The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has lifted its temporary ban on campfires at central and western state park and wildlife management areas. Campfires already were permitted at locations in eastern Nebraska.

Some Nebraska parks and counties may have local, individual burn bans in place. Known local bans are affecting Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala and Swanson Reservoir state recreation areas. Guests should call any park they are visiting prior to arrival to confirm local ban status. Find contact information for each park at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Despite recent rains, drought conditions persist across much of the state, and guests should exercise caution when having a campfire. They should:

  • keeping fires small;
  • keep them contained in provided fire rings;
  • never leave any open flame unattended;
  • have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of spread; and
  • ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Visitors also should follow these fire safety practices:

  • Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
  • Avoid activities that could create sparks.
  • Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
  • Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
  • Make sure no chains or metal parts or objects are hanging or dragging from your vehicle or towed trailer.
  • In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it.

For more information about the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Archery paddlefish season is June 1-30

Nebraska’s archery paddlefish season is open June 1-30 from sunrise to sunset on a designated area of the Missouri River.

That open area of the Missouri, where paddlefish may be taken by bow and arrow and possessed, is from Gavins Point Dam downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734.

Closed during the archery paddlefish season is the north wall of the spillway and immediately below the dam powerhouse downstream to a line extending from the east end of the south cement wall of the discharge canal northwest to the east end of the north wall of the discharge canal.

The use of crossbows is not allowed in the area from the dam downstream to the U.S. Highway 81 bridge.

Also, from the open area below the dam to 0.6 miles downstream, archers may harvest paddlefish if they possess a valid Nebraska resident or Nebraska nonresident archery paddlefish permit – as well as a valid Nebraska fishing permit or a South Dakota resident archery paddlefish permit. A South Dakota nonresident fishing permit/tag is not valid in this area. In the remainder of the river open to archery paddlefish, South Dakota nonresident archery paddlefish permits are valid.

All paddlefish archery anglers must have in their possession a paddlefish tag and a Nebraska fishing permit, if required.

For more information, refer to the 2025 Nebraska Fishing Guide, which can be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Gallagher Canyon, East Midway boat launch renovations complete   

Renovations at two Dawson County boat launch facilities have been completed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The improved boating access sites at Gallagher Canyon and East Midway are now open to the public.

The upgrades include new concrete boat ramps, expanded parking areas for vehicles with trailers, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks and parking. In addition, East Midway now features a new dock, further enhancing recreational access on the reservoir and within the canal system.

Both locations remain accessible to all boats and continue to offer excellent access for fishing, wildlife viewing and paddling.

Game and Parks partnered with the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District on the project design and development. It was funded through a Sport Fish Restoration grant in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with matching funds provided by Game and Parks’ Game Cash Fund, which is supported by hunting and fishing permit sales.

For more information or questions about the project, contact [email protected].

To explore other boating access sites in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/maps/ and scroll to Public Boating Areas.

Patrols to focus on reducing alcohol-related accidents at parks, WMAs

Through August, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers will conduct special enforcement patrols focusing on state recreation areas and other Commission-managed properties throughout the state.

The special patrols will focus on reducing the potential for alcohol-related boat and vehicle accidents around state parks and wildlife management areas.

The efforts will focus primarily on weekends from May 23 through Aug. 31, with conservation officers conducting high-visibility patrols on and off the water.

Visitors to those areas are reminded that alcohol consumption on park and wildlife areas is prohibited on all roadways, designated swimming areas and parking areas. Consumption of alcohol also is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and where posted with signs.

“We encourage people to enjoy outdoor recreation safely and responsibly, helping maintain family-friendly state park and wildlife areas for all to enjoy,” Game and Parks Law Enforcement Division Administrator Jeff Clauson said.

A grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads Office of Highway Safety will help fund this special enforcement effort.

Catch these Game and Parks education events in June

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in June.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on June 3

Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area. On June 3, the topic will be Nest Architecture 101. Participants will discover how birds make nests unique to their species, then go on a hike and observe nests around the park.

Little Saplings features fireflies June 4

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2025 series, which occurs the first Wednesday of the month, returns June 4 with the theme fireflies at 9 and 10 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night coming to Ashland

Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night on June 4 at Glacial Till Cider House in Ashland.

Get your teams of no more than five players and be ready to compete for prizes. Registration is not required. This event from 6-8 p.m. is for adults only and free to attend, but a purchase from the host site is encouraged.

For more information and or questions, email [email protected].

Prairie Pines will host wildflower workshop

Celebrate Nebraska Wildflower Week at a free workshop discovering the beauty of native wildflowers at 6 p.m. June 4 at Prairie Pines Nature Preserve just east of Lincoln.

Participants will learn about native wildflower and pollinator species while making their own wildflower seed bombs, designing tote bags with flower pounding and capturing wildflower silhouettes on bandanas with cyanotyping.

Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Participants must be 18. Direct any questions to [email protected].

