     This Saturday is Free Fishing and Park Entry Day for all Nebraska state parks, state recreation areas, and state historical parks.
This is also South Dakota’s Open House and Free Fishing Weekend, which runs Saturday and Sunday.
     In both states, park entry permits are waived and anglers can fish without a permit, although they must observe all other fishing requirements. Camping, lodging, and all other user fees such as admission to museums also still apply.  Â
      Both states have the same goal for the weekend: getting local residents to come out and get excited about the parks, then pass that enthusiasm on to out-of-town family and friends.
    Since Nebraska Game and Parks opens its full summer schedule next weekend, the free day serves as a soft opening to let staff get their feet under them before the full onslaught of tourists.  Â
Family-friendly activities are scheduled at a number of Nebraska Game and Parks locations across the state, including at Fort Robinson State Park.
Fort Rob has a Kids’ Fishing Derby for ages 12-and-under from 9-11:00 at Grable Ponds and a hamburger, salad and drink BBQ from 11-1:00 on the west lawn of the lodge. Park guests can also enjoy free horse-drawn historical tours and Jeep rides.
In South Dakota, in conjunction with the free park entry weekend but not officially part of it is the Breakers Beach 5K and13K Race/Walk on a paved trail along the beaches at Angostura Reservoir this Saturday.
Participants will leave at 9:00 from Inferno on the Beach Pizza. Pre-registration is required with no race day sign-ups. You can register online at the Black Hills Runners Club community on Facebook or at raceentry.com.