Telescopes will be provided so visitors may get a glimpse at the night sky beginning at dusk. Meet behind the park’s golf shack for this free event from 9-11:30 p.m. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.
The rain date is Sept. 13.
Discover biodiversity at Chadron State Park
Join natural resource experts and community volunteers as they explore the biodiversity of Chadron State Park at a bioblitz on Sept. 12-13.
This free, family-friendly event is part of Biodiversity in State Parks, a community science initiative led by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Dogs are not permitted, as they may disturb local wildlife.
Participants should come ready for hikes over uneven terrain. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to bring water and bug spray.
Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for a schedule.
Moonshell Storytelling Festival is Sept. 13
A daylong celebration of the art of storytelling is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. The Moonshell Storytelling Festival will take place at the outdoor pavilion.
This year's storytellers are Kim Weitkamp, Jeff Doyle, Carolina Quiroga and Darrin Crow. The event, free with a park permit, is presented by Nebraska StoryArts.
Workshops will be held at Peter Kiewit Lodge for $40 each or $70 for two. Register by emailing NEStoryArts@gmail.com or calling 402-312-4749.
American Military Timeline at Fort Hartsuff SHP
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park will host an American Military Timeline on Sept. 13.
Join the Fremont Pathfinders, Friends of Fort Hartsuff and others from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for demonstrations and displays on the history of the American military – from the Revolutionary War through the present.
The historical buildings and gift shop will be open.
In addition to park admission, there will be a charge of $5 for adults and $1 for children.
Collect acorns to grow oaks at Schramm Park SRA
Schramm Park State Recreation Area is holding a volunteer opportunity Sept. 16 to assist with oak woodland restoration efforts.
Join Nebraska Game and Parks staff in collecting acorns to grow into oak trees to be planted in the forest next year. We also will work on trail maintenance, brush piling, and forest floor cleanup along the Hackberry and Red Cedar trails.
Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long pants, bring water, and outdoor work gloves. Long sleeves are also recommended. All ages are welcome, but anyone under the age of 18 must have an accompanying adult.
Meet at the park shelter next to Pond A at 9 a.m.
Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register. Email jennifer.ruyle@nebraska.gov with any questions.
Mahoney SP to host Platte River Art Show
The Platte River Art Show, hosted by Nye Street Studio, will be Sept. 26-28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Located in Peter Kiewit Lodge, the show will kick off with a wine and cheese reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26. The show continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the next two days, with artists on both levels of the lodge.
Guests can enjoy paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery and more at “The Most Prestigious Art Show on the River.”
Birds, Bagels and Birdability event at Wildcat Hills
Come to Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area on Sept. 27 for a welcoming and inclusive morning of birding, breakfast and fun.
This Birdability event is designed with accessibility in mind, offering two ways to participate:
Indoor Birding Experience – Enjoy accessible indoor bird viewing with comfortable seating and great views of feeder and habitat areas.
Guided Bird Hike – Explore a half-mile trail over hard-packed dirt with natural terrain that includes some uneven sections and gentle slopes.
Hosted by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Birdablity of Nebraska, and Nebraska Game and Parks, this 9 a.m. Mountain time event invites participants of all ages and abilities to witness bird science in action at the Wildcat Hills Bird Banding Station. Watch birds up close, learn about banding efforts that support conservation, and connect with fellow nature lovers.
For more information, call Amanda at 308-436-3777.