‘Science of’ porcupines scheduled in June

Discover the fascinating world of porcupines June 5 as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.

Join butterfly survey training at Homestead

Become a community scientist and help conserve Nebraska’s rare, at-risk butterflies. Training for the Monarch and Regal Fritillary Survey will be from 1:30-5:30 p.m. June 7 at Homestead National Historical Park near Beatrice.

The survey is a community science project where volunteers help biologists document monarch and regal fritillary butterflies in Nebraska. Participants will learn how to walk an assigned transect, count butterflies, and assess habitat features.

For more information and to register, see the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Two Rivers debuts Outdoor Learning program

A new education series, Outdoor Learning, begins in June at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. All events are held from 8 a.m.-noon at the pavilion east of the Caboose Park, unless otherwise noted.

June 7 – Monarch Migration: Explore monarch life cycles, take home butterfly-friendly seeds to plant and more.

June 14 – Dragonfly Detectives: Search for dragonflies, create art and explore their life cycles. Meet at the Lake No. 4 parking lot.

June 21 – Beginner Bird Identification: Look for chirpy chickadees or soaring hawks while learning to identify the park’s common birds.

June 28 – Insect Investigations: In this hands-on adventure, explorers will catch, observe and learn about Nebraska insects.

Train to become a Nebraska Master Naturalist

Nebraska Master Naturalist is offering its Complete Training course June 8-14 at Cedar Point Biological Station near Ogallala.

The Complete Training provides the required 60 hours of classroom content and field activities that allows you to achieve “Certified Nebraska Master Naturalist” status after participating in the full week of training.

The training combines fascinating coursework, hands-on field trips and meaningful volunteer opportunities. The program is perfect for anyone eager to make a positive impact on their local environment.

The cost is $500, which includes room and board.

For more information or to register, see the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Direct any questions to [email protected].

Treehouse Classroom offering three programs

The new Treehouse Classroom is open at Schramm Park State Recreation Area and three fun programs for all ages are scheduled.

Nature Poetry Workshop, at 3 p.m. June 10, is a beginner poetry-writing program led by a naturalist who will guide writers through different forms of nature poetry inspired by the park’s beauty.  

All About Bullfrogs is at 10 a.m. June 10. Learn about bullfrogs, make art inspired by them and grab a net and try to catch some in Canyon Ponds.

Nature Zines is at 6 p.m. June 26. Zines are mini magazines that can be shared to bring joy and spread a positive message about nature. Create Zines and plan on how to share them.

Wise and Wild is June 10 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a free program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On June 10, the topic will be Gardening for Pollinators. Learn about native plants and pollinators from Game and Parks’ horticulture team while celebrating Nebraska Wildflower Week.

Schramm to host Monarch Conservation Workshop

Come to the Schramm Education Center at 1 p.m. June 14 for a Monarch Conservation Workshop in partnership with Monarch Joint Venture.

During this free workshop, you will explore various methods for assessing monarch habitat, with a special focus on the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program, a nationwide protocol designed for tracking monarch and pollinator populations. 

Additionally, we will discuss best management practices for maintaining monarch habitat and address any questions you have about monarch conservation in Nebraska.

To see an agenda and to register, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Schramm Pollinator Party is June 21

Celebrate Nebraska pollinators and their plants at the Schramm Pollinator Party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21.

This free event at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna, part of a statewide celebration of Nebraska Pollinator Week, will include activities, science, crafts, a plant sale and fun for all ages.

Direct any questions about the event to Jen Ruyle at 402-332-5022 or [email protected]. For more information, see the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Participate in Bioblitz at Ponca SP

Enjoy nature-themed activities and learn from Nebraska wildlife biologists and experts at the Ponca State Park Bioblitz on June 21. Discover and identify as many plants and animals as possible while contributing to real scientific research.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist, beginner wildlife enthusiast, student or family looking for a fun outdoor activity, there is something for everyone in this free event open to the public.

For a schedule and more information, visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Direct any questions to [email protected].

Sips, Sounds and Wild Surrounds is June 29

All ages are invited to enjoy Sips, Sounds and Wild Surrounds at Ashland’s Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery on June 29.

From 1-3 p.m., this free family-friendly day with Nebraska Game and Parks will include hands-on nature activities and exhibits such as live animals, nature scents, coloring stations, yard games, invasive species education, skulls and pelts, and more.

There also will be live music, a food truck and drinks for purchase.

Direct any questions to [email protected].

June packed with fun park events for the family

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s state parks. During June, 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.

Fort Atkinson SHP to host living history

Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. Living history events will occur from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31 and June 1.

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. There will also be potato planting demonstrations. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.

Admission to the visitor center is $5 for ages 13 and up, $1 for ages 3-12 and free for ages 2 and under.

For more information, contact the park at [email protected] or 402-468-5611. See the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for a schedule.

