By Renae Blum
Thanksgiving is almost here, and many of us can count blessings like friends, family and our communities. But what about our outdoor spaces, and all the benefits they bring – spaces to watch wildlife, to recreate, to destress and enjoy nature?
Here are six Nebraska state parks, most a little off the beaten path, that offer much to be thankful for.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Located about 10 miles south of Gering in western Nebraska, this rugged park offers scenic beauty and plenty to do. “It’s a pretty family-friendly area, from our hiking trails to our nature center,” said park superintendent Amanda Filipi. “There’s something for everybody.”
Explore the rocky bluffs and ponderosa pine-studded landscapes through over 4 miles of trails. Filipi recommended the Turkey Run Trail, which takes you through much of the park and is a favorite with visitors. Other trails offer amazing views of the North Platte River Valley and Scotts Bluff National Monument.
After your hike, take a break at the park’s Nature Center, which is open Monday through Friday this time of year. It features live reptiles and amphibians, interactive displays and exhibits about this unique landscape.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife — some of which can’t be found in other parts of the state. “We have some really great birdwatching because we get both eastern and western species here,” Filipi said. She encourages visitors to find a spot inside the Nature Center to watch birds this winter; the feeders are always full.
Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
This small park near North Platte is filled with history. Once home to famed showman scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the grounds still feature his mansion home, large barn and other historic buildings. The holidays are the perfect time to make a visit, as the park will host its annual Christmas at the Codys’ event in December.
“It’s a big event,” said park superintendent Adam Jones, describing it as a celebration of North Platte. Local nonprofit organizations decorate each room in the mansion, which will be open for tours along with the barn. The event also features visits with Santa, hayrack rides, carolers, cider, chestnuts and cookies, and lights decorating the entire property. Stop by to see it from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21.
Although the buildings are closed outside this event in fall and winter, Jones said people still come to visit the grounds. Many bring their dogs on the park’s walking trails and take in the beautiful scenery, including towering cottonwoods that are over 100 years old. “It’s just very peaceful, very pretty out here, especially when there’s snow on the ground,” Jones said.
Mormon Island State Recreation Area
Welcome to “the oasis on the Platte.” This park, which is about 9 miles south of Grand Island, “has a very homey feel,” said park superintendent Brock Burney, despite how busy things can get.
“There’s probably no better place in the state than Mormon Island for a quick getaway,” Burney said.
Besides ample camping opportunities, the park also attracts many species of birds. In spring, Mormon Island makes a great basecamp for viewing sandhill cranes. And from October to December, visitors can view a plethora of waterfowl species, including coots, pintails, mallards and teal, on the park’s two lakes. A viewing blind is available at Lake 2; call the park for the opportunity to use it.
Other attractions include a scenic 1-mile nature trail and some great fishing, including the opportunity to catch muskie in the fall. Burney said it’s rare to find muskie in south-central Nebraska on a sandpit lake. In the winter, the park offers good ice-fishing; anglers can catch panfish, crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish.
Chadron State Park
Asked what makes Chadron State Park a great place to visit, superintendent Josh May’s answer came easily. “Honestly, it’s the trees,” he said. Known for its ponderosa pines, the park is filled with their bright green colors, as well as more unusual species, such as soft white pines, quaking aspens and sycamores. Combined with Chadron State Park’s landscape of rocky buttes, it adds up to a scenic wonderland perfect for hiking or photography.
Over 20 miles of trails can be found in the park. A standout is Steamboat Butte Trail, which offers scenic views and is about 1.5 miles long, and Black Hills Overlook, which is “very pretty,” May said.
The park’s six modern duplex cabins are open through Dec. 31 and make a great getaway. Nearby is a large group rental facility; visitors like to book all six cabins for family reunions and use the rental facility’s large kitchen.
May also says the park prides itself on its wildlife. This year, populations of turkey and deer have been abundant. Many visitors travel to come enjoy the birding, as well, as the park sees species that aren’t often spotted in the rest of the state.
Medicine Creek State Recreation Area
Scenic Medicine Creek State Park is about 32 miles northeast of McCook, and away from any major roads. “It’s a little bit off the beaten path,” said park superintendent Ken Cobb – one reason why so many visitors like it.
They also appreciate the way the park is run. Campsites are well-maintained, and visitors know they can expect a family-friendly atmosphere. “We don’t put up with partiers or anything like that,” Cobb said.
Perhaps the primary draw is the beauty of the park, Cobb said. Medicine Creek’s shoreline is lined with cottonwoods, and the main campground is full of mature cottonwoods. And “as pretty as the lake is from the shoreline, it’s even prettier from the water,” Cobb said. Visitors may also spot wildlife such as deer, turkey and eagles.
Hunting is a major draw this time of year, including turkey and pheasant, keeping the park’s four modern cabins majorly in demand. Medicine Creek’s cabins are also busy in the summer, with new visitors coming in and out “just about as fast as we can get them cleaned and open for the next people,” Cobb said. Cabin guests enjoy a spectacular view of the lake right out their back door.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
Looking to get away from it all? Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is in the heart of the Sandhills, about 26 miles southwest of Valentine, and its remote location is a big draw for visitors. “We get people from all over the United States that come to Merritt,” said park superintendent Leo Kallhoff. “People are seeking that solitude.”
Camping is popular at the park, and many visitors bring their telescopes, as Merritt is known internationally for its stargazing opportunities. In 2022, the park became the first Nebraska site certified by DarkSky International, the recognized authority on light pollution. Because light pollution is so minimal here, visitors can see “everything” the night sky has to offer, Kallhoff said.
Other draws for visitors are the park’s fishing and hunting opportunities. Merritt has a great fishery, boasting everything from walleye to northern pike, muskie, catfish, bass and bluegill. Hunters can pursue species like sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed deer, mule deer, turkey, duck and pheasant.
It’s also a scenic area to relax. Take in the rolling hills, groves of pine and cedar trees, and the 3,000 surface acres of Merritt Reservoir.
The rest of Nebraska’s state parks
More than 70 state parks, recreation areas and historical sites can be found across Nebraska, and each has something unique to offer. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/parks/find-a-park to view an interactive map of parks and their amenities, as well as a list of all parks to browse through.
Whatever the outdoors means to you — whether that’s plenty of space to play, to relax, to watch wildlife or to recreate — you can find the perfect outlet at a Nebraska state park.
A park entry permit is required to access these parks; purchase yours and make reservations at OutdoorNebraska.gov.