As Nebraska greens up, now is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy events planned at state parks this May.
Don’t forget to purchase your vehicle park entry permit to enter Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
Trail Ride at Enders Reservoir SRA
Bring your horse to Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area for the annual Enders Trail Ride from 9 to 11 a.m. May 6.
The trail ride is about two hours long through the park, along the beach and through the woods, and offers plenty of opportunity to view wildlife. The ride is great for novice to advanced riders.
There is no fee to attend the ride, and lunch will be provided after the trail ride for participants. Pre-registration is preferred at 308-233-1026 or at 308-530-2648.
Camping is available and camping fees are applicable; however, there are no equestrian pens at Enders SRA.
Learn more about the park at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson
Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains during a Living History event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6 and 10 to 4:30 p.m. May 7 at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.
Guests will experience ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s. Reenactors will portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.
A per person fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $2 per adult and $1 per child.
For more information, contact ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov or learn more about the park at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Mystery at the Mansion at Arbor Lodge
Join an old-fashioned whodunnit mystery night “Sin City” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 13 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City.
Participants will solve clues, look for evidence, and break the case while mingling with new friends, all while portraying a character they’ve been given when they arrive at Arbor Lodge Mansion.
Cost is $30 per person. Light refreshments, a self-guided tour of Arbor Lodge, and tax are included in the price. A beverage cooler with drinks for purchase will be available that evening. Space is limited.
Tickets can be purchased online through the event listing at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.
Those looking to add to their fun can snag dinner at Timbers, the Arbor Day Farm Lied Lodge restaurant, or stay the night at the lodge. Dining reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 402-873-8740. Room reservations can be made online or by calling 800-546-5433.
Mystery at the Mansion events are for adults only unless otherwise specified.
Mother’s Day Buffet at Fort Robinson
Celebrate Mom by leaving the cooking to Fort Robinson State Park. Join the park for a Mother’s Day Buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 14 at the park near Crawford.
The buffet menu is roast beef, chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, dinner roll, dessert, coffee or tea. Price is $18 per person for those age 12 and over, and $9 per person for mothers, grandmothers and children age 11 and younger.
Nebraska Star Party at Mahoney State Park
Grab your camp chair or blanket and head out to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park for a free night of stargazing from 9 to 11:30 p.m. May 26.
Powerful telescopes will be set up at the park’s golf shack for a glimpse of night sky spectaculars. Participants should meet at the golf shack. Stargazing begins at dusk and telescopes will be provided.
The rain date for this event is May 27.
Document nature at Sutherland Bioblitz
Enjoy learning from Nebraska biologists while finding and identifying as many species of plants and animals as possible during the Sutherland Biolitz from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 27 at the park near Sutherland.
All materials needed for sessions will be provided. Dress according to the weather, and bring boots, a hat, jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle and your lunch or dinner if you intend to stay the whole day.
The schedule is as follows:
- 7-8:15 a.m. – Small Mammals
- 8:30-9:45 a.m. – Birding (binoculars provided)
- 10-11:15 a.m. – Native Pollinator Plants, Medicinal and Edible Plant Hike
- 11-11:30 a.m. – Make a Nature Journal
- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Lunch Break
- 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Reptiles/Amphibians
- 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Macroinvertebrates
- 4:30-7:30 p.m. – Dinner Break
- 7:30- 8 p.m. – Dark Skies and Light Pollution Discussion
- 8- 9 p.m. – Moth Lighting
- 9 p.m. – Bat Acoustics
For more information, contact Meghan Manary at Meghan.Manary@Nebraska.gov.