Take wildflower hike in Wildcat Hills

Come to the Wildcat Hills Nature Center on June 6 for an evening of discovery for a plant talk and guided sunset wildflower hike.

The 6:30 p.m. Mountain time program begins with a plant talk by Bob Henrickson, horticulture coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Learn about native and regional plants, their beauty, benefits and role in local ecosystems.

Then enjoy a guided sunset hike of approximately 45 minutes with Nebraska Game and Parks educator Amanda Filipi.

Rock Creek Trail Day scheduled for June 7

Explore a place where road ranches served pioneers along the Oregon-California Trail, Pony Express riders carried mail across the West, and Wild Bill Hickok began a legendary career as a gunfighter. Rock Creek Trail Day is set for June 7 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park near Fairbury.

The event will be open 10 a.m.-8 p.m., with the visitor center open until 5 p.m. Scheduled events include Pony Express demonstrations and a narration of the Hickok-McCandles incident at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Living history demonstrations will be held on the historic ranches throughout the day.

A free-will donation pulled-pork sandwich lunch will be from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. At 7 p.m., there will be a buffalo stew cookout, which will be followed by musical entertainment.

For more information on the schedule, see the calendar event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Cowboy Trail hike to Broken Bridge

Help celebrate 30 years of Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail with an evening stroll to Broken Bridge near Norfolk. The Stars, Strolls & S’mores Moon Walk on June 11 is hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks and partners.

The 7:30 p.m. Moon Walk starts at the Cowboy Trail parking lot west of Norfolk, about a half mile south of Omaha Avenue on Railroad Road.

The hike begins with an introduction to the night’s program. The hike to Broken Bridge will follow, with presentations from local experts. There will be a kids’ scavenger hunt. Materials will be provided. S’mores will be enjoyed after the hike.

Enders Outdoor Extravaganza set for June 7

Come to Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area south of Imperial on June 7 and enjoy a full day of activities for all ages with the Enders Outdoor Extravaganza.

This family-friendly event will take place at Area A Campground from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mountain time.

Activities will include a craft show, kids’ tractor pull, Dutch oven cooking, BBQ smoke-off, corn hole tournament, petting zoo, activity trailer, Old West encampment, kids’ trolley, pellet gun range, live music, and more.

For more information on the day’s schedule of events, see the calendar event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Mystery at the Mansion set for June 6, 30

Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park on June 6 and 30 for two evenings of fun with Mystery at the Manson. June 6 will feature Murder at the Hatters Ball and June 30 will feature Murder in Sin City. These old-fashioned whodunits will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion.

Solve clues, look for evidence and break the case while mingling. Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at Arbor Lodge Mansion.

Cost is $30 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to buy tickets or for information on adding dinner or lodging.

Lewis and Clark hosting Dueling Pianos

Tickets now are on sale for Dueling Pianos, set for June 14 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton.

Dueling Pianos, slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Weigand Marina, is a mix of music and comedy. Food trucks and a cash bar will be available.

Space is limited, so purchase tickets early. Cost is $20 per person or $160 for a table of eight. Purchase tickets at the Lewis and Clark park office or by phone at 402-388-4169.

Birding for Everybody and Every Body is June 14

Birding for Everybody and Every Body, set for 1:30 p.m. June 14 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park near Fairbury, is a birding activity accessible and inclusive.

Rock Creek will welcome birders of all abilities, including beginners and families with small children, to a guided bird-watching tour hosted by Nebraska Birdability captain Cassandra Dean. Join the outing, which covers mowed grass trails of about a mile in length, or view birds at feeding stations from the comfort of the Visitor Center lobby.

Contact the park for more information at [email protected] or 402-729-5777.

Enjoy stargazing at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on June 20 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. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.

Pony Express re-ride exchange at Rock Creek Station SHP

Come to Rock Creek Station State Historical Park on June 20 for the Pony Express Re-Ride.

Each June, the National Pony Express Association recreates the Pony Express in a commemorative re-ride. Letters are carried by horseback over the original trail stretching from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. The 1,966-mile, eight-state event is conducted 24 hours a day over a 10-day period until complete. On June 20, riders will exchange the mail at Rock Creek Station’s East Ranch at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Arrive early, as the times are estimates and the Pony can be ahead of or behind schedule.

Visit nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride for a complete ride schedule and to track the ride as it happens.

Mahoney will be All About Irises

Learn all about irises June 24 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

Join the Greater Omaha and Lincoln Iris Societies for an educational program and garden tour between 6:30 and 8 p.m.

The Sass Memorial Iris Garden displays and preserves more than 300 iris cultivars. Learn to appreciate irises in a new way after discovering the rare and award-winning flowers of the collection.

Get muddy at Mahoney on June 29

Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on June 29 and get muddy! It’s Mudville from noon to 4 p.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion. Just don’t forget to bring a change of clothes.

Make mud pies and mud art, dig in dirt and discover the slip-and-slide with a very muddy twist. Just dress for a muddy mess.